Enquire or Call
UK: 01473 890499US: 1-800-608-4651
Enquire or Call
UK: 01473 890499Rating: Deluxe
Matemwe Lodge is a soothing, deeply relaxing place to stay, set in a glorious location on a coral outcrop above a beautiful beach, close to the small fishing village of Kigomani on the east coast of Zanzibar.
Matemwe Lodge has 12 spacious ensuite thatched suites. Each is elegantly and comfortably furnished, and has its own private veranda, complete with hammocks, overlooking an unforgettable view of the ocean. They also have a mezzanine level private lounge area. All rooms were refurbished in 2013, and can be made up into either single, double or triple rooms. There is no air-conditioning, but the sea breezes here are usually very cooling. Two of the rooms have private plunge pools and sun decks.
The restaurant specialises in meat and seafood, prepared with local spices, and the beach bar, built around an old dhow, set under palm trees, provides a shady spot from which to watch the local fishing fleet. Guests can also relax in the lounge and have the option of the swimming pool or the ocean for swimming. (Please note that this area is tidal).
The tropical climate of Zanzibar makes Matemwe Lodge an excellent place to stay virtually all year round; it closes only during the rainy season of April and May.
Activities:
At Matemwe lodge it is tempting simply to lie back in a hammock and relax totally. However, there is plenty to do for those who want a more active stay. Snorkelling amongst the soft and hard corals, sponges and anemones of the local reefs or scuba diving the mighty Mnemba Atoll can be arranged for divers of all levels of experience. Matemwe has a PADI-recognised dive centre. And a ride in Matemwe lodges' own wooden sailing dhow offers the possibility of spotting dolphins or even whale sharks of humpback whales. Sea kayaking and fishing and other options you may wish to consider.
Day trips to the centre of historic Stone Town (a World Heritage Site) give an insight into the culture and history of this fascinating island, and spice tours and trips to Jozani Forest and Prison Island provide the opportunity to explore even further.
Matemwe lodge is a 50 minute drive from Zanzibar international airport
Open: Matemwe Lodge is open from 1st June to 31March
Location: Matemwe Lodge is on the north east coast of Zanzibar. The lodge is an hours drive from Stone Town and the airport.
Rooms: There are 12 suites, all very spacious with a bedroom, bathroom with shower and bath, private wooden veranda with a hammock and a sofa. 2 of the rooms also have their own plunge pools and sun loungers. 3 of the rooms can be converted in triple accommodation.
Activities: Swimming in the pool, strolling along the beach at low tide and visiting Matemwe village. There is excellent diving and snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll marine park a little way off the shore. Other popular activities include dhow cruises, deep sea fishing, kayaking and kitesurfing. The lodge can arrange excursions to Stone Town and island spice tours. Most of these activities involve an extra fee, payable locally.
Facilities: There is an open air restaurant by the beach, specialising in seafood based on the local fishermen’s catch of the day, supplemented by meat and vegetarian dishes. The separate lounge is a great place to relax, out of the heat of the sun. There is a lovely, multi-level swimming pool and sunbathing area with a poolside bar. Massages and spa treatments can be arranged.
Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables.
Children: Children aged 6 years and over are welcome.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is internet access
Matemwe Lodge has an ongoing environmental program with the local school. A library and vegetable garden have been built, and a snorkelling program to the reef has also begun. Self- sustaining economical initiatives have been started in the surrounding villages, such as a chicken farm and duck farm program and fishing program.
Excellent
2Good
0Average
0Poor
0Terrible
0"An amazing place with fantastic facilities. Great food and service. A loveley place to get engaged!"
Tribes Travel, The Old Dairy, Wood Farm, Ipswich Road, Otley, Suffolk, IP6 9JW. Office hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm Telephone: 01473 890499
