Factsheet - Mahlatini

TWENTY YEARS AGO, two Swedish sisters arrived in Zanzibar to set up Matemwe and had the entire island to
choose from. For obvious reasons they chose the north eastern part of the island, known as Matemwe, which
boasts the most idyllic beaches and offers spectacular diving and snorkeling in the Marine Park around the
adjacent Mnemba Atoll.
Matemwe embodies the perfect tropical island experience: a relaxing atmosphere, friendly and personable
staff, massages, cocktails, swimming pools, lush tropical gardens and sumptuous cuisine – fresh seafood
being the specialty. As far as activities are concerned, diving and snorkelling feature prominently, with Spice
Tours, historic Stone Town excursions and deep sea fishing trips as options for the active beach goer.
Matemwe has just twelve spacious chalets each
featuring large verandas overlooking the Indian Ocean.
This stylish lodge is punctuated with quirky corners and
guest areas to relax and enjoy the sun as well as the
wonderful view. Lush tropical gardens provide plenty of
privacy for tastefully decorated rooms which have been
used as models for many houses by inspired guests. This
gem on Zanzibar’s main island is the perfect destination
to simply relax and unwind.
M AT E M W E , Z A N Z I B A R
I N C L U S I O N S & E X C L U S I O N S ; S E E R AT E S PA G E
LODGE AMENITIES
NUMBER OF CHALETS
12
CHILDREN
YES (ABOVE 6YRS)
TRIPLES
YES (6)
SUITABLE FOR DISABLED GUESTS
NO
DISTANCE BETWEEN CHALETS
10–20 METERS
PRIVATE PLUNGE POOL
Yes (at 2 of the chalets
FROM July 2013)
AIR CONDITIONING
NO
PERSONAL BAR
NO
MASSAGE & TREATMENTS
YES
IN-ROOM LOCKABLE BOX
YES
HAIR DRYER
YES
LAUNDRY SERVICE
YES
POWER
240V MAINS
INTERNETYES
ACTIVITIES
DIVING
YES (AT EXTRA CHARGE)
SNORKELLING
YES (AT EXTRA CHARGE)
REEF WALK
YES
NGALAWA TRIP
YES (AT EXTRA CHARGE)
VILLAGE VISIT
YES
STONE TOWN
YES (AT EXTRA CHARGE)
SPICE TOUR
YES (AT EXTRA CHARGE)
CLOSEST AIRSTRIP
ZANZIBAR AIRPORT
1 HR
HIGH SEASON
LOW SEASON
1ST–5TH JAN
6TH JAN–31ST MAR
1ST JUL–31ST OCT
1ST–30TH JUN
20TH–31ST DEC
1ST NOV–19TH DEC
CLOSED
APR & MAY
SERVICE OFFERING 2013/14
1. GENERAL AMBIANCE / GUEST EXPERIENCE
Authentic.
Limited thatched private cottages perched on a coral shelf facing the Indian Ocean
and Mnemba Atoll.
Small scale, exclusive with consistent high service standards and excellent food &
variety.
Relaxing escape with personal and friendly atmosphere, as well as access to 2
beautiful white powdery beaches, 1 south (next to Main areas), and 1 small one
north (after room 12).
A blend of deep-rooted ‘Zanzibari’ traditions and modern comforts.
Sustainable approach (environmental, resource & community friendly).
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2. RECEPTION ON ARRIVAL
A Zanzibari welcome drink, as well as a refreshing towel on arrival.
Check-in procedure followed by a tour around the lodge. (Lodge and government
registration with passport and personal details) as well as a waiver and indemnity
to be signed.
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CHECK IN /CHECK OUT
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Visa, Mastercard and Amex are accepted, but note there is a 6% Service charge
on all credit card payments
We cannot accept travelers cheque
The only ATM is in Stone Town, 1 hour 30 min from Matemwe
Outside the lodge phone calls are at extra charge.
