Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge is located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, and as one of the first lodges on the island, it is ideally located adjacent to a scenic lagoon. With the exception of rainy April and May, Zanzibar is a year-round destination. November can also bring the rains, but not enough to deter you from traveling.

Matemwe’s 12 bungalows have their own private verandas with hammocks for enjoying the sounds of the ocean and the crystal blue sea. They do not have their own beach access, so the beach must be reached through the main lodge. Meals are served in an open-air restaurant, their cuisine being a fusion of local and European flavors with local seafood being their specialty. Activities include snorkeling and diving around the Mnemba atoll or utilizing their spa. Although there is a lodge swimming pool, rooms 9 and 10 have their own private plunge pool.

We want to love Matemwe, but the property feels tired to us and doesn’t quite live up to our expectations. Additionally, when the tide is out, it is a long walk to the reef and the beach is covered in seaweed.