Set on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, vibrant yet relaxed this Lodge is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking a pretty, coral-fringed lagoon.
It consists of 12 stylish bungalows, built from local materials and surrounded by beautiful garden. Each suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Indian Ocean. Whether guests sink into a hammock or dive the depths of the Indian Ocean, the Lodge is an unbeatable island escape and the ideal place to unwind. Perfect for relaxation but also offers a variety of adventurous activities, family friendly, with authentic Zanzibari culture and warm, friendly staff
Inside the room, you’ll find a grand, king-size bed, an extra single bed, plenty of space and personal touches. The bathrooms are large and have deep bathtubs and walk-in showers. Although mosquitoes are rare in Matemwe, all rooms are equipped with a large mosquito net.
There is 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 the Lodge delivering a dream for any photographer and the lodge is a daily stop for the fishermen who sell fresh crab, lobster and fish for lunches and dinners. Enjoy this sight at early morning, when fresh coffee and delicious cookies are served at your veranda. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderfully romantic experience. For those who need to make contact with the outside world, there are internet and telephone/fax facilities.
The open-air restaurant overlooks the ocean and has a tranquil area to lounge in as well. 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.
Set on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and Mnemba Atoll, the Spa offers international standard treatments which take their inspiration from the Spice Island and African continent.
Whether you have been on safari, climbed Kilimanjaro or are just relaxing on the beach, the Sea and Spice spa is the ideal place to rejuvenate. The Spa is proud to only use products made in Africa.
Bungalows details:
Twin & double beds available
Mosquito net & ceiling fan
Private veranda with hammock
Safety deposit box (in room)
Bathrooms Details:
Ensuite bathroom
Indoor shower & bathtub
Toiletries provided
12 suites (6 doubles and 6 twins/triples)
Children: 5 years and above
Private plunge pools at 2 of the chalets
2 communal swimming pools
Spa
Wi-Fi (service is variable)
Breakfast and dinner included (half-board)
All drinks at an additional charge
Drinks
Massages and treatments
Laundry
Airport Transfers
Activities:
Snorkelling & diving
Reefwalk
Village visit
Ngalawa sailing trip
Kayaking
Spa
Children below 5 years are not allowed unless the lodge is booked exclusively
Children below 12 should always share a room with an adult
Not suitable for disabled guests
Check in and Check out are flexible
Airport Transfer (extra cost)
1 Km Matemwe
2 Km restaurants, shops
55 Km Stone Town
60 Km Zanzibar Airport
The history of Zanzibar has been influenced by many nations, including the Arabia, Persia, India, Portugal, Britian and local tribes from the African mainland. This is clearly noticed in the architecture. Stone Town is a place of narrow lanes, intricately carved wooden doors, towers, terraces and fabulous mosques. In 1964 Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form the present day Tanzania, although it still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the unified state. Zanzibar is an archepelago of islands in the Indian Ocean that lie 30km off the coast of Tanzania. The two largest islands are Unguja (usually referred to as 'Zanzibar') and Pemba. Zanzibar Town (including it's old quarter of Stone Town) is the capital of Zanzibar, and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tourism and spices are Zanzibar's main industries are spices and tourism. It is often still referred to as the Spice Islands due to the production of cloves, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon.
The north-east part of Zanzibar Island is an area famous for its fine sand beaches, the contrasting colours of the Indian Ocean and the beauty of the coral reef around the Mnemba Island.Here the tides govern the rhythm of the day. At high tide the fisherman stream across the lagoon in their billowing dhows, delivering a dream opportunity 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. At low tide the sea goes right out making the lagoon too shallow for swimming but it does reveal a fascinating reef which you can explore for hours.
Important cultural considerations
Zanzibar has a long history of religious tolerance and although the islands are 99% Muslim, alcohol and tobacco are freely available. Visitors are, however, requested to show consideration for the culture of Zanzibar by dressing modestly and refraining from public displays of affection. When walking in towns and villages, women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Men should not walk bare-chested or wearing swimming trunks. Many visitors refuse to cover up and this causes offense and often outrage amongst the local population, even though these feelings may not be directly expressed. As one sign says, “Short skirts are like nude” On the beaches swimwear is acceptable, but topless sunbathing is not. During the fast of Ramadan, it is considered the height of bad manners to eat and drink in public places or while walking down the street. Non- Muslims should not enter mosques unless specifically invited to do so. Only take pictures of people if you have their permission, and don’t peer too obviously through the doorways of private houses in Stone Town.