Matemwe

Matemwe

Matemwe is a working fishing village on Zanzibar's northeast coast that happens to sit on the island's longest beach over 10 kilometres of white sand and directly opposite Mnemba Atoll, the best diving and snorkelling site in Zanzibar . The village is quiet. Cows and chickens roam the streets. Women harvest seaweed on the reef flats at low tide. There are no nightclubs, no beach bars blasting music. Just a long, wide beach, a turquoise lagoon, and a reef that draws divers from around the world . Matemwe is where you go when you want Zanzibar without the crowd. It is also where you launch from for Mnemba a 30-minute boat ride to some of East Africa's finest coral reefs . AfriMemories Expedition treats Matemwe as the quiet alternative to Nungwi and Paje a place for travellers who want authenticity, marine life, and space.
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14 tours in Matemwe

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Max. price$18,900.00
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Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder
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Jozani Forest Zanzibar

Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder

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0-3 hours
from$1,400.00 /person

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FAQ’s about Matemwe

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Where is Matemwe located?
On Zanzibar's northeast coast, about 45-75 minutes from Stone Town and roughly 1 hour from Zanzibar International Airport
Why is Matemwe famous?
Two reasons: it has Zanzibar's longest beach (over 10 km), and it is the gateway to Mnemba Atoll — the island's best diving and snorkelling site
Can you swim in Matemwe?
Only at high tide. The tide range is very large, and at low tide the water retreats hundreds of metres, exposing reef flats and seaweed farms. Swimming is best at high tide
What is Mnemba Atoll?

A protected marine reserve 3 km off Matemwe's coast. It is home to around 600 species of coral fish, plus dolphins, green sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales .

Can I dive or snorkel at Mnemba from Matemwe?
Yes. Dive schools and snorkelling boats operate from Matemwe beach daily. The boat ride to Mnemba takes about 30 minutes
What is the seaweed farming experience?

Matemwe women have farmed seaweed for generations. At low tide, you can wade out to the farms, learn how seaweed is tied to stakes and harvested, and even make organic soap from it .

What is the best time to visit Matemwe?

June to October for dry weather, best diving, and humpback whale sightings. December to February is hot and dry. Avoid March to May (long rains) .

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