Check in at 14:00, and check out at 11:00
If lunch is taken on arrival, it will be at extra charge on the day of departure
(U$25 per person)
Water in the taps is not fit for drinking or brushing teeth. Some drinking water
is provided in bedroom and bathroom, refilled in morning and evening.
We have a “save water” policy. Towels will only be washed if dropped on the
floor. Otherwise they will be dried and put back
We ask guests to minimize waste as much as possible on the Island (plastic
bottles), and to try and leave with their non-recyclable waste (particularly dead
batteries)
All rooms have safes
Most payables can be added to your room at reception and settled before
departure
3. ACCOMMODATION
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12 detached cottages all on the edge of the sea, doubles, twins and triples
available. Twin rooms: room 1 to 6, closest to Main areas: rooms have a double
bed on the ground floor and a double bed on open mezzanine. Double rooms:
room 7 to 12, rooms have king size beds.
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Bathrooms are en-suite with a shower, a unique bath, separate toilet and handwash basin.
Room facilities: spacious rooms offer ceiling fan as well as a standing (either
stand up or head of the bed) fan. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, body
lotion and bath robes are supplied. Bottled drinking water, tea and fresh ground
coffee are available in the room.
Laundry is available on request. Clothing is returned within 24 hours (weather
permitting). Laundry is extra charge at Main Lodge.
Framed mosquito net in all rooms.
Extra beds/cots are available on request (only 2 extra, so need to book prior).
No children under 6years (no fencing between veranda and sea)
Rooms are open on the front (covered with mosquito netting). Windows and
doors have wooden slates to close and open, but no shading
No access to beach from the rooms (standing on old coral reef, overlooking the
beach, about 2 to 3 meters high)
4. FACILITIES
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Two beautiful swimming pools.
Massage / treatments: with spectacular view of the ocean, offering a range of
relaxing and re-energising massages with locally made oils. Treatments
available: Manicures, pedicures, facials, henna and hair braiding are also on
offer. Massage / treatments are at an extra charge.
Beneath the treatment room, relax with a cup of coffee or sundowners on large
floor cushions, whilst enjoying the Indian Ocean breeze.
The gardens hold a variety of features, indigenous trees and bushes. The sun
loungers on the beach are perfect for relaxing with a book or purely to enjoy the
sea view.
Complimentary internet is available from a Lodge computer. WIFI is available
throughout the lodge and is complimentary. We also have an i-pad available to
borrow. Enquire at reception.
The curio shop stocks local arts, crafts and products such as massage oils, soaps
and jewellery. Necessities such as sun lotion, mosquito repellent and further
toiletries are also available. Support environmentally friendly products by
purchasing recycled arts & crafts.
Support the local community projects inspired by Matemwe through donations
and PACK FOR A PURPOSE. Pack 2.2kg of stationary, or soccer balls, or medical
equipment such as BP cuffs, thermometer, and we will donate to Kigomani
school
24 hour electricity supply with back-up generator. Please note that there are
electricity cuts of a few minutes, several times a day, as it needs time to change
to generator power, and back.
5. FOOD
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Meals are served in the dining room overlooking the sea & the beach. Sometimes
at the bottom pool, or on the beach (if tide permits). Traditional spiced tea or
coffee is available after dinner.
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The exceptional cuisine is a fusion of traditional Zanzibari and international
flavours. Seafood is a speciality and fresh fish is prepared on a daily basis.
Breakfasts and lunch are a mix of buffet and hot dishes to order. Dinner is plated,
except below BBQ and Swahili evenings.
Enjoy a barbecue of fresh seafood twice a week (Tuesday and Friday). A Swahili
meal is prepared on Sunday evenings, flavoured with traditional dishes of true
Zanzibari cuisine. Choose from a variety of meals during the other evenings.
Lunch buffet offers a large variety of cold and warm dishes. . Swahili evenings
start at the main lodge bar with a live Zanzibar band, then a buffet dinner in the
main restaurant.
