Major city · Tanzania
Matemwe
Matemwe is a quiet beach escape on Zanzibar's east coast. Two nights are enough for snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll and relaxing; add a third if you want a full day of diving or a trip to Stone Town.
Matemwe is one of Zanzibar's quieter coastal villages, with a long sandy beach, traditional fishing and seaweed farming. The main draw is the Mnemba Island marine area, a short boat ride away, offering some of the best snorkelling and diving on the island. Accommodation ranges from basic bungalows to mid-range resorts. It's a good base if you want to avoid the busier beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa but still have easy access to Stone Town and other east-coast spots.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TZS
- Best months
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb
- avoid Mar–May (main rainy season)
- Airport
- ZNZ
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Tanzania ↗Apply for the Tanzania e-visa only on the official immigration portal; Zanzibar and, from 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania each require their own US$44 inbound insurance bought from the state insurer's site.
- Tanzania ↗Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from or connect through a risk country such as Kenya or Ethiopia; see a travel clinic about malaria several weeks ahead.
- Tanzania ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned; leave shop and duty-free plastic bags behind before you arrive.
- Tanzania ↗Light aircraft between parks and to Zanzibar have strict baggage limits, usually soft-sided bags only and a low total weight (often around 15 kg); confirm the limit with your operator.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Matemwe112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Matemwe, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).Tanzania-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodacom, Airtel, Yas (Tigo) and Halotel sell SIMs at airports; registration takes fingerprints and a passport.Tanzania-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; lodges provide filtered water.Tanzania-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% where no service charge.Tanzania-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets D/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Tanzania-wide
- SafetyMatemwe is generally safe for tourists.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and lodges; long-drops at some gates and picnic sites; squat toilets at bus stops.Tanzania-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 114 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysGovernment offices close public holidays; on Zanzibar many local restaurants close by day in Ramadan.Tanzania-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) (About 1 hour by car or taxi to Matemwe).
- Getting aroundWalking along the beach is the main way to get between hotels and restaurants.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- BeerBottle of beer (local)At a bar or restaurant.US$2–4 (check)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi to Stone TownNegotiate before you go.US$25–35 (check)
- Budget bedBasic bungalow (shared bathroom), a night, per personTZS 25
- Mid-range bedMid-range bungalow (private bathroom), a night, per roomTZS 90
- High-end bedMid-range bungalow (private bathroom), a night, per roomTZS 150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget TZS 30 · Mid TZS 60 · High TZS 120
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZNZ Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) (About 1 hour by car or taxi to Matemwe)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb. Avoid: Mar–May. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest May (16 rain days), driest Feb (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Matemwe: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walking along the beach is the main way to get between hotels and restaurants. For trips to Mnemba or Stone Town, arrange a taxi or dhow through your accommodation. Bicycle rental is available at some lodges.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mnemba Atoll
goDoor to door: Half-day trip (3–4 h)
Dhow or speedboat from Matemwe beach, about 20–30 min
Snorkelling and diving at the marine reserve; book through your hotel or a local operator.
Door to door: About 1 h each way
Taxi or dala-dala (minibus) from Matemwe, about 1 h
Visit the historic centre, Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort; a full day is enough.
Door to door: About 30 min each way
Taxi or dala-dala, about 30 min
Busier beach with more restaurants and nightlife; good for a sunset drink.
Door to door: About 40 min each way
Taxi or dala-dala, about 40 min
White sand beach with a lively atmosphere; accessible at all tides.
Jambiani
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Taxi or dala-dala, about 45 min
Another quiet beach village; similar vibe to Matemwe, worth a visit if you want a change of scenery.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Beachfront strip
Most hotels and bungalows line the beach; quieter than Nungwi or Kendwa.
Village area
A few guesthouses inland; more local atmosphere, less sea breeze.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$30–50 per person (check)
- Mid
- US$60–100 per person (check)
- High
- US$120+ per person (check)
Trip budget
| Mid-range bungalow (private bathroom)1 × 2 nights × TZS 90 | TZS 180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × TZS 60 | TZS 240 |
| Snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll (half-day)2 × TZS 50 · check | TZS 100 |
| Dala-dala to Stone Town (one way)2 × TZS 3 · check | TZS 6 |
| Taxi to Stone Town (one way)1 × TZS 30 · check | TZS 30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | TZS 56 |
| Trip total≈ TZS 153 per person per day, bed included | TZS 612 |
check
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and transfers excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll (half-day)Includes mask, fins and guide. | US$30–80 per person (check) |
| Dala-dala to Stone TownShared minibus, no fixed schedule. | US$3–5 per person (check) |
| Taxi to Stone TownNegotiate before you go. | US$25–35 (check) |
| Meal at a beach restaurantSeafood and local dishes. | US$8–15 per person (check) |
| Bottle of beer (local)At a bar or restaurant. | US$2–4 (check) |
| Bicycle rental (per day)Ask at your accommodation. | US$10–15 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Low tide exposes coral and rocks: wear water shoes when swimming or snorkelling.
- Jellyfish can appear after rain; ask locals before entering the water.
- No ATMs in Matemwe: bring enough Tanzanian shillings or US dollars for meals and tips.
- Mosquitoes are active at dusk: use repellent and sleep under a net.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 114
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MatemweMatemwe
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Nipeleke Matemwe BeachTake me to Matemwe Beach
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
- Fire114
Embassy
Most embassies are in Dar es Salaam; check your country's consular services for Zanzibar.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi from ZNZ airport to Matemwe: about US$40–60 (check)
- Dala-dala from Stone Town to Matemwe: about US$3–5 (check)
- Snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll: about US$30–80 per person (check)
Say or show
- Jambo — Hello (JAM-bo)
- Asante — Thank you (ah-SAHN-teh)
- Bei gani? — How much? (bay GAH-nee)
- Nzuri — Good (n-ZOO-ree)
- Ndiyo — Yes (n-DEE-yo)
- Hapana — No (ha-PAH-nah)
US dollars are widely accepted but you may receive change in Tanzanian shillings.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Matemwe. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb · avoid Mar–May (main rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling/diving page with operator list and price bands.
- Matemwe beach walk map with tide timings and safe swimming spots.
- Seaweed farm visit page with local guide contact.
Sources
Ask about Matemwe
Loading…
Was this useful?