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Matemwe Beach House
Matemwe Beach House
Matemwe Beach House

Matemwe Beach House


5°50’52.9"S 39°21’23.8"E

Matemwe Beach House: Our full report

On the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe Beach House is a private house located just next door to Matemwe Lodge.

The house has its own pool and kitchen with a full butler service, but guests are also welcome to pop over to nearby Matemwe Lodge.

Most of the practical and infrastructure details that apply to Matemwe Lodge apply equally to Matemwe Beach House, and the private house is managed and supplied from the main lodge, which is just 100m away up the beach to the north.

Matemwe Beach House is closed from November 2022 for major refurbishment. Expert Africa is not able to give a firm re-opening date due to the complicated nature of the building regulations and permits on Zanzibar, but please contact us for the latest information.

The beach house was added to the property in 2009. It has three bedrooms, sleeping a maximum of six people in two doubles/twins downstairs, each with a bathroom, and both air-conditioned. Upstairs is an open plan space that is more suitable for younger relatives or children. At present this upstairs room does not have air-conditioning, however the plan is to finish the top floor to a fully walled and ceilinged space with air-conditioning, just like the ground floor bedrooms. We were informed that they intended to carry out this work in early 2018.

It's a good choice for families or groups of friends travelling together. When we visited in 2016, we thought the house was a very pleasant option, and were assured that senior staff often stay over in the rooms to ensure the house is always in a good state or repair.

The pool in the front deck has a toddler-proof pool fence, so it's quite a safe environment for little ones. Guests at Matemwe Beach House have access to all the same facilities as those staying at the main lodge, including the spa, swimming pools, bar and restaurant.

Activities make use of the white sand beach and the beautiful Indian Ocean. To only mention a few, you can go snorkelling, kite-surfing, do a canoe trip or explore the marine life while diving. Matemwe Lodge's watersports centre is right by the gate to the house at the back of the beach.


Our view

There are relatively few private beach houses in this part of Zanzibar, and this option makes great sense, especially for families. The fact that you can do entirely your own thing at the house, or stroll in seconds to the facilities at the main lodge, make it delightfully flexible and relaxing.

Jessica Plumb

Jessica Plumb

Zanzibar expert

Geographics

Location
East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay
4-5 nights
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
The food supplies at the beach house are based on what is available in the main lodge. Your chef will discuss with what – and when – you'd like to eat, and prepare meals accordingly.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Matemwe Beach Lodge has its own private butler.
Drinks included
Most drinks are included, as at the main lodge.

Special interests

Private villas & houses
Matemwe Beach House accommodates up to four adults and two children who wish to have a private house exclusively to themselves for their private beach holidays in Zanzibar. With its own small pool and a veranda, the house also comes complete with a private chef and butler.
See ideas for Private villas & houses

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Matemwe Beach Lodge.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no ages restrictions here, but please note that children under 6 cannot use the main facilities at Matemwe Lodge.
Special activities & services
You have the option of 24-hour childminding, though not from any professionally trained staff.
Equipment
There is a cot but no high chair.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Fire safety

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included.

Other lodges in East Coast Zanzibar

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