My very first stop in Zanzibar was Matemwe. Upon landing on the island I just wanted to go straight to the ocean and just relax for a couple days doing absolutely nothing. So I drove past Stonetown and headed right to the perfect place to get away and do nothing but relax.
If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, then Matemwe Beach should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Located on the northeast coast of the island, Matemwe Beach offers a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the things to do, eat, and see in Matemwe Beach, as well as discuss safety and security in the area.
Things to Do
- Dolphin Watching – One of the most popular activities in Matemwe Beach is dolphin watching. You can take a boat tour to the nearby Mnemba Atoll, where you’ll have the opportunity to see dolphins swimming and jumping in the wild.
- Snorkeling and Diving – Matemwe Beach is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving sites on Zanzibar. The clear waters offer great visibility, and you’ll have the chance to see a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, turtles, and tropical fish.
- Relax on the Beach – With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, Matemwe Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. There are plenty of loungers and umbrellas available, and you can even rent a private cabana for the day.
- Visit the Local Village – Take a stroll through the nearby village of Matemwe, where you can see traditional Zanzibari homes and meet the friendly locals.
Things to Eat
- Seafood – Matemwe Beach is known for its fresh seafood, with many of the local restaurants offering a variety of grilled fish, prawns, and lobster.
- Zanzibari Cuisine – Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local Zanzibari dishes, such as pilau rice, coconut curry, and chapati bread.
- Tropical Fruits – Zanzibar is known for its abundance of fresh tropical fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, and pineapples. Be sure to try some of the delicious smoothies and juices made with these fruits.
Where to Stay – Mambo Paradise Hotel
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Matemwe Beach, then Mambo Paradise Hotel is a great option. Located just steps from the beach, this hotel offers spacious rooms with ocean views, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving a variety of local and international cuisine. The hotel can also arrange tours and activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and dolphin watching. I booked this hotel on Booking.com and I absolutely enjoyed my stay.
Sunscreen & Mosquito Game Must be on Point!
The weather was pleasant in February while I was in Zanzibar but during the rainy season of summer, the climate in Nungwi Beach along with all of Zanzibar is hot with high humidity. The streets have lots of potholes that fill with standing water after heavy rainfall an instant breeding ground for mosquitos. As a result, especially if you visit during rainy season, be prepared for mosquitos. Lots of mosquitos. You will not enjoy Zanzibar during rainy season without STRONG mosquito repellent. Even in February you will also need VERY strong sunscreen. You will need a repellant with Deet, Citronella oil alone will not help.
Here are my top favorite repellent and sunscreen that keep me covered:
- Face: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body, Broad Spectrum SPF 70
- For my arms, back, and legs: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55
- Insect repellent. I recommend a combination of wipes and a spray. My favorites are:
- OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz, Unscented Bug spray with Aloe-Vera, 7% Deet, 9 oz and Cutter All Family Mosquito Repellent Wipes, 15 Wipes.
Do NOT forget to bring water shoes! There are often sea urchins on the beaches in Zanzibar and you do NOT want to step on one of them. I wore water shoes every time I stepped out on the beach. I really like these Unisex VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Yoga Socks Slip-ons. They were my go-to shoes on all my beach days!
Safety and Security
Matemwe Beach is generally considered to be a safe and peaceful area. However, it’s always important to take basic safety precautions when traveling, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings at all times. It’s also recommended to only use licensed taxis and tour operators. I used Friendly Taxi and Tours Zanzibar for all my hotel transfers in Zanzibar and I highly recommend them. Safe, reliable respectful, reasonably priced and on time! You can find them on Instagram @friendlytaxiandtours.
As with anywhere you solo travel, it is important to exercise situational awareness and common sense as a female solo traveler. Grab the BaldGirlWillTravel: A Guide to Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers and ensure you follow the safety tips to ensure a safe solo travel experience.
I very much enjoyed the time I spent in Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar. It is the perfect place to just relax and do absolutely nothing. I highly recommend it for solo travel, especially for us Fly 40+ women.
Thank You For Reading!
Check out these solo travel blog posts:
SAFETY TIPS FOR HOTELS & SHORT-TERM RENTALS
HOW TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS ON SOLO TRAVEL: 5 THINGS TO DO!
3 WAYS TO BUILD A SOLO TRAVEL MINDSET
10 SOLO TRAVEL MISTAKES TO AVOID!
4 MORE OF MY FAVORITE SAFETY APPS & GADGETS FOR SOLO
TRAVEL!
7 SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN OVER 40 TRAVELING SOLO
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