Matemwe
Matemwe
Matemwe • Image 2
Matemwe • Image 3
Matemwe • Image 4Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Tanzania
Warm and humid
Year-round travel
Dolphins
3 key species listed
4 to 7 Nights
Tailored itinerary
Dry months give the clearest water
High & Green seasons
About Matemwe & Destination Guide
Matemwe is a quiet beach on the north-east coast and a good base for boat trips to Mnemba. It suits couples and divers who want a peaceful stay with the reef close by.
Boats leave early for the reef. Most guests snorkel or dive, return for lunch, and spend the afternoon on the beach. Evenings are calm.
The trade-off is that there is little nightlife and the tide goes out at low water. Come for quiet, not for a lively beach.
Matemwe is a short boat ride from Mnemba. We run the airport transfer and the Mnemba trips from here.
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Take a private or shared transfer from Zanzibar airport (ZNZ) to Matemwe. The drive from the airport takes about 1 hour. See the airport to Matemwe transfer page and the arrival guide.
Private air-conditioned road transfers and scheduled ferry services connect all coastal resorts, towns, and beaches with full luggage assistance.
exploreMatemwe Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Matemwe.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
Dry months give the clearest water. Go out early for Mnemba trips.
Warm and humid. The tide matters here, so check times for swimming and boat departures. Rain falls in March to May.
Highlights & Wildlife in Matemwe
petsKey Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Boat trips to Mnemba for snorkelling and diving
Quiet beach
Dolphin watching trips
Fishing village life
Activities & Things to Do in Matemwe
Deep Sea Fishing
You go out early with local fishermen and a crew, past the reef into deeper water, and fish with traditional and modern methods. You are back at the beach by lunchtime, and many guests ask the crew to prepare part of the catch. Catches are never guaranteed, and the sea can be rough. This trip suits guests who are comfortable on a small boat for several hours.
Snorkelling Adventure
A boat takes you to several reef spots where a guide helps you into the water with a mask and fins. You float over coral and reef fish, with time in between to rest on the boat. Choose this trip if you want more than one snorkelling stop. If you want the best known reef, look at Mnemba, and for turtles look at Nungwi.
Sea Kayak Adventure
You paddle with a guide through mangrove channels and along the coast, with stops for snorkelling. The pace is easy, and you can rest on the water when you like. You need to be comfortable in the sea and able to paddle for an hour or more. Tides change the route, so the guide decides where you go.
Jet Ski Safari
You ride a jet ski in a line behind a guide along the coast, with scenic stops and a swim. A safety briefing comes first, and you wear a life vest the whole time. Jet skis are fast and need care. Only the guide chooses the route, and age and licence rules apply.
Parasailing Adventure
A boat tows you in a parasail high above the sea for views of the coast. You can fly alone or as a tandem pair. A crew member fits the harness and explains the launch and landing. The flight itself is short, and the trip depends on wind and sea conditions. Weight and age limits apply.
Local Village Experience
You visit a village with a local guide and spend time with a family, take part in simple cooking and walk through the lanes, fields and the shore. You see how people farm, fish and cook, and you eat together. Ask before taking photos of people, and dress modestly. Choose this tour if you want real daily life and not a show [VERIFY: which village and family we work with].
Half Day Island Tour
This tour gives you a quick overview of the island: a beach, a village and some scenic stops, all by car with a guide. It is a good first day or a flexible day when you want something easy. It is a sampler, so it does not go deep into one place. If you have a full day, look at the north, east or south coast tours.
Full Day Beach Hopping
You visit several beaches on the north and east coasts in one day, for example Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje, with time to swim and have lunch. A driver and guide take you from beach to beach. The honest trade-off is the driving: the north and the east are far apart, and you spend part of the day in the car. The tide also changes the east coast, so we plan the order around it.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Matemwe
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Matemwe
Request Custom ItineraryWhere to Stay in Matemwe
Matemwe Attitude
mid range Tier
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Matemwe?
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Dry months give the clearest water. Go out early for Mnemba trips.
How do I get to Matemwe?
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Take a private or shared transfer from Zanzibar airport (ZNZ) to Matemwe. The drive from the airport takes about 1 hour. See the airport to Matemwe transfer page and the arrival guide.
What is the weather like in Matemwe?
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Warm and humid. The tide matters here, so check times for swimming and boat departures. Rain falls in March to May.
What can I see and do in Matemwe?
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• Boat trips to Mnemba for snorkelling and diving • Quiet beach • Dolphin watching trips • Fishing village life
What should I pack for Matemwe?
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Light, breathable cotton clothing, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable sandals. A light layer helps for breezy evenings. In Stone Town and in villages, clothes that cover shoulders and knees are polite.