The beautiful, palm-fringed beach around the fishing village of Matemwe is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more local holiday destination.

I would choose Matemwe mainly if you’re looking for peace and quiet, a small boutique hotel and an easy trip to Mnemba Atoll. I wouldn’t choose it for swimming at any time of day, lively evenings or a wide choice of restaurants. At low tide, the sea here recedes hundreds of metres from the shore.

View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar

Is it worth staying in Matemwe?

I recommend Matemwe to couples, travellers seeking peace and quiet, and anyone who wants to stay away from the major tourist resorts.

Its main advantage is its location opposite Mnemba Island, from where many snorkelling and diving trips set off.

However, bear in mind a few limitations:

• swimming depends on the tide, and at low tide you cannot reach the deeper water
• it’s quiet here in the evening and you’ll find almost no nightlife outside the hotels
• restaurants, shops and other amenities are scattered along the coast
• the beach has no public sun loungers, showers or other communal facilities

Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani or Kiwengwa?

The individual resorts on the north-east coast look similar in photographs, but are suited to different types of holiday.

• ChooseMatemwe for its more local atmosphere, smaller hotels and trips to Mnemba.
• Pwani Mchangani is better suited to a classic resort holiday and offers a wider choice of package holiday hotels.
• Kiwengwa has more restaurants, shops, cash machines and other amenities.
• If you want to go swimming regardless of the tide, you’re better off looking at Kendwu or Nungwi.

Matemwe Beach and swimming

The beach at Matemwe is wide, several kilometres long and covered in fine, light-coloured sand.

It is one of the most beautiful places for morning walks and watching the sunrise.

Compared to Paje or Kiwengwe, it is significantly less busy, and there are also fewer vendors on the beach.

When is the best time to go for a swim in Matemwe?

Comfortable swimming is only possible around high tide. The sea is shallow and, at low tide, recedes hundreds of metres towards the barrier reef. The beach then becomes a vast lagoon with sandbanks, seaweed and small pools.

Tide times change every day, so be sure to check the tide table before you set off. If you want to swim every day, I’d recommend choosing a hotel with a swimming pool.

I recommend wearing water shoes when walking through the lagoon. Sea urchins and sharp pieces of coral are hidden in the sand. I wouldn’t walk out to the reef itself without a local guide – it’s a long way out and the incoming tide can be fast.

Seaweed and beach facilities

The amount of seaweed varies depending on the wind, currents and the specific part of the coast. On some days the beach may be almost clear, whilst on others a continuous strip of seaweed forms. Therefore, no hotel on the east coast can guarantee a clear beach for the duration of your stay.

There are no public sun lounger hire facilities or showers here. The sun loungers belong to the hotels and are usually for the exclusive use of their guests. You’ll find smaller restaurants and bars near the hotels, but the choice outside the resorts is limited.

For an overview of other areas, see the article on the best beaches in Zanzibar.

Fishing village and local life

Beyond the row of hotels lies not a tourist promenade, but an ordinary Zanzibari village.

Dusty streets, simple concrete houses, fishermen returning from the sea and small food stalls create a striking contrast to the manicured hotel gardens.

It was precisely this contrast that I found more interesting about Matemwe than the tourist facilities themselves.

At first glance, the village may seem chaotic and, in places, run-down, but you can walk around it without any worries. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people.

Things to do and places to visit

Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll

Matemwe’s biggest attraction is the boat trips to Mnemba Atoll, which lies just a few kilometres off the coast. The trips are organised for snorkelling and diving on the surrounding reefs, not for visiting a private island.

You can book a trip on the beach, at your hotel or in advance online. When you arrive, always check whether the price includes transport, equipment, refreshments and any fees. I would also choose a smaller boat and an operator who does not chase wildlife.

Compare trips to Mnemba Atoll

Spices and the north of the island

Just a few kilometres inland lies Issa Spice Farm, which I visited and would recommend as an easy half-day trip to discover Zanzibar’s spices.

For a full day out, you can also head to the livelier Nungwi or the wide beach at Kendwa. Both places offer swimming even at low tide, as well as more restaurants, shops and evening entertainment.

Where to stay in Matemwe

Hotels are scattered along several kilometres of coastline. When choosing, therefore, don’t just look at photos of the beach, but also consider the distance from the village, restaurants and the departure point for your excursions. You can find further practical advice in the article on where to stay in Zanzibar.

Holidays with a travel agency

There are fewer package holidays available to Matemwe than to Pwani Mchangani or Kiwengwa. On the other hand, the advantages include quieter hotels and fewer people on the beach.

• AHG Sun Bay Mlilile Beach **** – a smaller, simpler resort right on the beach, which makes sense mainly if you can get a good price on an all-inclusive package.
• Matemwe Attitude **** – A peaceful adults-only hotel with villas, situated on the beach opposite Mnemba; I would choose this for a higher-standard holiday for couples.

Hotels for independent travellers

For independent travellers, Matemwe offers a wider choice, ranging from simple bungalows to luxury resorts. I would recommend the following options depending on your budget:

• Salama & Mbuyuni Bungalows – a cheaper and very well-reviewed option with swimming pools, about a 10-minute walk from the beach.
• Infinity Beach Boutique Hotel & SPA – a small boutique hotel right on the beach offering excellent value for money.
• Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel **** – A well-established beachfront hotel near the village centre, suitable for those who don’t want to be completely off the beaten track.
• The Mora Zanzibar ***** – A large, luxury resort in the northern part of the area near Mnemba for a holiday without compromise.

Compare hotel prices in Matemwe

How to get to Matemwe

Matemwe is situated on the north-east coast, about 50 to 60 km from Zanzibar Airport. The journey by car takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

With a package holiday, the transfer to the hotel is usually included in the price. For independent travellers with luggage, I recommend booking a hotel transfer or a taxi in advance. Public transport is cheaper, but less comfortable.

There is a dala-dala bus service to Matemwe:

• 118 – towards Stone Town

Buses run frequently during the day, but they do not have a reliable timetable and are often overcrowded. Stops are not always signposted, so ask locals where the correct departure point is.

For trips around the island, you can use a taxi or a hire car. Details, including experiences with dala-dala, can be found in the section on transport in Zanzibar.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Zanzibar.