Matemwe Bungalows is a charming little property, with true character and personality and an intimate atmosphere. Rooms here truly make you feel that you are miles away from anything – ideal for couples and those looking for total escapism
Awarded: Bronze
Location
These bungalows can be found on the northern edge of Matemwe village in north-east Zanzibar. They sit on a small ridge of coral rock just metres above the atoll, a few minutes’ walk from the beach and a short distance from its sister property, Matemwe Retreat. From here there are great views looking out towards Mnemba Island. This peaceful, remote position is a rare feat for any ‘beach property,’ and its white sands make it yet more desirable.
Rooms
There are 12 whitewashed stone bungalows altogether, all sea-facing and with thatched roofs. The interiors combine elegance with a natural, rustic feel through the pairing of high-quality fittings with traditional furnishings, including the Zanzibari game of baoboard. These comfortable, spacious bungalows have great ocean views in private surroundings, and each comes with a generously-sized bathroom complete with a luxury Persian stone bath.
Out on the veranda, there is a double hammock perfect for lazing in the shade. At high tide, waves crash up against the cliff and rocks just in front of the lodge and rooms; whether this sound is comforting or off-putting is down to personal preference.
Communal Areas
Matemwe’s relaxed communal areas are located just a short walk from a quiet and perfectly white sandy beach. This is a public beach, used by residents of the nearby village of Matemwe, however this the case with all beaches on Zanzibar. The beach, accommodation, and communal facilities are connected by flower-lined pathways. It is here that you can also spot a giant chess board with prawns for pawns!
The restaurant offers great service, a varied menu and views that stretch across the Indian Ocean to a second, south-facing beach, where fishermen can be seen taking in the day’s catch.
Activities
Onsite facilities at Matemwe are simple, as you would expect from such a small property. There is, however, a good range of activities offered at Matemwe, including sailing in traditional nglawa outriggers, snorkelling, kite-surfing, diving and big-game fishing, as well as reef-walks, bike-hire and day-trips with picnics.
Full Board
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.