Activities – Zanzibar Retreat Hotel

The hotel has some equipment for outside sport activities and different board games to play in the sofa.

But if you want to explore more, we are happy to assist you in organising local activities in Matemwe or excursions around the island.

Below follows only a handful of examples of activities we can help you arrange:

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island, which is seen from our hotel, is a dream for divers and snorkelers. We cooperate with ScubaFish, a professional dive company arranging daily boat trips.

Dolphins can often be spotted around Mnemba so you have the chance to see them in their natural habitat.

Stone town

Stone town is the old town of Zanzibar’s capital city. It’s a mix of African, Arabic and Indian cultures. You will find genuine local places, like the food market and beautiful spots for example – roof top restaurants, souvenir boutiques and museums (as the old slave market or Freddie Mercury house). Stone Town is around 1 hour drive away form our hotel.

jozani forest

Jozani forest is the natural habitat of the red-haired monkey (Kirk’s Red Collobus), a species found only in Zanzibar.

The walk in the mahogany forest and the mysterious mangrove swamp is magical and definitely worth visiting!

cooking class

We offer a very special cooking class, run by our chefs in our garden.
Indulge in local flavours, learn different techniques and get an insight of the Swahili cuisine.
Classes are available for couples and groups, and also for any outside guests that are interested in such an experience.

spice tour

Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” since the island used to be the world’s largest exporter of cloves.

Visit a spice farm where you will see how the spices you use in your cooking grow in real life and taste fruits you might have never seen before.

maalum cave

One of the most refreshing experiences in Zanzibar is diving into a sweet, coool water pool in the middle of a beautiful garden. This is Maalum caves, situated between Paje and Jambiani villages in eastern Zanzibar. The time spent in the cave (with the sky as the roof!) needs to be booked in advance, but we gladly assist you with that, as well as arranging the transport.

our village

Matemwe is a small fishing village where you can walk very safely and greet the people sitting outs their homes. People are very friendly.

In the center of the village you will find small shops selling fruits, fish, bread, baskets, mats etc. There are two mini markets. If you wish we can arrange a visit to a local school – Tamani Learning Center, a private school project.

Near by is a women’s project – DADA, where they produce jams and soups.

Kendwa / Nungwi

As our hotel has the sunrise you need to go to the west side of the island to find the sunset. Then Kendwa or Nungwi are good spots with amazing sunset, worth watching while having a drink or dinner.

The main street in Nungwi is full of small gift shops.

Both Kendwa and Nungwi have beautiful beaches (and a lot of hotels and tourists). Kendwa´s steep beach makes swimming possible even at low tide.

Massage

We have a massage hut by the beach, run by lovely Elizabeth and her talented team.

You can pick between full body massage, Swedish style, reflexology, facial massage, manicure, pedicure and more!

Let us know what you prefer and when, we would be happy to book this relaxing experience for you.