Matemwe Bungalows is a long-standing favourite with our travelers, who usually return from their stay with rave reviews. Situated just past the northern edge of Matemwe village and occupying a beautiful spot on a small outcrop of coral rock, Matemwe Bungalows is a very good lodge. When we were last there in September 2008 we met the new husband and wife management team. They impressed us with their attention to detail and high quality food and service.
At Matemwe Bungalows there are only 12 whitewashed thatched cottages, and all were upgraded in 2005. Each is spacious and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and a private, curved veranda.
Behind the suites, a stone path leads through Matemwe's lush tropical gardens with frangipani and bougainvillea, to the bar, swimming pools and dining area. Then a little further, past the giant chess board and its different fish pieces, is an incredible stretch of white beach. Some locals have set up curio stalls along the beach, but few approach guests and it's relatively low-key compared with other stretches of this coast.
On the beach, you'll find the huts providing equipment for activities, including shoes for reef walks, masks and snorkels, and kayaks – these are usually complimentary. There are also kites and Frisbees available. There are strong links with the local village and walks in the village or fishing trips with local fishermen can be arranged. At an extra cost, trips can also be arranged to nearby Mnemba Island for diving and snorkelling.
Matemwe Bungalows has 2 swimming pools. One is an infinity pool atop the coral cliff with a clear view across to Mnemba Island. From this, a gently tumbling waterfall trickles down to a second pool – which is very handy when the coastal breeze gets a bit much. This lower pool has plenty of shade around it and lots of loungers for relaxing.
The adjacent bar is fashioned from a huge and beautifully-polished old dhow. It serves a variety of drinks and bar snacks during the day, and drinks in the evening. Around this are a number of comfortable - though slightly garish – locally-made sofas; ideal for relaxing during the heat of the day.
For main meals, the open-sided restaurant at Matemwe Bungalows is situated just along from the infinity pool and has an equally lovely view across the Indian Ocean. There is a small bar in the restaurant for drinks, and a central buffet counter where you can help yourself to very good buffet breakfasts and lunches.
For a much more exclusive experience in a more palatial accommodation – and the services of very handy personal butler – consider the neighboring sister-lodge of Matemwe Bungalows: the fantastic and exclusive Matemwe Retreat.
Central facilities: Matemwe Bungalows is spread along the top of a coral cliff with the dining area and infinity pool having magnificent views across to Mnemba Island. The lower pool and bar is down a few short steps which then leads on along a stone path to the cottages.
The bar at Matemwe is a relaxed place with an array of brightly coloured soft furnishing and miniature African dhow partitions between the different tables. The boat theme continues, with the bar itself being made from an actual dhow sunken slightly into the sandy floor.
Next to the infinity pool, there is a shaded Moroccan style chill-out area furnished with comfortable floor cushions and low tables. Above this, there is a massage room with a comfortable massage table and a wonderful view through the open front.
For those wanting to stay in touch with the outside world there is free internet next to the restaurant, and there is also a well-stocked shop by reception filled with African curios, local clothing and a few essentials.
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it is a further one hour by car to Matemwe Bungalows.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Property Chain – Asilia Lodges
Staff: General Manager: Inge + Sabina
Chef: Mamboleo Service: Marco
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality:Breakfast at Matemwe Bungalows is served from 7.00 – 10:00 am and is an impressive array of fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurts, muffins and pancakes as well as a full cooked English breakfast if you are still hungry!
Under the eye of Sabina – a food nutritionist - lunch (12.30 – 14:00) is usually served buffet-style and consists of a variety of fresh fish and salad dishes. When we visited in September 2008, Dorado and Octopus were on the menu, plus 3-bean, tomato and onion, mango and aubergine salads; vegetable quiche, sauerkraut salad; and an appetizing array of roast vegetables.
Between 18:30-21:00 a 3-course dinner is served – this is a set menu with a few choices for the first two courses. We thoroughly enjoyed the vegetable and cumin soup, and samosas as starters; followed by either the kingfish in pepper batter or tender beef fillet. The chocolate tart for dessert rounded off a memorable meal, which was extremely well-presented.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included. A beer costs around $3, soft drinks, $1, cocktails around $10.
Children
Attitude towards children: Matemwe Bungalows welcomes children of all ages.
Age restrictions: There are no restrictions on children at Matemwe Bungalows.
Activities: Babysitting can be organized at Matemwe Bungalows on request. Parents should note that the babysitter will come from the house keeping team and that there would normally be a local payment to the baby-sitter for this.
Equipment: Matemwe Bungalows can provide cots for the rooms and high chairs as well.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Matemwe welcomes children, though parents should be aware that there are no special facilities or activities for children who are staying.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There are phones in all of the rooms at Matemwe Bungalows, as well as free use of a PC and the internet for all guests. There is also a fax machine that guests can use for a small charge.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid box on site at Matemwe Bungalows for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical problems Matemwe has contact with a doctor who lives only one hour away.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Matemwe Bungalows has a small team of security guards around throughout the day and night.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers outside all of the bedrooms and public areas.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is an extra charge - it takes around 24 hours depending on the weather and cost around $1 - $2.50 per item when we were last there.
Money: Matemwe will change US $ and they will also change travellers' cheques for a 10 percent charge.
Accepted payment: You can pay for any extra charges at Matemwe in US$ cash, travellers' cheques or by credit card. You can use Visa, Mastercard and Amex – though the use of a card will command a 6 percent charge.
Matemwe Bungalows review
Location and grounds very good for a relaxing break (albeit too far from, and therefore expensive to get to, Stone town if that was desirable). Quite "rustic" in feel which we found a posi...
Romance at Matewe
Our stay at this beautiful hotel was a wonderful restful contrast to the busy schedule of our safari.
The hotel had spacious and attractive rooms and the setting on the white beach with colourful ...
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Homepage of Matemwe (Asilia Lodges) A slick, stylish website which seems to be sadly lacking in real information, or even a decent number of pictures. You need to be patient whilst it loads.
