Matemwe Lodge
Matemwe, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
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MATEMWE LODGE -
MATEMWE, ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO, TANZANIA
The north east part of Zanzibar Island is known as Matemwe. This area is famous for its fine white sand beaches, the contrasting colours of the Indian Ocean and the beauty of the coral reef around the Mnemba Island. Matemwe borders a small fishing village where local fisherman set out on a daily basis in their traditional dhows passing close to Matemwe. The stretch of perfect beach alongside the lodge is shared only with the fishing village, which is situated on the far side of the soft sand. There are not many beaches in Zanzibar still featuring only one resort; care has been given to ensure privacy and exclusivity through out the resort. Matemwe is just 60 minutes drive from Stone Town, allowing for easy day trips and excursions to the many different and varied interesting places on offer in Zanzibar.
Matemwe lies perched on a coral rock, surrounded by the best beaches and right opposite the Mnemba Atoll, which offers spectacular diving and snorkelling.
The lodge consists of 12 beautiful bungalows, built from local materials and surrounded by lush garden. Each suite has a private veranda with a hammock and couch, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The bathroom is large and has a deep bathtub and walk-in shower. Although mosquitoes are rare in Matemwe, all rooms are equipped with a large mosquito net.
The open-air restaurant overlooks the ocean and has a tranquil lounge area. Seafood is the specialty of the house, with all produce bought daily from the local markets. Lunch is a buffet offering a delicious mix of African and European flavours. Dinner offers a choice of main courses with fish, meat and vegetarian options. Matemwe has a multi-level swimming pool surrounded with lounge chairs overlooking the ocean. Freshly mixed cocktails are served at the poolside bar.
Ngalawas, fleets of traditional wooden sailing boats, pass by Matemwe - delivering a dream for any photographer - and the lodge is a daily stop for the fishermen who sell fresh crab, lobster and fish to Matemwe for lunches and dinners. Enjoy this sight at early morning, when fresh coffee and delicious cookies are served on your veranda. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a serene and romantic experience.
When Swedish sisters Helen and Katharina set foot in Zanzibar in 1989 to set up a small lodge, they had the whole island to choose from. They chose Matemwe, perfectly situated opposite the Mnemba Atoll coral reef for diving and snorkelling, surrounded by the best beaches of Zanzibar. Helen and Katharina put great emphasis on their relationship with the fishermen in the next door village of Kigomani. This co-operation still continues today with Asilia. Although tourism has developed in the two decades since the arrival of the sisters, stunning Matemwe, safely surrounded by the quietest and most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, is the best area of the island.
Accommodation  For
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12 detached cottages all on the edge of the sea, doubles, twins and triples available. Bathrooms are en-suite with a shower, a unique bath, separate toilet and hand-wash basin.
Spacious rooms offer ceiling fan as well as a standing fan. Shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and bath robe are supplied. Bottled drinking water, tea and coffee making facilities are available. Laundry is available on request. Clothing is returned within 24 hours (weather permitting). Framed mosquito net in all rooms. Extra beds/cots are available on request.
Facilities
Lodge includes two beautiful swimming pools. 24 hour electricity supply with back-up generator.
Massage / treatments: with spectacular view of the ocean, offering a range of relaxing and re-energizing massages with locally made oils. Treatments available: Manicures, pedicures, facials, henna and hair braiding are also on offer. Massage / treatments are at an extra charge. Beneath the treatment room, relax with a cup of coffee or sundowners on large floor cushions, whilst enjoying the Indian Ocean breeze.
The gardens hold a variety of features, indigenous trees and bushes. The sun loungers on the beach are perfect for relaxing with a book or purely to enjoy the sea view. Enjoy an active game of chess on the giant board with marine inspired figures.
Complimentary internet is available from a Lodge computer (Wi-Fi is charged extra). The curio shop stocks local arts, crafts and products such as massage oils, soaps and jewelry. Necessities such as sun lotion, mosquito repellent and further toiletries are also available. Support environmentally friendly products by purchasing recycled arts & crafts.
Dining
Meals are served in the dining room overlooking the sea & the beach. The exceptional cuisine is a fusion of traditional Zanzibari and international flavors. Seafood is a specialty and fresh fish is prepared on a daily basis. Enjoy a barbecue of fresh seafood twice a week. A Swahili meal is prepared on Sunday evenings, flavored with traditional hints of true Zanzibari cuisine. Choose from a variety of meals during the other evenings. Lunch buffet offers a large variety of cold and warm dishes. Any dietary requirements are catered for subject to availability. Notice prior to arrival is recommended.
Meals times are:
• Breakfast 7:00am - 10:30am
• Lunch 12:30pm - 2:30pm
• Coffee, Tea & cookies 4:00pm - 5:00pm
• Dinner 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Lodge Bar
A well stocked bar is open from 10am to 11pm (or later) with a wide variety of wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks. A barman is available at regular intervals at the pools and on the surrounding pool beaches. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available from the pool bar throughout the day. Feel free to invent your own cocktail with the barman. All drinks are at extra charge.
Activities &
Wildlife
Do not be surprised if you are quite content to simply soak up the sun lying in a hammock with a good book or cocktail.
Snorkeling (at Mnemba Atoll) is included. Admire the vast variety and volume of marine wildlife and enjoy a scenic trip through the lagoon in one of the traditional boats. Snorkeling equipment for use off the beach. (inclusive)
Diving all levels of divers have the opportunity to explore the underworld of Mnemba Atoll. Both recreational and training dives can be arranged (extra charge).
Local fishing in Ngalawa (traditional boats) and deep sea fishing takes you beyond the reef to deeper waters where you will be surrounded by shoals of different species of fish (inclusive).
Water sports available sea kayaking, beach bats, kite and Frisbee (inclusive).
Day trips and
Spice Tours, Historical City Tours, Shopping Tours and Jozani Forest to visit the Red Colobus Monkeys, as well as Dolphin Excursions at Kizimkazi are just some of the many tours that can be organized by the Lodge (extra charge). Guided reef walks are available on request and subject to tide (inclusive). Walks to the local village and the fish market are lead by a local guide (inclusive).
Spa Treatments includes massage, manicure, pedicures, Henna, hair braiding, waxing, facials. Either in your room or the treatment room (extra charge).
The Escape to Infinity trip to a secluded sandbank is an ideal getaway. It includes breakfast, brunch or lunch, depending on the tides and time of day, a bottle of sparkling wine, snorkeling, sailing in a traditional Dhow boat and enough time to enjoy the heavenly isolation (subject to tides, extra charge).
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