About Matemwe Retreat (currently closed)
Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, arguably the ultimate in private luxury.
Located on the east coast, across from Mnemba Island, it has just four spectacular villas. Each villa has its own rooftop plunge pool and access to a beach that is exclusive to guests at Matemwe Retreat.
We love the villas and service at Matemwe Retreat, and it's absolutely perfect if you want total privacy and solitude. However, more gregarious visitors should know that there are absolutely no public areas here at all. If you want to mix and be sociable, it's a five-minute walk through the shady gardens to the main Matemwe Lodge where you'll find the restaurant, pools, bar and other facilities.
Our view
We love the villas and service at Matemwe Retreat, and it's absolutely perfect if you want total privacy and solitude. However, more gregarious visitors should know that there are absolutely no public areas here at all. If you want to mix and be sociable, it's a five-minute walk through the shady gardens to the main Matemwe Lodge where you'll find the restaurant, pools, bar and other facilities.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
4 private villas
Children
Not suitable for children.
Open
1st June to 31st March
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Matemwe Retreat
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryMatemwe Retreat: Our full report (currently closed)
Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, arguably the ultimate in private luxury.
Located on the east coast, across from Mnemba Island, it has just four spectacular villas. Each villa has its own rooftop plunge pool and access to a beach that is exclusive to guests at Matemwe Retreat.
Constructed of stone, using local materials wherever possible, the villas at Matemwe Retreat are tastefully designed, combining clean, modern, minimalist elements with characteristics of more traditional Zanzibari style. Natural colours help to make them feel warm and relaxed, and the use of beautiful fabrics and reclaimed dhow wood adds plenty of character.
Matemwe Retreat 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.
There are four villas, ranged south to northand about 50 metres apart, along the low cliffs past Matemwe Lodge: Nuru, Zamzam, Safina and finally Leila.
As you walk in through the ornate Zanzibari door, you step onto a spacious, open-sided deck area. Here there is a comfortable lounge with a private cocktail/breakfast bar and your dining table. There's a Zanzibari-style day bed further along.
In the bedroom, a kingsize bed with crisp, high-quality sheets and full-room-height mosquito net takes centre stage. Louvred doors keep the room cool, aided by air conditioning and a fan. The louvred doors with adjustable slats lead give you have the choice of allowing the sea breeze to pass through, or sleeping in air-conditioned seclusion.
The bathroom, like the bedroom, is painted in warm natural colours, with twin washbasins set in a maritime-motif plinth, a shower, and a sunken bath that overlooks the Indian Ocean through more louvred doors.
At the back of the bedroom, a spiral staircase leads up to the roof terrace and another shaded lounge area with day bed, sunloungers and a delightfully cool plunge pool. The views across the lagoon to Mnemba Island are stunning.
Although the villas are wonderful, it is the service at Matemwe Retreat that makes it such a special place to stay. Guests have a personal butler who brings breakfast to the veranda every morning, takes your requests for lunch and dinner (there are always a couple of choices for each course, but you can make other requests, too), and stops to find out what you'd like to organise for the day – whether it be diving, a walk, or a bottle of Champagne on the deck. The butler can be called from the room phone by dialling 9.
Lunch and dinner are usually served on your private deck. For a more sociable atmosphere, it's just a five-minute walk down throught the grounds to Matemwe Lodge, where you can also relax by the bar or pool and socialise with other guests.
Crystal-clear water makes for great swimming from the private beach at mid tide. When the tide goes out, it is generally too shallow for swimming, but the exposed inter-tidal zone can be a fascinating place to walk. In fact, a free reef walk is included for all guests, guided by Asilia staff from the Matemwe Lodge watersports centre.
Other activities, including diving and kayaking, can be organised by your butler in conjunction with Matemwe Lodge. Guests staying at Matemwe Retreat have access to the full range of facilities at Matemwe Lodge; these include the pools, bar and restaurant and also the Sea and Spice Spa. You can also arrange guided visits to the local village, hire bicycles to explore the coastline, or go on a number of different island excursions.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- No children under 12 are allowed at Matemwe Retreat.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 12+
- Special activities & services
- Matemwe Retreat does not offer any special services for children.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- No
- Notes
- Families with children under 12 can stay at Matemwe Beach House.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Matemwe Retreat are usually served on your private deck, though you can choose to eat instead on your roof terrace. Dining is very private and you will decide daily with your butler on the dishes for lunch and dinner, and when you'd like to eat.
The food here is very good, with naturally includes lots of fresh seafood. Because you can order more or less what you like (meat, fish, shellfish, pasta, vegetarian options, fresh veg and salads) you always feel you're eating what you really want to eat. Breakfast always includes plenty of fresh fruit, freshly squeezed juices and whatever cooked options you'd like. Lunch and dinner are three courses, but you can opt out as the mood takes you. When we stayed here, we really enjoyed the fresh produce, great shellfish and zingy flavours that our cook came up with.
