Intimate beachfront lodge on Zanzibar's northeast coast with bungalows overlooking ocean, private beach, infinity pool, and excellent diving access. Adults-only retreat.
Matemwe Lodge sits on the northeast coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar, occupying a beachfront plot in the small fishing village of Matemwe approximately 45 kilometres north of Stone Town and 55 kilometres from Zanzibar International Airport. The lodge faces the Indian Ocean across a fringing reef that is exposed at low tide, revealing a tidal flat that connects to the outer reef edge. Mnemba Atoll — among the most celebrated dive and snorkel sites in the western Indian Ocean — lies approximately 3 kilometres offshore and is a primary reason many guests choose this specific section of the northeast coast. The lodge operates an adults-only policy and takes a limited number of guests, keeping the atmosphere quiet and the beach uncrowded.
Accommodation comprises a series of whitewashed bungalows set in a garden that steps down toward the beach. Each bungalow is individually decorated with Zanzibari carved furniture, four-poster beds, and private veranda or terrace overlooking the ocean. Air conditioning and ceiling fans are provided. The infinity pool, positioned to align with the ocean horizon, is the principal communal gathering point and offers unobstructed views across the reef and the open Indian Ocean from early morning through sunset.
The lodge's dining operates from a central open-sided restaurant-bar that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu built primarily around fresh seafood sourced from the local Matemwe fishing community and coastal East African preparations. Breakfast is typically included in room rates. A resident dive and snorkel guide operates from the lodge's own centre, coordinating daily guided excursions to Mnemba Atoll's coral gardens, encounters with sea turtles and spinner dolphins, and certification courses for beginner divers.
Matemwe village surrounds the property and the fishing community's dhows and activities are visible from the beach — giving the lodge a more integrated local character than fully enclosed resort compounds elsewhere on the island.
Amenities
- infinity pool
- beach
- restaurant
- bar
- diving center
- wifi
- adults only
Location
Matemwe Beach, Unguja Island, Zanzibar
-5.8833, 39.3500 View on map
Highlights
- Adults-only beachfront bungalows on Zanzibar's northeast coast with private verandas and direct ocean views
- Infinity pool aligned with the Indian Ocean horizon, providing one of the island's most dramatic pool-to-sea perspectives
- Resident dive and snorkel centre with daily guided excursions to nearby Mnemba Atoll — one of the Indian Ocean's premier reef systems
- Fresh seafood dining sourced from the local Matemwe fishing community, served in an open-sided beachfront restaurant
- Intimate small-group capacity maintaining a quiet, uncrowded beach experience within a working fishing village setting
Tips for visiting
- Low tide on the northeast coast exposes an extensive tidal flat in front of the lodge — plan snorkelling and swimming for high-tide periods, and check the tide schedule on arrival.
- Book Mnemba Atoll dive and snorkel excursions through the lodge's own dive centre rather than independently; the resident guide team knows the best current conditions and turtle encounter points across the reef.
- Request a bungalow positioned at the northern or southern ends of the property rather than the central section for more garden privacy between neighbouring units.
- The Matemwe fishing village beach hosts a small early-morning fish market worth visiting — the lodge staff can point out the best timing, usually between 5:30 and 7 am when the night fishermen return.
- From June to September, humpback whales are occasionally spotted offshore — request a morning dhow excursion if whale season coincides with your visit.
When to visit
July to October for best diving and beach conditions; December to February also excellent.
Accessibility
Sandy garden paths between bungalows; the beach and tidal flat terrain is soft and uneven. No lift. Not designed for wheelchair access. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the lodge to discuss room placement.