All the hotels listed on our North East pages are located in and around the village of Matemwe and along the Matemwe beach. Close to Matemwe and easily accessible (for a price) from here is the Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest and the island that rises out of the Mnemba Atoll.

MATEMWE

This is the northernmost beach on the east coast of Zanzibar and has remained reasonably intimate compared to more built up and westernized destinations to the south. The beach offers fine white sands and remains reasonably unspoiled (though here are still occasional beach-sellers and touts). As with all beaches on the northern coast (except Pongwe) swimming is impossible at low tide and the beach becomes a extensive desert of coral flats.

However, the reef is wonderful to explore and most hotels offer walking if not cycling tours, village tours as well as possible kayak hire and sailing trips (these can also often be arranged cheaper through local fishermen). Snorkeling and diving trips as well as excursions to various attractions on Zanzibar can be easily arranged through most hotels.

Seaweed is a seasonal pain for hoteliers and tourists alike along the northern coast. The beaches are not as rigorously combed as in the Caribbean so do not expect them to be weed free. Many locals farm the plant so it is best to keep an open mind about its annoyance.