Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar
Matemwe Retreat
Luxury Island Seclusion
Tucked away in the north-east part of Zanzibar Island, you’ll find the serene Matemwe Retreat, a sister property of Matemwe Lodge and Matemwe Beach House. Enjoying unspoilt views of the Indian Ocean and Mnemba Island, this exclusive hideaway will give you the privacy and seclusion you need to slip into idyllic island life.
Just four villas, each with a private plunge pool, and a main lodge make up this luxury beach-side retreat. Constructed by local craftsmen using local materials where possible, the villa’s walls are made of local stone, the roof of Makuti thatch, the furniture of locally produced coconut wood and the soft furnishings are the craftsmanship of Zanzibari women.
On the ground floor of your villa, you’ll find a private bar area, a comfortable bedroom and an oversized bathroom complete with an ocean view. Venture out towards the verandah for a comfortable couch and a large hammock from which you can unwind and watch the fishing dhows returning from their day at sea. Ascend to the roof terrace for a dip in your private plunge pool or to sunbath.
The main lodge hosts the retreat’s restaurant and can be accessed from the four villas via wooden walkways. The resort has its own fine sand beach where at high tide you can watch fisherman sail across the lagoon in billowing dhows and at low tide a beautiful reef is revealed for you to explore.
Highlights
Diving and snorkelling
Watersports
Reef walk
Dhow trip
Village visits
Stone Town visit
Spice tour
Four villas
Private beach
Private plunge pools
Spa treatments
Laundry service
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Zanzibar
Whatever you want from your adventure in Zanzibar, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Matemwe Retreat with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