Private dinners under the stars, in the room, by the pool, on the beach (if tide
permits), as well as private lunches, picnics… can be arrange at extra charge.
Also, room service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) in the room, can be arranged at
extra charge.
Meals times are (meal times are flexible, and sometimes depends on the time of
activities time)
 Breakfast
07.00 – 10.00
 Lunch
12.30 – 15.00
 Coffee / Tea / cookies
16:00 - 17:00 at the bar
 Dinner
18.30 – 21.30 (except BBQ nights and Swahili
evenings which start at 19h30)
Any dietary requirements are catered for subject to availability. Notice prior to arrival is
recommended.
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6. BAR
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A well-stocked bar is open from 10am to 11pm (or later) with a wide variety of
wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks.
A barman is available at regular intervals at the pools and on the surrounding pool
beaches. (do not hesitate to enquire at reception if need)
A wide range of Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available from the
pool bar throughout the day. Feel free to invent your own cocktail with the
barman.(we will have a new big separate cocktail and mocktail menu)
A health drink menu, with iced teas, fresh fruit juices mix, smoothies, herbal teas will
be available from the bar as well.
All drinks are at extra charge.
There is a daily Happy Hour, from 17h to 19h, where there is discount of U$1 on
cocktails and premium spirits
Room service of drinks can be arranged throughout the day at an extra charge.
7. ACTIVITIES
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Snorkeling (at Mnemba Atoll). Admire the vast variety and volume of marine
wildlife and enjoy a scenic trip through the lagoon in one of the traditional boats.
Extra charge for snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
Diving: All levels of divers have the opportunity to explore the underworld of
Mnemba Atoll. Both recreational and training dives can be arranged. (extra
charge) For newcomers: Do your first test in the swimming pool with the on-site
dive master. If guests haven’t dived in more than 1 year, they will also need a
refresher in the pool
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Local fishing in Ngalawa (traditional boats) and deep sea fishing takes you
beyond the reef to deeper waters where you will be surrounded by shoals of
different species of fish. (extra charge) Local fishing, just over the fringing reef,
in the Ngalawa
Ngalawa cruises up and down the lagoon, along the coast. Duration depends on
the tides and winds
Guided kayak trips, on the lagoon, up or down the coast. At extra charge.
Sea kayaking, beach bats, kite and Frisbee - available at the water sports house
(inclusive). Borrowing of kayaks, volleyball, soccerball, rackets and balls,
Frisbees, lilos, reef shoes, and snorkeling equipment (when not used for
activities), all complimentary.
Spice Tours, Historical City Tours, Shopping Tours, Nungwi tour, and Jozani
Forest to visit the Red Colobus Monkeys are just some of the many tours that
can be organized by the Lodge.
Guided reef walks are available on request and subject to tide (inclusive).
Walks to the local village and the fish market are led by a local guide (inclusive).
Massage, manicure, pedicures, facials offered.
The Escape to Infinity trip to a secluded sandbank is an ideal getaway. It
includes breakfast, brunch or lunch, depending on the tides and time of day, a
bottle of sparkling wine, snorkelling, sailing in a traditional Dhow boat and
enough time to enjoy the heavenly isolation. (extra charge) This is very tide
dependant and is only possible for about a week of the month during full and
new moons.
Muyuni Trip: available for most of the month (only when Escape to Infinity is
unavailable). Same as above, but picnic is on Muyuni beach, long white sandy
beach. (extra charge)
Please note also available on the Island, with 3 rd party companies: Kitsesurfing
(20 min drive south), Stand up paddle boarding (20 min drive south), Horse
riding (20 min drive south), bicycle renting, parasailing and jet skiing (50 min
drive North), Big game fishing (50 min drive North), Safari Blue (all day
excursion, bottlenose and humpback dolphins spotting, snorkeling, discovering
the coast, buffet on beach, fruit tasting, swimming from Fumba, near Stone
Town) , Sunset cruise (1h30 drive in Stone Town), Quad biking tours through
heart of the Island (half day, starting from 25min drive south).
