Matemwe, Tanzania: beach, tides, stays and getting there

Most visitors come for the beach, which Wikipedia calls the longest in Zanzibar². The village faces a lagoon and a coral reef², and its shallows are worked by the village’s seaweed farmers and fishermen.

What you’ll find in and around the village:

• The beach: long and sandy¹, with the reef out beyond the lagoon.
• The reefs: coral reefs and shallow waters¹ that support a wide range of marine life.
• Seaweed farming: one of the trades Matemwe is known for¹, alongside its fishing communities.
• Muyuni Beach: north of the village, a 90-metre⁵ white-sand beach near Sunshine Marine Lodge.

Mnemba Atoll by boat

Mnemba Island is a 30-minute boat ride⁹ from Matemwe. The island lies opposite Muyuni Beach on Unguja’s north-east coast¹⁰.

Boat trips charge a marine conservation fee on top of the trip price. Non-East African visitors pay these rates:

For boats, reefs and timings in more depth, see planning a trip to Mnemba Atoll.

Diving and snorkelling with One Ocean

One Ocean has a dive school in Matemwe¹¹ and runs Mnemba Atoll trips from its Matemwe dive centre¹². What to expect:

• Timing: you meet between 8:00 and 9:00 am and are back after 5–6 hours¹².
• Pickup: free transfers¹² from hotels in Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani and Pongwe Bay.
• Courses: at Matemwe Beach Village, One Ocean runs diving, dive courses and snorkelling¹³ as a PADI dive centre.

A dhow at sunset

Traditional dhows make for a wonderful sunset cruise⁸, in Wikivoyage’s view. Ask your hotel what it can arrange.

The cooking at Jahazi blends Zanzibari flavours with Mediterranean and Asian influences²². Jahazi recommends booking for dinner²², romantic dinners and larger groups.

At Matemwe Attitude, the main restaurant Chakula Chakula serves a buffet of world flavours with local specialities, and Fukwe, the beachfront hut, does wood-fired pizzas²³.

Drinks prices at Matemwe hotels give you an idea of bar bills: