Matemwe Retreat
The northeast part of the Spice Island of Zanzibar is known as Matemwe. This area 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 borders a small village of fishermen, who go out sailing with their armada of traditional dhows on a daily basis.
The high-quality Matemwe Retreat is located just north of Matemwe’s main lodge and has an exclusive and intimate feel with just four self-contained private villas.
Each villa has a roof terrace with private plunge pool, a private cocktail bar, sun decks and a spacious veranda. There is an air-conditioned bedroom, a bathroom with double sinks, a shower and a bath overlooking the Indian Ocean. In front of each room there is a small, private beach. There is a full butler service for drinks and private dining. Massage and beauty treatments can be taken in the privacy of your room or on your roof terrace.
Guests can also enjoy the facilities of the sister property Matemwe Lodge including its intimate restaurant and lovely swimming pools. The lodge also offers massages and beauty treatments (henna and hair braiding) and activities include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, reef walks, dhow sailing trips, village visits, biking, day trips (spice tours, Stone Town, Jozani Forest and Prison Island and more).
Dining
Matemwe Retreat offers fine-dining with a choice of main courses (fish, meat and vegetarian) but with fresh seafood being the speciality. In the early morning, tea / coffee and cookies are served to your private veranda from where you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Later, breakfast offers a wide choice of fruit juices, fruits, yoghurt, cereals, pancakes and Full English breakfast. Lunches are delicious buffets with a mix of African and European flavours. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderful romantic experience you’re not likely to forget. Dinner can be taken in the privacy of your garden or roof terrace or at the nearby Matemwe Lodge. Each day the manager or chef will discuss your dining preferances.
Activities
Matemwe offers a wide range of activities that can be undertaken in and around the lodge or elsewhere on the Zanzibar island.
Diving and snorkelling
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 turtles, rays and dolphins in the water and the lucky ones might even spot a whale passing by the reef (best chance for whales in the period August – October).
- Dives are taken around the Mnemba Atoll, right opposite Matemwe, where the best diving spots of the island are found. Diving sites are suitable for all levels of experience.
- Snorkelling can be enjoyed straight from Matemwe’s beach or on trips with traditional wooden dhows to the sites around the Mnemba Atoll.
Other activities
- Swimming: the temperature of the sea is very pleasant, but tidal differences on Zanzibar are such that swimming is difficult at low tides. Besides the pools of the main lodge, all Retreat rooms have a private plunge pool on their roof terrace to make sure guests can cool off any time of the day
- Deep sea fishing
- Local fishing trips in traditional boats
- Kayaks are available to explore the sea and coastline near Matemwe
- Sailing: Matemwe operates 2 local dhows for snorkelling and sailing trips
- Guided walks to the local village and fish market give a good chance to explore the local Zanzibar culture and village life and offer guests the opportunity to learn about the community projects that Matemwe is involved in.
- Guided reef walks explore the marine life at low tide
- Cycling
Weddings & Honeymoons
Candle lit private beach dinners under the stars, Champagne breakfast, honeymoon suites, aromatic massage oils… Matemwe offers special packages for honeymooners and is proud to offer dream weddings at its pristine beaches. Honeymoon packages can include other destinations to create an unforgettable honeymoon in Tanzania or Kenya, combining a romantic stay at Matemwe with an exclusive and intimate safari.
Responsible Ethos
Matemwe Retreat has been built by local craftsmen, where possible from local materials. Walls are of local stone and roofs are made of makuti (woven palm leaves) and most furniture is made of locally-produced coconut wood. Soft furnishings are locally-produced and the matting is produced by a charitable association for the blind in Stone Town. Solar energy is used for hot water. Of the lodge staff, over 60% is from the villages close by Matemwe.
The high-quality Matemwe Retreat is located just north of Matemwe’s main lodge and has an exclusive and intimate feel with just four self-contained private villas.
Each villa has a roof terrace with private plunge pool, a private cocktail bar, sun decks and a spacious veranda. There is an air-conditioned bedroom, a bathroom with double sinks, a shower and a bath overlooking the Indian Ocean. In front of each room there is a small, private beach. There is a full butler service for drinks and private dining. Massage and beauty treatments can be taken in the privacy of your room or on your roof terrace.
