Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar | Timbuktu Travel
Zanzibar

Matemwe Lodge

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
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Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Matemwe Lodge

One of the first lodges on the island, come to Matweme for chilled-out beach fun.
Currently closed Situated on Zanzibar’s beautiful north east coastline, Matemwe Beach Lodge is the perfect destination for holiday goers looking for crystal waters, relaxation and sun (June to March). One of the original lodgings in the area, it offers affordable luxury and unspoiled views of the Indian Ocean’s sapphire waters and Mnemba Island. With swinging hammocks and colourful cocktails, swaying palm trees, vibrant coral reefs, rich marine life, water sports, fresh seafood and perfect weather, it’s an unparalleled African beach paradise. A slice of heaven on African earth.
From $340 per person/per night
Beach
12 Rooms
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Property details

The property

In keeping with the Island lifestyle, the main lodge has a relaxed but vibrant feel. Arriving through the doors, the welcome desk is adjacent to the adventure sport booking centre, organising mind-blowing adventures for all tastes and ages. Continue your explorations and find a multi-level swimming pool with a poolside bar and an open air restaurant that serves up wholesome island flavours, keeping you refreshed and satisfied. If you are here to chill - make for the tranquil Moroccan style lounge area with big cushions and comfortable furniture, the inviting hammocks, or the beauty spa.

The rooms

Matemwe Lodge has twelve luxurious stone walled beach bungalows. They are en-suite and perfect for honeymooners, friends or families, depending on your specifications and needs. Some have a private pool, while others are double storey with extra space for families and triples traveling together. There’s something for everyone. The bungalows are evenly distributed along the beachfront with incredible views over the gin clear waters stretching all the way across to the mesmerising Mnemba Island. You can't help but rise and shine with every morning.

Activities

Activities at Matemwe are mostly aquatic and as such are governed by the tides. Guests can partake in snorkeling, diving, canoeing, guided reef walks, kite surfing, deep sea fishing, scenic kayak tours along the reef, boating and dhow (traditional sailing) trips. There are also land based trips to explore the island’s ancient history, Jozani forest and exotic spice trade. If all that has you exhausted, there’s always a rejuvenating treatment on hand at the lodge’s spa. Go on, you know you want to.

What you'll love

What you'll love

Life at Matemwe Lodge is laidback, fun and very casual. Want to have a lazy morning without being disturbed or come to dinner in your shorts and flip flops? That’s totally fine.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

The snorkelling boats from Matemwe head out towards the world-famous Mnemba Atoll, an exclusive private island where the marine life is Finding Nemo-esque brilliant – and it’s all yours for a fraction of the price tag!
Something to think about

Something to think about

The lodge is definitely more rustic than other properties in Zanzibar and it’s definitely not a glitzy, sparkly sort of place – but really, that makes us love it even more.

Tanzania

Zanzibar

Flaming sunsets, sandy beaches and luxe hotels are easily accessible on a classic Zanzibar getaway.