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On the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe is a peaceful and pretty beach that stretches for several kilometers either side of the small seaside town of the same name. Development along the beach is relatively scattered
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and consists mostly of small upmarket resorts and holiday homes, so the atmosphere is not at all touristy. Matemwe is only 7km/4mi from Mnemba Island, which is visible on the northeast horizon. This proximity to Zanzibar’s most popular coral reefs means that Matemwe is well suited to diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.-
Size
- ± 6km / 3.7mi long
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Best Time To Go
- January, February and June to October
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Crowds
- Fairly busy in a few places but never crowded
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Sleeping
- Resorts are mostly small and mid-range to upmarket
Pros & Cons
- One of the longest and quietest of Zanzibar’s main beaches
- Good swimming, especially at high tide
- Close to the snorkeling and diving sites on Mnemba
- Less touristy than the likes of Paje or Nungwi Beaches
- Long beach walks south to the resort town of Pwani Mchangani
- Diving excursions and other activities
- Low levels of hassle from touts and vendors
- Limited dining-out options except at hotels
- Swimming usually not possible at low tide
- Unsuited to those seeking big package resorts
The Beach
Matemwe has a lovely beach that seems to go on forever. There’s a significant band of white sand – sensuously soft and cool underfoot – that is present even at the highest of tides, and there
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are plenty of tall coconut palms to provide shade. Building development at Matemwe tends to be low-rise and to avoid excessive use of concrete, which gives it an appealingly organic feel. The north end of the beach is marked by a scenic outcrop of coral-rock arches and overhangs, with a local-style restaurant perched on top.Matemwe Beach is very peaceful. You’ll see villagers quietly going about their business, groups of youngsters kicking a football or playing in the shallows, and usually a few other tourists swimming or strolling past, but it isn’t at all crowded. There are also far fewer touts and vendors than you get on more popular beaches, so there’s very little hassle.Sleeping
A good range of accommodations are available. The main cluster of resort hotels lies in and around the small town of Matemwe or the even tinier village of Kigomani, 1.5km/0.9mi farther north. Elsewhere, hotels are quite
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widely scattered. The trend at Matemwe is toward small upmarket beach hotels (between five and 15 rooms) with an individualistic or boutique feel. There are also a few larger resort hotels, while a selection of mid-range and budget options can be found close to town.Eating & Drinking
As is the case with many Zanzibari beaches, most visitors eat at their hotel. Indeed, it is quite common for hotels to book in guests on a full- or half-board basis. If you want to vary
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your culinary options, you’ll find that most beach resorts welcome walk-in diners. There are also several unpretentious locally owned beach restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with your feet in the sand and a sea breeze wafting through the roof. Practically all restaurants serve Tanzanian beers and a range of South African wines, and most resorts also have a cocktail menu.Things To Do at Matemwe
Matemwe has a wonderful swimming beach. Protected by a barrier reef running south from the Mnemba Atoll, the water is usually warm, calm and inviting. The sea may be too shallow to swim at low tide,
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but most resorts have a swimming pool as a fallback option. Some hotels offer facilities for kitesurfing, kayaking and other water sports, but Matemwe is less developed in this respect than many other beaches on Zanzibar.Matemwe is ideal for long walks. The sand is pleasantly firm underfoot, and local people even cycle on it! If you’re feeling energetic, you could hike all the way south along the beach to the resort villages of Pwani Mchangani or Kiwengwa.Nearby Things To Do
Of Zanzibar’s established beach destinations, Matemwe is the closest to the Mnemba Atoll and its coral reefs. Here, snorkelers can swim alongside colorful reef fish in shallow coral gardens, while divers head to the deeper
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reefs. Dolphins, whales and turtles might also be seen swimming past the . Any hotel or dive school in Matemwe can arrange boat trips to snorkel or dive around Mnemba.Another popular activity is a guided day tour to Stone Town. Set within Zanzibar City, this historic harborfront quarter is steeped in traditional culture, and its alleys are lined with timeworn buildings dating to the 19th century and earlier. Inland possibilities include a visit to nearby Kiwengwa Caves, monkey trekking in Jozani Forest, and a spice tour to an old plantation.How To Get to Matemwe
Matemwe stands on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, about 50km/31mi from Stone Town and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Road transfers or taxis, which can be arranged through any hotel or tour operator, usually take less