Information
Landmark: Matemwe BeachCity: Zanzibar
Country: Tanzania
Continent: Africa
Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa
Overview
Matemwe Beach, tucked along Zanzibar’s quiet northeast coast, offers a peaceful stretch of sand and swaying palms, just a short drive from the bustle of Stone Town.Matemwe Beach, with its calm air, glassy turquoise waves, and quick boat ride to Mnemba Atoll-a famed marine reserve-offers a quiet getaway for anyone wanting space and privacy far from the noisy crowds of the island’s busier shores.Matemwe Beach sits about 55 kilometers, or 34 miles, from Stone Town, the bustling capital of Zanzibar where narrow alleys smell faintly of spice.It’s about a 90‑minute drive to the beach, and you can get there by taxi, private car, or on a guided tour.The shore sits in Matemwe, a quiet fishing village where you might see wooden dhows bobbing on the water, steeped in traditional Zanzibari culture.Matemwe Beach’s biggest charm is its long ribbon of soft white sand, where the only sounds are the waves and the occasional rustle of palm leaves, creating a calm, unhurried escape.While many of Zanzibar’s beaches bustle with tourists, Matemwe feels calm and tucked away, the kind of place where you can stretch out on soft sand, wade into gentle shallows, and watch children splash safely in the clear water.Just offshore, Mnemba Atoll waits-a vibrant reef teeming with fish-making it one of the island’s top spots for diving and snorkeling.The atoll is known for its dazzling coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, darting tropical fish, and other marine life, and it’s easy to book a snorkeling tour to glide through that brilliant underwater world.If you’re after a deeper kind of adventure, this is a fantastic place to scuba dive.The waters off Matemwe and Mnemba Atoll stay calm and pleasantly warm, perfect for slipping beneath the surface.Just up the shore, Matemwe Village welcomes you with the easy smiles of its small fishing community.Visitors can discover how locals still fish using age-old techniques, then head out to sea with them for the real thing, the salt air sharp on their skin.The village brims with Zanzibar’s culture-stalls piled high with woven baskets, carved wood, and warm smiles from shopkeepers.Accommodation and Dining 1.At Matemwe Beach, you can stay anywhere from a sleek luxury resort to a cozy boutique hotel or an airy, palm-shaded eco-lodge.It’s perfect if you want a quiet, tucked‑away spot far from Zanzibar’s busy beaches.Popular places to stay along Matemwe Beach range from the upscale Matemwe Lodge, with its private bungalows, quiet atmosphere, and sweeping ocean views, to the mid-range Zanzibar Queen Hotel, where you can wake up to the sound of waves outside your window.For something smaller and more intimate, Shaba Boutique Hotel offers a peaceful retreat just a short stroll from both the beach and the village.Many spots sit right on the sand, so you can step outside and feel it warm under your feet.When it comes to dining, most restaurants here highlight Zanzibar’s local flavors and serve fresh seafood straight from the morning’s catch.At Matemwe Beach, you can feast on grilled fish, lobster, or tender octopus, often paired with pilau rice, ugali, and fresh vegetables.Many beachfront restaurants and hotels set their tables in the open air, so you can taste the sea breeze while savoring your meal.Beachside bars pour fresh fruit juices, icy cocktails, and other cool drinks-the perfect finish after a day of snorkeling or strolling along the sand.The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October and December to February, when sunny skies and calm seas make swimming, diving, and snorkeling ideal.From March to May, the rains bring quieter shores and a slower pace, with far fewer visitors.What makes Matemwe truly special?Its wide, peaceful beach, made for pure relaxation.✔ Great for snorkeling and diving at the nearby Mnemba Atoll, a marine paradise.✔ Authentic local culture in Matemwe village, where visitors can learn about traditional Zanzibari life.✔ A range of luxury resorts and boutique hotels offering peaceful stays with beachfront access.✔ Beautiful sunrises and sunsets for photography and relaxation.✔ Fresh seafood and Zanzibari cuisine available at local restaurants.Perfect for snorkeling or diving at the nearby Mnemba Atoll, where clear turquoise water shimmers over bright coral reefs.Experience the authentic local culture of Matemwe village, where you might watch fishermen mend their nets and learn the rhythms of traditional Zanzibari life.You’ll find everything from sleek boutique hotels to lavish resorts, each offering a quiet retreat just steps from the warm sand.
