Matemwe is known for its peaceful charm and white-sand beaches on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. Unlike the busy areas of Nungwi or Kendwa, Matemwe moves at a slower pace. You’ll see calm blue waters, long stretches of beach, and daily village life.
Matemwe is not just a favorite for tourists. Many locals and expats in Zanzibar choose it for weekend getaways. The village may be small, but it has plenty of beachfront hotels and cozy restaurants offering fresh seafood and Zanzibari dishes. If you enjoy walks by the sea, you can stroll along the beach to Kiwengwa and Pwanimchangani. Renting a car in Zanzibar allows you to explore this peaceful coastline at your own pace. Our Matemwe travel guide will help you find the best scenic routes, places to stop for photos, and where to eat and rest.
The first step to getting to Matemwe is renting a car in Zanzibar. Book your car online in advance to ensure it’s ready when you arrive. Most rental companies offer pickup at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or downtown Stone Town. To rent a car, you need a valid driving license, your passport, and a Zanzibar Driving Permit, which your rental company will usually arrange for you.
Driving from the airport to Matemwe takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes, covering 53 kilometers via Nyerere Road. The drive is smooth, passing through open landscapes, small towns, and green areas. Once you leave the airport, head north and follow Nyerere Road. There is also the local Daladala bus, but it’s slow and often crowded. It’s the cheapest way to travel, but not the most comfortable.
Before leaving Stone Town, many visitors stop at Darajani Market to buy fruit, snacks, or bottled water. It’s a good place to prepare for the road, especially if you plan to take your time getting to Matemwe.
Matemwe is a year-round destination, but knowing the seasons helps you plan better. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October. You’ll enjoy warm weather, calm seas, and clear skies. This is ideal for beach days and water activities.
The shoulder season runs from November to mid-December and March to May. You might get some rain, quiet beaches, and lower hotel rates during these months. The long rains come between March and May, and though some days are wet, the green landscapes look beautiful. It's also a great time to enjoy Zanzibar’s lush nature and avoid big crowds. Matemwe’s peak tourist season is from December to March. Expect more people, higher prices, lively energy, and sunny days. This time suits travelers looking for a mix of beach time and local events. The beach is still quiet compared to places like Nungwi.
The beach stretches more than 20 kilometers along the northeast coast. You’ll see white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise waters. The beach changes with the tide, and the sea pulls far away during low tide. This reveals shallow pools, seaweed farms, and a beautiful view. You may spot locals walking far out to check their seaweed lines, sometimes 100 meters from shore.
Swimming in Matemwe is not always easy. The reef sits very far out about 500 meters. During low tide, the water becomes too shallow. There are also sea urchins and small coral patches, so wear sandals if you enter the water. The beach is more about relaxing, walking, and taking photos. When the tide is high, you can enjoy better swimming or plan a trip to Mnemba Island, where the conditions are perfect for snorkelers and divers.
Matemwe Beach is also a space shared with locals. You’ll often see children playing, fishermen preparing dhows, and people riding bicycles up and down the beach. The beach is wide, but never crowded. In the evening, the area becomes quiet again as the sun sets. And when the sky turns black, the stars come out in full. Matemwe is one of the best places in Zanzibar for stargazing because of its remote location and open sky.
Matemwe is full of simple joys and exciting outdoor experiences. If you’re thinking about things to do in Matemwe, you won’t be disappointed. This area offers water sports, cultural visits, and nature activities.
One of the top things to do in Matemwe is visit Mnemba Atoll, which is just a short boat ride away. This protected area has vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving with guides from local resorts. The underwater visibility is excellent; dive packages often include gear and even light onboard meals.
Experienced divers and beginners are both welcome. If you're lucky, you might even see rays, turtles, and whales. The best time to see whales is from August to October. Snorkelers also love this area. Some book a refresher course in a nearby pool before joining a deeper dive.
Matemwe offers relaxing ways to enjoy the sea without diving in. You can take a sunset cruise and sail along the coast in a traditional dhow. The calm sea and golden sky make for an unforgettable view. Horseback rides are also available in the morning or at sunset. These slow-paced tours give you a quiet and scenic way to explore the beach. If you're into photography, both activities give you a great chance to capture Matemwe’s beauty. You can also enjoy an adult turtle snorkeling tour, which includes sea turtle sightings, coral views, and a 3 to 4 hour ocean ride.
You can join a guided tour to meet the local community and learn how seaweed farming supports many families. You might even get invited for a cup of spiced tea or try cooking at a local home. Other cultural tours include visits to organic spice farms, where you learn about local crops and even try cooking. These tours help support the community and often include donations. Most village tours last around 3 hours.
Many visitors use Matemwe as a base for day trips across the island. These trips let you explore more of Zanzibar while still enjoying Matemwe’s peaceful atmosphere. You can easily arrange tours through your hotel or book them in advance.
Just off the coast of Matemwe, Mnemba Island is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful marine reserves. While the island is private, you can take a boat tour for snorkeling and diving. These tours often last 2 to 6 hours, including equipment, a guide, and refreshments. The coral reefs here are full of life, perfect for underwater photos. You can see dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish up close.
A trip to Stone Town allows you to explore the historic center of Zanzibar. It is about one hour away from Matemwe by car. Once there, you can walk through narrow alleys, visit the local market, and learn about the island’s spice trade and colonial past. Some key sites include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and various mosques and cathedrals.
