Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge sits on Zanzibar's quiet north east coast, on a low coral bluff above a long stretch of white sand at Matemwe village. Twelve chalets are built from local coral rag, timber and makuti thatch and spread through lush gardens, each with a private veranda, a hammock and a daybed facing the Indian Ocean. Six can take a third bed for families and two have their own plunge pool. The heart of the lodge is an open sided makuti banda holding the lounge, bar and dining area, with an infinity pool cut into the rock below and steps down to the beach. Directly offshore lies Mnemba Atoll, one of the finest reefs in East Africa, and the lodge runs daily snorkelling and diving trips there along with kayaking, dhow sailing, deep sea fishing and dolphin excursions. Back on land there is a small spa, Swahili cooking lessons, reef walks at low tide with local fishermen, village visits and spice tours. Meals lean heavily on the day's catch, served in the banda, on the beach or privately on your veranda. Asilia runs the lodge to a strong conservation and community standard, and it pairs naturally with a mainland safari as the beach half of a bush and beach itinerary.