Guests can also enjoy the facilities of the sister property Matemwe Lodge including its intimate restaurant and lovely swimming pools. The lodge also offers massages and beauty treatments (henna and hair braiding) and activities include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, reef walks, dhow sailing trips, village visits, biking, day trips (spice tours, Stone Town, Jozani Forest and Prison Island and more).
Dining
Matemwe Retreat offers fine-dining with a choice of main courses (fish, meat and vegetarian) but with fresh seafood being the speciality. In the early morning, tea / coffee and cookies are served to your private veranda from where you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Later, breakfast offers a wide choice of fruit juices, fruits, yoghurt, cereals, pancakes and Full English breakfast. Lunches are delicious buffets with a mix of African and European flavours. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderful romantic experience you’re not likely to forget. Dinner can be taken in the privacy of your garden or roof terrace or at the nearby Matemwe Lodge. Each day the manager or chef will discuss your dining preferances.
Activities
Matemwe offers a wide range of activities that can be undertaken in and around the lodge or elsewhere on the Zanzibar island.
Diving and snorkelling
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 turtles, rays and dolphins in the water and the lucky ones might even spot a whale passing by the reef (best chance for whales in the period August – October).
- Dives are taken around the Mnemba Atoll, right opposite Matemwe, where the best diving spots of the island are found. Diving sites are suitable for all levels of experience.
- Snorkelling can be enjoyed straight from Matemwe’s beach or on trips with traditional wooden dhows to the sites around the Mnemba Atoll.
Other activities
- Swimming: the temperature of the sea is very pleasant, but tidal differences on Zanzibar are such that swimming is difficult at low tides. Besides the pools of the main lodge, all Retreat rooms have a private plunge pool on their roof terrace to make sure guests can cool off any time of the day
- Deep sea fishing
- Local fishing trips in traditional boats
- Kayaks are available to explore the sea and coastline near Matemwe
- Sailing: Matemwe operates 2 local dhows for snorkelling and sailing trips
- Guided walks to the local village and fish market give a good chance to explore the local Zanzibar culture and village life and offer guests the opportunity to learn about the community projects that Matemwe is involved in.
- Guided reef walks explore the marine life at low tide
- Cycling
Weddings & Honeymoons
Candle lit private beach dinners under the stars, Champagne breakfast, honeymoon suites, aromatic massage oils… Matemwe offers special packages for honeymooners and is proud to offer dream weddings at its pristine beaches. Honeymoon packages can include other destinations to create an unforgettable honeymoon in Tanzania or Kenya, combining a romantic stay at Matemwe with an exclusive and intimate safari.
Responsible Ethos
Matemwe Retreat has been built by local craftsmen, where possible from local materials. Walls are of local stone and roofs are made of makuti (woven palm leaves) and most furniture is made of locally-produced coconut wood. Soft furnishings are locally-produced and the matting is produced by a charitable association for the blind in Stone Town. Solar energy is used for hot water. Of the lodge staff, over 60% is from the villages close by Matemwe.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
Sally Wanjau
Greetings, I'm Sally Wanjau, and my journey with Kenyan safaris has been a lifelong passion. Since the 1980s, I've roamed these magnificent landscapes, ultimately making Kenya my cherished home through marriage. While currently residing in the UK with my family, my heart remains firmly planted in Kenya. In the past, I ran my own safari business, collaborating closely with Gamewatchers Safaris to craft bespoke adventures for travelers seeking unique experiences. Now, as part of the dedicated team of Safari Advisers at Gamewatchers Safaris, I'm thrilled to continue sharing my love and expertise for this captivating land. My extensive travels throughout East, South, and Southern Africa have nurtured my passion, yet Kenya, with its Porini Camps and unforgettable wildlife encounters, remains my true inspiration.
If you're ready to embark on an East African adventure, reach out to me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250, and together, we'll make your safari dreams come to life.
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Currently based in the UK, I'm proud to serve as a Safari Consultant for Gamewatchers Safaris, helping fellow adventurers craft their dream African experiences.
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985. Let's bring your African safari dreams to life.
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com or reach out to me by telephone at +44 7814 439 232.
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. While my heart lies in India, I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
For Trade inquiries from the UK, we are represented by Marketing Worldwide
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com, and let’s embark on an extraordinary journey together.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.