Matemwe Beach House, Zanzibar

Matemwe Beach House — Your Private Villa on Zanzibar's Best Beach

Matemwe Beach House is a three-bedroom exclusive-use villa set just metres from the white sand of Matemwe Beach on Zanzibar's northeast coast, directly opposite the famous Mnemba Island. This is not a hotel or a resort — it is a private home, fully staffed with a dedicated chef, butler and room attendant, booked as a single unit for families or groups of up to six guests. You set the schedule, choose the meals, and live at your own pace in one of the most beautiful coastal settings in East Africa.

The house is operated by Asilia Africa and sits adjacent to Matemwe Lodge, whose spa, restaurant and additional facilities are available to Beach House guests. But the appeal of the house is its independence: a walled garden, a private swimming pool, direct beach access, and the quiet knowledge that everything from breakfast to sundowners is handled by staff who are dedicated exclusively to your group.

The House

Built using traditional Zanzibari materials — coral stone, carved wood, palm thatch — and furnished with handcrafted pieces and locally woven fabrics, the Beach House reflects the island's Swahili architectural heritage. The ground floor has two double bedrooms: a master bedroom with king bed and en-suite bathroom, and a second bedroom with twin beds and adjoining bathroom. A mezzanine loft above provides a third sleeping space with twin beds and ocean views — popular with children. The communal areas include a comfortable lounge, a dining area, a bar, and a large wooden deck with sun loungers overlooking the ocean. The private swimming pool is safely fenced, making it suitable for families with young children.

Activities

Matemwe's location opposite Mnemba Island puts some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean within a 30-minute boat ride. A PADI dive centre offers courses and guided dives across sites ranging from gentle coral gardens to dramatic 50-metre wall drops. Snorkelling directly off the beach is possible at low tide. Kayaking along the northeast coast, dhow sailing, guided reef walks to observe marine life at low tide, and turtle-watching excursions are all available. Cultural village walks give an insight into Zanzibari life. Massages and spa treatments can be arranged at the neighbouring Matemwe Lodge.

Who Is Matemwe Beach House Best For?

This is the ideal Zanzibar accommodation for families or small groups who want privacy, staff and beach access without the social dynamics of a resort. It works beautifully as the beach extension of a Northern Circuit safari — fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar and decompress for three or four nights in your own beachfront home. Couples seeking a romantic escape will appreciate the intimacy, though the house is at its best when shared by a family or group of friends who fill all three bedrooms.