Côte Nord-Est (Matemwe & Kiwengwa)

Where to stay on North East Coast (Matemwe & Kiwengwa) : complete guide

Zanzibar's North East Coast reveals its treasures between Matemwe and Kiwengwa, where white sand meets a sea of turquoise and emerald hues. Fishing villages retain their authenticity while refined lodges nestle discreetly beneath the palms. Trade winds caress the foliage and coral reefs reveal a fascinating underwater world. At dawn, golden light bathes the colourful pirogues and coconut groves stretch as far as the eye can see. This preserved coast offers a rare balance between wild nature and contemporary elegance, ideal for escaping the beaten track.

Safety score: 9/10luxuryHoneymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsAuthenticity-seeking travellersFamilies seeking calm

Pros

  • Preserved and calm beaches
  • Intimate luxury lodges
  • Snorkelling among turtles
  • Intact village authenticity
  • Spectacular sunsets

Cons

  • Sometimes long road access
  • Limited dining options
  • Marked rainy season

The 5 best hotels in Côte Nord-Est (Matemwe & Kiwengwa)

HEBE Bungalows Lodge - Vue d'ensemble
1

HEBE Bungalows Lodge

3-star hotel
9.1938 reviews
Top pick

Situated on the North-East Coast in Matemwe, HEBE Bungalows Lodge offers beachfront bungalows. This three-star property provides an airport shuttle and room service. Its restaurant and Wi-Fi available throughout ensure a comfortable stay. The rating of 9.1 out of 10 reflects the satisfaction of 938 reviews received. The average price of 201 EUR per night matches its positioning.

En bord de plageNavette aéroportService d'étageRestaurantWi-Fi disponible partoutParking gratuit
From ~201EUR / night
Book on Booking
Jafferji Beach Retreat - Vue d'ensemble
2

Jafferji Beach Retreat

3-star hotel
8.3109 reviews
Excellent

Jafferji Beach Retreat is located on the North-East Coast in Kiwengwa. This three-star property features a pool and direct beach access. It includes a spa, a restaurant and an airport shuttle. With a rating of 8.3 out of 10, the property remains appreciated for its setting. The average rate is around 198 EUR per night.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportSpa et centre de bien-êtreService d'étageRestaurant
From ~198EUR / night
Book on Booking
Z-LODGE ZANZiBAR - Vue d'ensemble
3

Z-LODGE ZANZiBAR

4-star hotel
9.7130 reviews
Recommended

Z-LODGE ZANZiBAR is set on the North-East Coast in Matemwe. This four-star property offers a pool and direct beach access. The spa, restaurant and airport shuttle complete its amenities. Its rating of 9.7 out of 10 reflects an excellent welcome. The average price reaches 340 EUR per night.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportSpa et centre de bien-êtreService d'étageRestaurant
From ~340EUR / night
Book on Booking
Di Milo Boutique Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
4

Di Milo Boutique Hotel

4-star hotel
9.628 reviews

Di Milo Boutique Hotel is located on the North-East Coast in Kiwengwa. This four-star hotel features a pool and an airport shuttle. The restaurant and room service are complemented by Wi-Fi throughout. Its rating of 9.6 out of 10 reflects the perceived quality. The average rate is 246 EUR per night.

1 piscineNavette aéroportService d'étageRestaurantWi-Fi disponible partoutParking gratuit
From ~246EUR / night
Book on Booking
Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort - Vue d'ensemble
5

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort

5-star hotel
9.5116 reviews

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort occupies a position on the North-East Coast in Matemwe. This five-star property offers a pool and direct beach access. The fitness centre, spa and airport shuttle form part of the equipment. Its rating of 9.5 out of 10 matches its standing. The average price stands at 1879 EUR per night.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportCentre de remise en formeSpa et centre de bien-êtreService d'étage
From ~1879EUR / night
Book on Booking

Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

Matemwe and Kiwengwa embody the wild charm of Zanzibar's north-east coast. Immaculate beaches stretch for several kilometres, bordered by palms and lush vegetation. The Indian Ocean reveals crystalline waters shifting from turquoise to deep blue depending on the hour. Traditional villages neighbour protected marine reserves where biodiversity abounds. Sunsets here are spectacular, painting the sky in orange and pink tones. The tropical climate brings gentle warmth tempered by trade winds, creating a serene and soothing atmosphere. This region retains rare authenticity while offering discreet luxury infrastructure.

