NORTH EAST COAST OF ZANZIBAR HOTELS   ::   MATEMWE BEACH VILLAGE.

Located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe Beach Village is a very special part of Zanzibar. Its white sandy beach, on the north-east coast of Zanzibar and the Mnemba Atoll, which has some of the best diving in East Africa, is a short boat ride away, and the friendly village of Matemwe is only 1km to the north. Matemwe Beach Village is not luxurious. Rather, theirs is a very relaxed beach feel - with their motto no shoes, no news the large main central area at Matemwe Beach Village is a relatively simple open-sided thatched space with a lounge and bar. The low-walled lounge is furnished with plenty of very low cushioned seats and tables, making it a great place to keep out of the heat of the sun. Up some stairs there is also a TV room with lots of comfy sofas - a good distraction for families with children.

The Beach Village bar offers local beers, cocktails and fresh juices, while the restaurant serves Zanzibari cuisine. The chef uses fresh products sourced from the local community and prepares a small menu that changes on a daily basis - it’s generally excellent. The two pools at Matemwe Beach Village (one raised up and trickling into the lower pool) are surrounded by comfortable sun loungers, and there are plenty of areas to relax in the shade.

There are three different types of accommodation at Matemwe Beach Village:
16 standard rooms or Kijiji rooms are simple, yet comfortable, and some have sea views. Five very spacious Shamba suites are good for couples and families, with a double bed and enough space for an additional single bed and a ‘barazza’ bed upstairs for smaller children. These suites are fitted with air conditioning and a ceiling fan. The Asali suite is specifically designed for honeymooners or romantic couples. Set right on the beachfront, its very spacious and entirely separate from the rest of the lodge. It even comes with its very own plunge pool, private beach and chef!

Matemwe Beach Village is a good choice for those hoping to dive or snorkel as it has its own five-star PADI-affiliated dive operation called One Ocean. Non-divers may enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming, taking a cruise in a dhow, or free reef walks at low tide.