Matemwe Bungalows is a long standing favourite with our travelers, who usually return from their stay with rave reviews. Situated just past the northern edge of Matemwe village and occupying a beautiful spot on a small outcrop of coral rock, Matemwe Bungalows is a very good lodge. When we were last there it had a relaxed and unpretentious feel - though as it was approaching the end of the season, it must be said that some of the main areas did need a little face-work. We expect that this will have been resolved by the start of next season.
At Matemwe Bungalows there are only 12 whitewashed thatched cottages, and all were upgraded in 2005. Each are spacious and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and a private, curved veranda.
Behind the suites, a stone path leads through Matemwe's lush tropical gardens with frangipani and bougainvillea, to the bar, swimming pools and dining area. Then a little further, past the giant chess board, is an incredible stretch of white beach. Some locals have set up curio stalls along the beach, but few approach guests and it's relatively low-key compared with other stretches of this coast.
Matemwe Bungalows has 2 swimming pools. One is an infinity pool atop the coral cliff with a clear view across to Mnemba Island. From this, a gently tumbling waterfall trickles down to a second pool – which is very handy when the coastal breeze gets a bit much. This lower pool has plenty of shade around it, and the adjacent bar is fashioned from a huge and beautifully-polished old dhow. The bar serves a variety of drinks and bar snacks during the day, and drinks in the evening. Around this are a number of comfortable - though slightly garish – locally-made sofas; ideal for relaxing during the heat of the day.
For main meals, the open-sided restaurant at Matemwe Bungalows is situated just along from the infinity pool and has an equally lovely view across the Indian Ocean. There is a small bar in the restaurant for drinks, and a central buffet counter where you can help yourself to very good buffet breakfasts and lunches.
For a much more exclusive experience in a more palatial accommodation – and the services of very handy personal butler – consider the neighboring sister-lodge of Matemwe Bungalows: the fantastic new Matemwe Retreat.
Ideal length of stay: From 3 nights to a week or more
Central facilities: Matemwe Bungalows is spread along the top of a coral cliff with the dining area and infinity pool having magnificent views across to Mnemba Island. The lower pool and bar is down a few short steps which then leads on along a stone path to the cottages.
The bar at Matemwe is a relaxed place with an array of brightly coloured soft furnishing and miniature African dhow partitions between the different tables. The boat theme continues, with the bar itself being made from an actual dhow sunken slightly into the sandy floor.
Next to the infinity pool, there is a shaded Moroccan style chill-out area furnished with comfortable floor cushions and low tables. Above this, there is a new massage room with a comfortable massage table and a wonderful view through the open front.
For those wanting to stay in touch with the outside world there is free internet next to the restaurant, and there is also a shop by reception stocked with African curios and a few essentials.
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it is a further one hour by car to Matemwe Bungalows.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Breakfast at Matemwe Bungalows is served from 6:30 am into the late morning and is an impressive array of fruit, cereals and pancakes as well as a full cooked English breakfast if you are still hungry!
Lunch is usually served buffet-style and consists of Swahili-influenced dishes, light curries, salads and sometimes a barbeque as well. Between 7:30-9:30 a 3-course dinner is served – this is a set menu with a few choices for the main course.
The last time we visited at Matemwe Bungalows we didn't sample the food – however on previous trips the choice and quality of the food has been excellent. It is always fresh, and there is plenty of fresh seafood on offer.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.
Special interests
Honeymoons: The private and luxurious Matemwe Bungalows are one of the best locations on Zanzibar for a honeymoon - come for the space, the privacy, the lovely swimming pools and excellent food.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar
Beach holidays: Matemwe Bungalows is one of the top beach lodges in Zanzibar, with very private, spacious bungalows spread out along a coral cliff; each with the waves and beach directly below it.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Zanzibar
Diving & snorkelling: Matemwe Bungalows is on the north-east coast of Zanzibar - within a relatively short sail of the Mnemba atoll, venue for some of the best diving and snorlkellling in the area.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar
Children
Attitude towards children: Matemwe Bungalows happily welcomes children of all ages.
Age restrictions: There are no restrictions on children at Matemwe Bungalows.
Activities: Babysitting can be organized at Matemwe Bungalows.
Equipment: Matemwe Bungalows can provide cots for the rooms and high chairs as well.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Best for older children who will entertain themselves on the beach. Though Matemwe welcomes children, parents should be aware that there are no special facilities or activities for children who are staying.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There are phones in all of the rooms at Matemwe Bungalows, as well as free use of a PC and the internet for all guests. There is also a fax machine that guests can use for a small charge.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid box on site at Matemwe Bungalows for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical problems Matemwe has contact with a doctor who lives only one hour away.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Matemwe Bungalows has a small team of security guards around throughout the day and night.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers outside all of the bedrooms and public areas.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is an extra charge it takes around 24 hours depending on the weather and cost around $1 per item when we were last there.
Money: Matemwe will change US $ and they will also change travellers' cheques for a 10 percent charge.
Accepted payment: You can pay for any extra charges at Matemwe in US$ cash, travellers' cheques or by credit card. You can use Visa, Mastercard and Amex – though the use of a card will command a 5 percent charge.
Romance at Matewe
Our stay at this beautiful hotel was a wonderful restful contrast to the busy schedule of our safari.
The hotel had spacious and attractive rooms and the setting on the white beach with colourful ...
Matemwe Bungalows review
We hoped that this would provide 7 days of complete relaxation - it came up at 200%!
It is extremely well run by the new (arrived in June 08) manager (Mr Stritter ?} who came from Namibia with a Ge...
Matemwe Bungalows review
Matemwe is a breath-takingly beautiful bit of coastline. The bungalows themselves are luxurious and comfortable yet they retain a very African feel. We loved the infinity swimming pool, and everythin...
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Matemwe Bungalows. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Homepage of Matemwe (Asilia Lodges) A slick, stylish website which seems to be sadly lacking in real information, or even a decent number of pictures. You need to be patient whilst it loads.
