Northeast Zanzibar
Matemwe Beach
The closest beach to Mnemba Atoll
About Matemwe Beach
Matemwe is a long, quiet fishing village beach directly opposite Mnemba Atoll — the best snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar is a fifteen-minute boat ride offshore. The village still works the sea and the seaweed farms, so the beach has a genuine, lived-in feel with far fewer vendors than the north. Low tide exposes a wide reef flat that fills with villagers gathering shellfish.
Best time to visit
Tide information
Things to do
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling and diving
- Dolphin spotting
- Sunrise walks on the reef flat
- Kayaking to the sandbank
- Village and seaweed farm tour
Nearby hotels
- · &Beyond Mnemba Island
- · Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas
- · Matemwe Lodge
- · Sunshine Marine Lodge
- · Azanzi Beach Hotel
Nearby restaurants
- · Matemwe Beach Village restaurant
- · Kijani Bar
- · Villa Kiva restaurant
Where it is
Getting around from Matemwe Beach
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves
Stone Town
Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves
Nungwi (North)
Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths
Paje (East Coast)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Kizimkazi (South)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest · Kizimkazi Dolphin Point
Distances and drive times are planning estimates for a private transfer; traffic in Stone Town can add 15–20 minutes.
Travel tips
- Mnemba is a conservation area — an entry fee applies per person and is usually excluded from tour prices.
- Bring reef shoes for low tide.
- Sunrise here is spectacular; the beach faces east.
Tours & excursions from Matemwe Beach
Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Matemwe good for snorkelling?
It is the best base on the island for it. Mnemba Atoll is a short boat transfer offshore with reliable turtle and reef-fish sightings.
Can you swim at low tide in Matemwe?
Not easily from shore. Plan swims around high tide, or use your hotel pool and take a boat out at low tide.