For dinner one evening we started with a beautifully spiced carrot and cumin soup with a selection of freshly baked breads. This was followed by line caught white snapper with lemon, rice and seasonal vegetables. We rounded up our meal with a decadent chocolate fondant with home made ice-cream! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes - most of the meals are brought to your room for private dining.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included, except Champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.
Getting there
- Location
- East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- At least 3 nights
- Directions
- It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it’s a further hour by car to Matemwe Retreat. Please note that, depending on your driver's final approach to the retreat, the last few minutes may be through Matemwe village on a narrow, bumpy track. It can make for a poor first impression, alleviated quickly after your arrival.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- Matemwe Retreat is perfect if you want the intimacy, seclusion and luxury. The service here is highly personalised and you will feel truly spoilt. It’s a great destination for an unforgettable and very romantic Zanzibar honeymoon.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
- Beach holidays
- Many guests at Matemwe Retreat will stay in their villa, but a short walk away, the Retreat’s private beach usually has crystal clear water and, at high tide, it’s great for swimming. Relax on the beach or snorkel with the PADI dive centre.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Luxury safaris
- Matemwe Retreat offers a private and exclusive beach experience. Each luxury villa comes with its own personal butler who is on hand to serve your favorite drinks and meals to the private veranda and will help to plan every aspect of your stay.
- See ideas for Luxury safaris in Zanzibar
Sustainability
Unified efforts for turtle conservation
Considered one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar Island, Matemwe Retreat combines the efforts of staff, locals and guests to bring positive changes into the fragile environment. The turtle conservation programme is perhaps the leading light of Matemwe’s sustainability efforts.
Under this initiative, Matemwe Retreat relocates nests found on at-risk sites on their own beach, where they are monitored until the turtles are ready to enter the sea. Those hatchlings that are too small, weak or malformed are taken to the Mnarani Marine Conservation Centre who keeps a watchful eye over the baby turtles until they are ready for release. So far, the centre has rescued over 200 turtles and 1000 hatchlings from fisherman’s nests.
Additionally, to involve the local community, the lodge offers rewards for fishermen who bring turtles that are injured by boats or caught in nets. Local villagers are too rewarded for the safe hatching of a healthy nest. As for tourists, each guest of Matemwe Retreat contributes a $5 conservation charge per night to the development of the programme and can also witness the conservation centre’s yearly turtle release. Furthermore, the lodge actively encourages guests to visit center, as the 100% of the entrance fee goes back to the conservation efforts.
In February 2018, the staff at Matemwe Retreat and some of their guests attended to witness the release of over 60 turtles.
See more great sustainability projects in Zanzibar
Communications
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception and free Wi-fi.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at Matemwe Retreat, but Matemwe Lodge can always make a plan when a big game or other event is on.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Unlimited jugs of drinking water are provided, from bottled water brought to the lodge in bulk. The local water supply for the taps, pumped from a subterranean cave, is actually very good and cleansed by an $80,000 water plant.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid box for minor illnesses and injuries at the neighbouring Matemwe Lodge, and staff are trained in first aid. For more serious medical problems, Matemwe has contact with a doctor who lives an hour's drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are discreet security guards on site 24 hours a day.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside the rooms.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Included
- Money
- Matemwe will change US dollars.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can pay for any extra charges at Matemwe in US$, GB pounds, Euros or Tanzanian Shillings cash, or by credit card. You can use Visa, Mastercard and Amex for no surcharge – though the use of a card for a cash advance carries an 4% surcharge. There are no ATM’s up on this part of the coast.
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Matemwe Retreat's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Matemwe Retreat.
Excursions from Matemwe Retreat
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Matemwe Retreat. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani ForestOther lodges in East Coast Zanzibar
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe Beach Hotel is comfortable, good-value, family-friendly beach lodge, with a lovely pool, secluded beach and good food.
Shooting Star Lodge
Shooting Star Lodge has a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful infinity pool, sitting above a stunning stretch of beach on Zanzibar's east coast.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba is a private island resort with 11 chalets, fringed by some of the best coral reefs in the Zanzibar area.
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Sunshine Marine (sister of Sunshine Hotel) is located in a secluded part of the east coast, with a first-rate, in-house dive centre.
Zoi Hotel
Located right on the beach, with bright rooms and a colourful garden, the Zoi Boutique Hotel has a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Zanzibar Pearl
Formally known as Matemwe Beach Village, Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel is one of the newest properties on the island
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Zanzibar Beach Resort is a 16-room boutique beach hotel that opened in 2016 on Zanzibar's east coast.
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar is a very large resort hotel on Zanzibar’s east coast and is well equipped for business and leisure trips.
When to go to East Coast Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Matemwe Retreat in East Coast Zanzibar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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