8. SPECIAL OCCASIONS
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Honeymooners are treated to a private beach dinner under the stars with a
complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and a special dinner.
Weddings -please see additional information about weddings at Matemwe.
Birthday cakes are served complimentary at dinner, accompanied by the
Matemwe version of Happy Birthday.
Wedding anniversary guests receive a complimentary sparkling wine served according to personal
preference. (only 1 house sparkling wine, but guests can chose house white or house red instead). We will
also offer a private dinner under the stars.
Come diving and snorkeling with PADI dive centre,
SCUBAFISH Zanzibar!
SCUBAFISH Zanzibar is a PADI Dive Resort based at Matemwe Lodge & Retreat. This is the northeast of Zanzibar close to famous Mnemba Atoll that
measures around 15 square kilometers. This conservation
area is a magnet for divers and snorkelers who enjoy
swimming in the turquoise waters, which is famous for its
healthy fish life. Here you can find the playful bottlenose
dolphins, turtles, Spanish dancers, giant groupers, sharks,
barracudas and other impressive marine life.
Mnemba atoll is suitable for divers of all levels from novice to
experienced divers. We keep the dive groups as small as
possible and you will be always guided by an experience Dive
Master. The trip incl. zanzibarian snacks, fruits, drinking water,
conservation fee and Dive Master.
SCUBAFISH Zanzibar offers all PADI courses from Discover
Scuba Diving up to Dive Master. Come and try our DSD
(Discover Scuba Diving) this is an “introduction” dive. The first day you will do a pool session and
the second day you come on the boat for a dive in the clear water of famous Mnemba Atoll. For
the certified divers you can have a look at our special dive “packages”. Are you already certified
but would like to up-grade your certification come and do your Advanced Course or an Adventure
dive. You can find us at the Watersport Centre on the beach of Matemwe Lodge & Retreat.
All our dive instructors and dive masters are highly qualified professionals and to dive with them
is not only a great but also a “fun” experience! We guarantee small groups and a very relaxing
atmosphere to learn in.
Discover Mnemba Atoll with SCUBAFISH Zanzibar and let us share our passion with you!
S A Y A R I C A M P I D U N I A CA M P I O L A K IR A C AM P I O L IV ER ’S C A M P I M A TE M W E I M A TE M W E R E TR E A T
Sustainable Matemwe
MATEMWE – ZANZIBAR
Every high tide, the fishermen of Kigomani village - close to Matemwe - sail or motor out the reef and beyond to
reap what they can from the sea. They have been doing this for years and years but so much has changed. Twenty
years ago there were no hotels in Matemwe - but after first realization to sell "sun, sand and sea" - the tourism
boom began.
THE KIGOMANI VILLAGE FUND
Len and Katharina Horlin, the two Swedish sisters who built Matemwe Bungalows in 1990, were mindful and
inclusive of the villagers from the start. Money raised by the hotel has significantly contributed to the constriction
of village school buildings, a school library, and a village clinic as well as the purchase of a bus for transport to
Stone Town. A government water pipeline to the bungalows was extended to the village using hotel funds. These
are only a few examples of the initiatives of Matemwe that have helped its surrounding community- still today
Matemwe and the trust are very active in their supporting work, ie: completing the primary school building;
providing school materials such as books, chairs, desks and blackboards, funding scholarships for further
education, including university level studies and hotel studies, participating in and partly funding an annual village
clean-up; contributing to the village's sea turtle protection program, paying a guard to protect the crucial
Hawksbill Turtle nesting ground and sponsoring a school lunch program to boost the children's nutrition.
W W W . A S I LI A A FR I CA . CO M
[T] +27 21 418 0468, +27 72 710 4045, [F] +27 21 418 0568, SALES OFFICE, CAPE TOW N, SOUTH AFRICA
[T] +255 272 504 118/9, [F] +255 272 502 799, HEAD OFFICE, ARUSHA, TANZANI A