JK Safaris - Coast

Zanzibar

Just the name Zanzibar gives you a magical, romantic and exotic thrill. The island has been a stopping point for traders since the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Consequently a wonderful cultural mix of Chinese, Indian, Arabic, African and European people emerged. The main attractions of Zanzibar are both the old stone town and the beaches. The town is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has narrow, winding streets (look out - even with a map it is quite easy to get lost), a distinct Arabic flavor and a number of interesting places to visit, such as old slavetrader houses, the Fort, the People's Palace, the dhow harbor etc. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy fresh, seafood dishes. Outside town you have beautiful beaches on the eastern side of the island. An excellent beach vacation offers scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, biking and just relaxing.

Place to stay
Matemwe Bungalows - key facts

1. Location / surroundings
Zanzibar Island is a tropical island east from Tanzania measuring 60 miles long and 20 miles wide. Zanzibar is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, its palm trees, its seafood and the magic of historic Stone Town, which was recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The northeast part of the island is known as Matemwe. This part of the island is well known for its fine weather and natural beauty - the contrasting colours of the Indian Ocean, the fine white powder sand of the beach, the extreme beauty of the coral reef of the Mnemba Atoll and the wild bush vegetation. Matemwe Bungalows borders a small village of fishermen, Kigomani, who go out sailing with their armada of traditional dhows on a daily basis.

2. Facilities
Being upgraded in the 2005 off-season, Matemwe Bungalows will have 12 en-suite bungalows available built from local materials by July 2005, each with a personal touch. While the sea is always available, a multi-level swimming pool will be added to Matemwe by July 2005, to refresh our guests during the sunny Zanzibar days. The swimming pool will be very much in keeping with the current atmosphere at Matemwe. All the rooms, as well as our restaurant are directly overlooking the Indian Ocean. You can enjoy the comings and goings of the local ngalawa fishing fleet from the comfort of your veranda, from the poolside relaxation area or from the restaurant. Matemwe Bungalows is tucked between two perfect, white-sanded beaches, inviting you to relax and unwind.
All 12 suites have private verandas where you can laze in your own hammocks. Although mosquitoes are rare in Matemwe, all rooms are equipped with a large mosquito net. Our suites have large king-size beds especially suited for honeymooners. An extra single bed makes them also suitable for small families.
Seafood is the specialty of the house, with all produce bought daily from the local markets. Lunch is a buffet offering a delicious mix of African and European flavors. Dinner offers a choice of main courses between fish, meat and vegetarian.
For the early birds the sunrise is a sight to savor. Early morning, tea and/or coffee and delicious cookies will be served at your veranda. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderful romantic experience you're not likely to forget. On moonless nights gaze and get lost in the star-filled sky.
Our pool-side bar under the palm trees on the sand is a peaceful retreat, as is our swimming pool overlooking the ocean (available as from July 2005). Also, you can enjoy a cocktail in the relaxing lounge area, overlooking the ocean and the activity of the fishermen.
For those who need to keep in contact with the world outside, we offer internet and telephone/fax facilities in our main building. Television still didn't make it into Paradise.

3. Activities
Matemwe Bungalows arranges ocean trips with snorkeling equipment, which enables you to enjoy the local reef and discover Mnemba Atoll in a relaxed and informative manner. Come to join us on our traditional wooden sailing dhow! Matemwe Bungalows organizes diving trips in co-operation with a professional diving centre (for rates of diving packages, please contact Matemwe@asilialodges.com). For the ones who don't like boats, snorkeling can be done straight from Matemwe's beach or during reef walks. Kayaks are also available to explore the crystal clear sea.
Local snorkeling/diving sites are suitable for all levels of experience, from beginning snorkels or experienced divers. Variety is the key word on the reefs around Matemwe. Soft and hard corals, sponges and anemones abound, and you will be amazed by the sheer range of fish species to be found in these waters. You might find dolphins in the water or - for the lucky ones - even spot a whale passing by the reef (best chance for whales in the period August - October).
Visits to the neighboring village can be arranged for those who want to explore the local Zanzibar culture and village life and for those who wish to learn about the community projects that Matemwe is involved in: Matemwe Bungalows has created strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its neighbors and has undertaken various community projects, including the building of a local library.
From Matemwe Bungalows, day-trips can be arranged to the historic centre of Stone Town, Jozani Forest or Prison Island. We can also organize a Spice Tour for you, a highly interesting way to get introduced to the great variety of the spices that the island is famous for.

4. Weddings and honeymoons
Candle lit private beach dinners under the stars, Champagne breakfast, honeymoon suites, aromatic massage oils?Matemwe Bungalows offers special packages for honeymooners and is proud to offer dream weddings at its pristine beaches. Honeymoon packages can include other Asilia destinations to create an unforgettable honeymoon in Tanzania, combining a romantic stay at Matemwe Bungalows with an exclusive and intimate safari. Please contact us for further information.