Zanzibar is often called the Spice Island, and you’ll understand why when you join a spice tour. These tours last about three hours and take you to local farms where you can touch, smell, and taste cloves, vanilla, cardamom, and other spices. Some tours include village walks where you learn about local life, cooking, and farming practices. These experiences are great for families or anyone who wants to connect with local culture.
Matemwe offers a wide range of accommodations to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you're traveling for a honeymoon or just needing a quiet room by the sea, you’ll find a place that works for you. Most hotels near the beach offer easy access to tours and activities.
Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive places to stay in the area. It offers four private villas with a plunge pool, rooftop terrace, and private beach access. The villas have air-conditioned bedrooms, stylish bathrooms, and sun decks. Guests get butler service, private dining, and even massages in their rooms. If you want luxury, privacy, and top service, this is the place to book.
Matemwe Lodge is a favorite for travelers wanting something more peaceful but affordable. It offers cozy bungalows with views of the ocean. The staff is helpful, and the atmosphere is calm. You can also access local-stle food, spa treatments, and nearby excursions. Other great mid-range options include Sunshine Hotel Zanzibar, known for its beachfront rooms and relaxing pool, and Villa Kiva, which offers good food, clean rooms, and friendly service. These hotels blend comfort with local charm.
Budget travelers will find excellent value in Matemwe’s guesthouses. Zeru Zeru Eco Lodge uses sustainable materials and supports local communities. It features shared kitchens and eco-friendly rooms. Twisted Palms Lodge offers beach views and local meals at low prices. Maji Lodge is known for its colorful decor, rooftop terrace, and quiet garden. These places are simple but full of character and give you a closer connection to the area.
Eating in Matemwe is not about busy food streets or loud restaurants. It’s about fresh flavors, local ingredients, and relaxing meals with a sea view. While the village has fewer dining spots, the food here is simple, tasty, and true to Zanzibar’s island stle. Most resorts and hotels in Matemwe have restaurants, and many also welcome outside guests. So even if you’re not staying there, you can still stop by for a meal or a drink.
Seafood is the highlight in Matemwe. You can enjoy grilled lobster, octopus curry, spiced prawns, and coconut fish stew. These are all made from fish caught the same day by local fishermen. Most meals are cooked using Swahili spices. If you prefer lighter options, fresh vegetarian dishes are easy to find, including grilled vegetables, tropical salads, and rice cooked in coconut milk. Sweet fruits like pineapple, mango, banana, and passionfruit are always part of the table.
Hotels in Matemwe take pride in their dining. Many include breakfast with your stay. A typical morning meal might consist of fresh juice, pancakes, local fruit, tea or coffee, and eggs cooked any way you like. Lunch menus often offer grilled fish, light curries, and pasta. At dinner, you can sit under the stars with a full-course meal. Some resorts serve Italian-influenced dishes, while others stay entirely local. Matemwe Retreat, for example, allows private dinners in your villa or rooftop.
One of the most unique places to eat near Matemwe is The Island Restaurant at Pongwe. It’s not in Matemwe, but close enough for a short drive. The location is special because it sits on its own small island just off the shore. You walk out when the tide is low or take a small boat during high tide. This restaurant is popular for its seafood platters, romantic setting, and 360-degree ocean views. It’s perfect for a special lunch or a sunset dinner.
Matemwe is one of the most romantic places in Zanzibar. The peaceful beaches, quiet nights, and ocean views create the perfect setting for honeymoons, anniversaries, or any special trip with your partner. Matemwe gives you space, privacy, and beauty without loud crowds or busy streets.
Many resorts in Matemwe offer romance-focused experiences. Matemwe Retreat is known for its candlelit dinners on the beach, where you dine under the stars with your feet in the sand. They also serve Champagne breakfasts and offer couple’s massages in your villa or on your private rooftop. These extras can be arranged as part of a honeymoon package. Some hotels also help you plan a wedding ceremony right on the beach. This includes floral setups, dinner arrangements, and music, all set against the view of the Indian Ocean.
Beyond romance, Matemwe is also a place where responsible tourism is taken seriously. Many hotels use local materials, such as coconut wood, coral stone, and palm leaves (makuti roofing). Matemwe Retreat, for example, was built by local craftsmen using these natural resources. The furniture is made from wood found nearby, and the decorations come from local social programs, including an organization for the blind in Stone Town that produces woven mats.
Some resorts, including Matemwe Lodge and Retreat, use solar panels to heat water and power basic amenities. This helps reduce environmental damage. Most staff are hired from the nearby villages, providing stable jobs and keeping the benefits of tourism within the community. You help support local families, schools, and health projects by staying at these places.
Before heading out, book your hotel and tours in advance, especially during the busy season. Always check the tide schedule before swimming, and wear sandals to protect your feet from sea urchins. Bring your snorkeling gear if possible, though many tours provide it. Whether in a luxury villa or a simple lodge, Matemwe gives you space to relax, discover, and connect with nature.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Zanzibar. You can book online, choose a pickup location, and find vehicles for every budget. Our cars are well-maintained and ready when you land. With no hidden fees and free cancellation, you will have more time to enjoy Matemwe and the rest of Zanzibar.
