About Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel
Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel was formerly known as Matemwe Beach Village.
The property was extensively renovated and is under new management since re-opening in 2019.
We are excited to see that this property has been completely renovated and is under new management. The new, energetic managers have been working hard to showcase the vastly improved property. Zanzibar Pearl offers a welcoming beachside lodge, which isn't overly luxurious. However its excellent location, beautiful beach and friendly service make it superb value - a relaxed and peaceful beach getaway at a very good price.
Our view
We are excited to see that this property has been completely renovated and is under new management. The new, energetic managers have been working hard to showcase the vastly improved property. Zanzibar Pearl offers a welcoming beachside lodge, which isn't overly luxurious. However its excellent location, beautiful beach and friendly service make it superb value - a relaxed and peaceful beach getaway at a very good price.
Accommodation
26 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel
4 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 17 Dec 2024, 3 nights
"Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Oct 2024, 4 nights
"Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 19 Jun 2023, 4 nights
"Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Sep 2022, 4 nights
"Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Good














Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 14 pictures of Zanzibar Pearl to get the candid view.
View galleryHolidays visiting Zanzibar Pearl
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations • 2 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha and 2 other areas
US$6,190 - US$6,830 per person
Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel: Our full report
Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel was formerly known as Matemwe Beach Village.
The property was extensively renovated and is under new management since re-opening in 2019.
Arriving at Zanzibar Pearl you'll walk up the sandy path to the large central open-sided thatched structure which is the heart of the hotel and provides the lounge area, with curved cement benches scattered with cushions. Just past this is the restaurant and bar, with wooden tables overlooking the pretty beach below. The small reception office is here, together with a gift shop selling locally produced handicrafts and souvenirs.
The 24 rooms are inspired by local architecture and consist of: 10 Pearl Suites, 1 Pearl Villa, 10 Oyster Suites and 5 Oyster Villas. The Pearl Suites and Villa are oceanfront, and the Oyster Suites and villas overlook the luxuriant tropical gardens. Inside, the villas are the same, with makuti-thatched roofs and stone washed walls. Large beds with crisp white linen are draped in silk-edged mosquito nets. The neutral décor is broken up by primary coloured cushions, fresh flowers and local art. Extra beds can be added to nearly all the suites, so it’s easy for children to share with their parents.
Despite being fairly simple all the rooms are comfortable and stylish, with everything you need, and nothing you don't. They’re equipped with a ceiling and a free-standing fan and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The cement-floored bathrooms are bright and airy and you'll find fluffy white towels and complimentary toiletries, as well as bath robes and sun hats.
The air-conditioned Oyster Villas are larger and have a separate living area. Honeymooners might appreciate the privacy of the Pearl Villa which has its own plunge pool. This is the largest of all the room types, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so it would also suit families or groups travelling together.
Please note: some of the hotel's balconies may be unsafe for small children. Please ensure you have ground floor accommodation if you have a young family.
The hotel’s wonderful, white, sandy beach is Zanzibar Pearl's real selling point. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available, and when we visited in 2019, this 250-metre stretch was really quiet, with no sign of beach boys.
The hotel’s swimming pool and shady seating area are the location of the well regarded One Ocean dive centre, making Zanzibar Pearl a great option for qualified divers – or if you’re keen to give it a try. They have a teaching pool and offer a range of certifications. However, please note when using the pool that it has very limited depth markings.
The lodge offers similar activities to other lodges in Zanzibar, including snorkelling, diving and bicycle loan, and excursions to spice plantations and Stone Town.
Geographics
- Location
- East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 3-5 nights, or even longer if you enjoy the beach.
- Directions
- It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then then it is a further one hour by car to Zanzibar Pearl. As with many of the beach properties on Zanzibar the immediate approach to the resort can seem a bit a rough, but do not be alarmed - the bumpy journey is worth it when you get there.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- Meals are served from the central restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean. When we visited in 2019 there were plans to build a boma BBQ area in the garden, to offer a more authentic Swahili outdoor dining space.
We have not had the opportunity to extensively try the food at Zanzibar Pearl, but what we did try, we enjoyed - a light lunch of Zanzibar falafel with mango relish and crispy fries was fresh, tasty and well presented.
Breakfast is a typical set-up with a choice of tropical fruit, bread, jams and spreads, as well as the option to have a cooked breakfast.
If you choose to eat lunch there is a selection of light snacks and meals including salads, burgers, fish cakes and kebabs.
Dinner is a nightly rotating à la carte menu with a limited choice of various hot dishes including fish, seafood and curries. The chef takes inspiration from local ingredients and spices.
Special requests and diets can be catered for with advance notice. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- On request.
- Drinks included
- Extra cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Zanzibar Pearl happily welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Zanzibar Pearl, and under-3s stay free of charge.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities or clubs for children.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs can be provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Children are warmly welcomed at Zanzibar Pearl. However parents should be aware that children are their responsibility for the duration of their stay.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back up generator
- Communications
- Wifi throughout and patchy cellphone signal.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Fully plumbed.
Health & safety
- Medical care
- There is a first aid box on site for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical problems a local doctor can be called.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Zanzibar Pearl is gated and has guards.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are postioned on site, but the hotel is not clear on how often fire training is undertaken by staff.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Yes at an extra charge.
- Money
- There is no currency exchange.
- Accepted payment on location
- US Dollars, Tanzanian Shillings and Euro are accepted as are all major credit cards (with a 5% surcharge).
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Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Zanzibar Pearl.
Other 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.

Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar is a very large resort hotel on Zanzibar’s east coast and is well equipped for business and leisure trips.

Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Zanzibar Beach Resort is a 16-room boutique beach hotel that opened in 2016 on Zanzibar's east coast.
When to go to East Coast Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Zanzibar Pearl 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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