Matemwe lies perched on a coral rock, surrounded by the best beaches and opposite the Mnemba atoll, which offers spectacular diving and snorkelling. The lodge is about 60 minutes from Stone Town. The friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, lush tropical gardens, fine white sand, intimate swimming pools, massages, and magnificent food specializing in fresh seafood make Matemwe the ultimate tropical paradise on the intriguing island of Zanzibar.

The lodge consists of 12 beautiful bungalows, built from local materials and surrounded by beautiful garden. Each suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Indian Ocean. Inside the room, you'll find a grand, king-size bed, an extra single bed, plenty of space and personal touches. The bathrooms are large and have deep bathtubs and walk-in showers. Although mosquitoes are rare in Matemwe, all rooms are equipped with a large mosquito net.

The open-air restaurant overlooks the ocean and has a tranquil area to lounge-about-in as well. Seafood is the speciality of the house, with all produce bought daily from the local markets. Lunch is a buffet offering a delicious mix of African and European flavours. Dinner offers a choice of main courses with fish, meat and vegetarian options.

Matemwe has a multi-level swimming pool surrounded with lounge chairs overlooking the ocean. Freshly mixed cocktails are served at the poolside bar.

Ngalawas, fleets of traditional wooden sailing boats, pass by Matemwe - delivering a dream for any photographer - and the lodge is a daily stop for the fishermen who sell fresh crab, lobster and fish to Matemwe for lunches and dinners. Enjoy this sight at early morning, when fresh coffee and delicious cookies are served on your veranda. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderfully romantic experience.

For those who need to make contact with the outside world, internet and telephone/fax facilities are available. Television hasn't reached here yet.

Activities
Matemwe is a perfect place for relaxation as well as water activities. When staying here, ocean trips with snorkelling equipment can be easily arranged for you. You can sail or motor out to the local reef and discover the little island of Mnemba Atoll- right opposite Matemwe. Diving trips can also be organized for you through a professional diving centre to help you experience the breathtaking underwater world of the Indian Ocean. You can also snorkel direct from the beach or during reef walks. Kayaks are available to explore the crystal clear sea.
Local snorkelling/diving sites are suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to experienced divers. Variety is the key word on the reefs around Matemwe: soft and hard corals, sponges and anemones abound, and you will be amazed by the sheer range of fish species in these waters. You might find dolphins in the water that come close to your boat to show off or - for the lucky ones - even sight a whale passing by the reef (best chance for whales in the period August - October).

Visits to the neighbouring village can be arranged for those who want to experience the local Zanzibar culture and village life and for those who wish to learn about the community projects with which Matemwe is involved.

From Matemwe, day-trips can be arranged to the historic centre of Stone Town, Jozani Forest or Prison Island. We can also organize a Spice Tour for you, a highly interesting way to learn about the great variety of spices that the island is famous for - and who knows, maybe you will be inspired to cook some Zanzibari dishes yourself when you get home!

Please note:

• All major credit cards are accepted with 5% surcharge.
• Rates are quoted on a full board basis and include coffee & tea, mineral water during meal times and guided reef walks.
• Matemwe (Bungalow) is closed in April and May. 
• A 30% non-refundable deposit is due upon confirmation and the balance is due 30 days before guest arrival.

---

Itinerary - 7 nights

• DAY 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Zanzibar with Air Tanzania. Transfer to Matemwe Bungalows where you will be staying for 7 nights on a full board basis (tea & coffee, water during meal times and guided reef walks included)
• DAY 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include:

International (departure from Johannesburg) flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Prices Do Not include:

Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.

---

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

• USD 2622; EUR 1783; ZAR 18 411 (Matemwe bungalow full board)