Matemwe Beach Village is strung along its own stretch of palm-fringed, white sandy beach, on the north east coast of Zanzibar. The Mnemba Atoll, which has some of the best diving in East Africa, is a short boat ride from the lodge and Matemwe Village with its friendly locals is only one kilometre to the north. It's a good quality lodge set in a lush tropical gardens.
None of the Expert Africa team have yet visited this guesthouse though we do plan to later in 2009, but here is what we know about it…
Matemwe Beach Village has three different accommodation options:
The 17 beach-style standard rooms are located in makuti-thatched cabins. They are comfortably furnished in a Zanzibar theme, with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans or air-conditioning, and mosquito nets. The cabins are set in two rows, either close to the beachfront or a little further back towards tropical gardens. Some of them are detached, whilst others are set in groups of two or three.
The five Shamba suites were opened 2004, and they are the most popular rooms at Matemwe Beach Village. Although designed for couples, those rooms are spacious enough for an additional single bed and a barazza bed for smaller children. They are en-suite and individually decorated, with an upstairs veranda offering lounging chairs and good views over the ocean.
Matemwe Beach Village also has one Asali suite, specifically designed for honeymooners or romantic couples. It is situated almost on the beachfront, secluded from the rest of the lodge, with its own stretch of private beach. The house is very spacious, with a double bedroom, a small kitchen, and a main living area including a plunge pool, as well as an indoor and outdoor bathroom. It comes with its own chef, to serve your meals in the room.
Matemwe Beach Village's main central area is a relatively simple, large open-sided space, overlooking the ocean. Here you will find a lounge, bar, restaurant and a newly built swimming pool. The open-walled lounge is furnished with floor cushions and low tables, making an excellent spot to relax, play games and socialise with fellow guests.
The lodge's bar offers local beers, cocktails and fresh fruit juices, while the restaurant serves Zanzibar cuisine. Its chef, Salum, mainly uses fresh products provided by people within the community and prepares a small menu, changing on a daily basis. Guests staying at the Asali suite can enjoy meals prepared by their own chef in total privacy.
Whilst staying at Matemwe Beach Village, there's a variety of activities to do. Most guests come here for the excellent diving and snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, and the lodge has its own five-star PADI-affiliated dive operation, called One Ocean. Non-divers may enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming, taking a cruise in a dhow, wandering around Matemwe Village, cycling along the beach or playing cards at the lodge's lounge.
Matemwe Beach Village sits on a lovely stretch of beach, and offers great diving and snorkelling. It is a simple lodge but is also great value and so is a good option for those looking to keep costs down.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Beach
No. of bedrooms: 23 rooms
Season: Open Year Round
Central facilities: Matemwe Beach Lodge has a main central area, featuring a comfortable lounge, a bar offering cool drinks, a restaurant and a recently built swimming pool. Also, there's a dhow available for diving and cruising.
Owner: The lodge is owned by Zanizibarian Suleiman Nyanga.
Staff: Matemwe Beach Village is managed by Gail, who is South African and has been in Zanzibar since 1995. The lodges' chef is Salum.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: The breakfast menu changes on a daily basis. It includes fresh fruit and fruit juices, cereals, and cooked options like pancakes, eggs or bacon.
For dinner, the lodge's restaurant mainly serves Zanzibar cuisine and Swahili recipes. The menu is small, but it changes on a daily basis and includes options of fish, chicken and red meat (e.g. grilled fillet of fish with passion fruit sauce or chicken kebabs with chili garlic dressing).Vegetarian dishes are available on request.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Room service is only available in the lodges Asali suite (honeymoon suite).
Special interests
Honeymoons: Matemwe Beach Village has one honeymoon suite, specifically designed for newly-weds. It's a spacious cabin, set very close to the beachfront and secluded from the rest of the lodge. The Asali suite comes with a stretch of private beach, a plunge pool and its own staff to cater for your every need.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar
Diving & snorkelling: The famous Mnemba Atoll is located just off-shore from Matemwe Beach Village. The circular reef has some of the best diving in East Africa, and turtles, as well as dolphins, are regular visitors. With its own PADI-affiliated dive centre offering certificate courses, Matemwe Beach Village is an ideal base for keen divers.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar
Children
Notes: The lodge's five Shamba suites offer one double bedroom, but they are spacious enough for an additional single bed and a barazza bed for smaller children.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Extras
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Matemwe Beach Village review
We felt we didn't really get Matemwe and its style didn't particularly suit us. It is very relaxed and laid back and having come off climbing Kilimanjaro and safari we would have liked somewhe...
Matemwe Beach Village Review
The food was good and the service was professional and attentive. There was enough variety to keep you happy for a week or so.
The pool area was very pleasant and the beach was relaxing although th...
Chilled and casual Matemwe Beach Village
A beautiful spot and superbly relaxed again.
One slightly downside comment - for the first few days, we were obviously 'out of season' and you could tell by the effort the staff put in an...
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