Things to see and do

Visitors can explore Mnemba Atoll for exceptional snorkelling among turtles and colourful fish. Kiwengwa marine reserve offers preserved seabeds accessible by traditional boat. Pirogue excursions allow dolphin observation at dawn. Matemwe market reveals local crafts and fresh produce. Bicycle rides through coconut plantations offer authentic immersion. Finally, dive centres offer trips to wrecks and exceptional coral sites for deep-sea enthusiasts.

Where to eat and drink

Local gastronomy highlights fresh seafood, notably grilled octopus and prawns in coconut sauce. Lodge restaurants serve Swahili specialities such as samaki wa kupaka, spicy coconut milk fish. Seafront bars offer cocktails made with mango and coconut. Markets sell juicy mangoes and fried plantains. Beach dinners allow you to savour grilled lobster facing the ocean in a hushed atmosphere.

Transport & access

Zanzibar international airport is about an hour's drive away. Private transfers in air-conditioned cars are the most comfortable way to reach the north-east coast. Local taxis and minibuses serve the main villages but are less practical with luggage. Scooter hire allows freedom of movement on coastal roads. Traditional boats facilitate transfers to nearby atolls. A driver is recommended for night journeys.

Who is it for?

This area suits honeymoon couples seeking intimacy and romance perfectly. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts find exceptional spots here. Travellers seeking authenticity appreciate the preserved villages and local encounters. Families enjoy the calm beaches and supervised water activities suitable for children.

Other neighborhoods in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Honeymoon couplesHistory enthusiastsTravelling photographers

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Stone Town, a historic pearl nestled at the heart of Zanzibar. Its narrow alleys wind between ochre houses with carved doors of precious wood, witnesses to a past blending Arab merchants, Indian navigators and European colonists. The Indian Ocean borders this living labyrinth scented with spices, cloves and tropical fruit. Minarets pierce the sky while the setting sun bathes the facades in golden and orange hues. Every step reveals a unique sensory tableau, inviting rich and intimate cultural immersion.

Côte Nord (Nungwi & Kendwa)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsFamilies with children

Zanzibar's North Coast reveals its treasures between Nungwi and Kendwa. Immaculate white sand stretches caress a sparkling turquoise sea, while palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze. Sunsets set the horizon ablaze with vibrant colours, creating living tableaux. Lively villages blend authenticity with refinement, with dhows gliding across the waves and coral reefs inviting exploration. This area embodies tropical luxury, between absolute tranquillity and marine discoveries.

Côte Est (Paje & Bwejuu)

Honeymoon couplesPassionate kitesurfersFamilies with children

Zanzibar's East Coast, between Paje and Bwejuu, unfolds like a living tableau where immaculate white sand caresses the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Palms sway to the rhythm of trade winds while lagoons emerge at low tide, revealing infinite sandbanks. This area blends authenticity and refinement with its Swahili villages, lively beach bars and discreet resorts. Flamboyant sunsets paint the sky in gold and pink, inviting contemplation. The atmosphere is serene, punctuated by the lapping of waves and scents of local spices.

Côte Sud-Est (Jambiani)

Honeymoon couplesKitesurfersFamilies with children

Nestled on Zanzibar's south-east coast, Jambiani reveals infinite white sand beaches bordered by coconut palms swaying in the sea breeze. Turquoise waters caress coral reefs where colourful marine life thrives, while coral stone Swahili villages preserve rare authenticity. Far from crowds, this peaceful spot offers flamboyant sunsets painting the horizon in oranges and pinks. The atmosphere invites slowness and contemplation, between spice scents and tropical bird songs. Jambiani charms with its unique blend of preserved nature and vibrant local culture.

Côte Sud (Kizimkazi & Menai Bay)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsCultural travellers

Zanzibar's South Coast, between Kizimkazi and Menai Bay, reveals a haven of wild beauty where turquoise waters caress immaculate white sand beaches. Bordered by lush mangroves and authentic fishing villages, this region invites peaceful immersion away from the crowds. Vibrant coral reefs shelter abundant marine life, while the setting sun paints flamboyant skies. Kizimkazi, with its historic atmosphere, and Menai Bay, a paradise for nature lovers, offer an enchanting blend of Swahili culture and oceanic serenity. Perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and idyllic landscapes.