Boutique Hotel Matlai, Zanzibar

Dining: There are flexible meals and traditional Kiswahili cuisine with freshly caught seafood or request menus from the excellent chef.

Activities: There is a variety of activities for all age groups, including e.g. volleyball, boule, and beach ball or cross golf as well as the open-air-cinema and a library with a selection of paperback books in German and English.
Spend some exciting days on the traditional Dhow boat, lovingly furnished in Zanzibar-oriental style, for unforgettable cruises to the snorkelling paradise of the Pemba channel.
Explore an offshore sand bar with white sugar powder sand and a magnificent snorkelling area reached on foot at low tide.
For those who like to know the area around the hotel, bicycles are available for trips to the village, to Ras Michamwi or, if one is sportive and has no problem with the heat, to the next villages Bwejuu and Paje.
On low tide you can walk to the reef, because it is not too far. When the water recedes, small tidal creeks remain, where different sorts of marine animals have accumulated, awaiting the return of the tide. Especially for children, it is very interesting to explore the underwater world with a walk. For all water activities it is advisable to wear water shoes.
If you are interested in learning about the Zanzibari culture and the workaday life in the village, the hotel is pleased to arrange a visit to the village Michamwi.
There is a TV in the bar but not in the bedrooms.

Children: Not suitable for children under 3 years old. People under 8 years old must share a room with a parent or caretaker. Parents should be aware of unimpeded access to pool and ocean. Children up to 4 years in the room of their parents stay for free, children between 4-12 years get a discount of 25%.

Getting there: Boutique Hotel Matlai is in the Michamwi-Pingwe area. Coming from Zanzibar Town or from the airport, it is a one hour and 15 minutes drive on a good tarmac road. Taxis as well as Daladalas (public minibus) can be used. For guests, transport from and to the airport and to other places of the island can be arranged on request.

Airport transfer and laundry service can be arranged by the hotel but are not included in the rates and are charged.

English and German speaking management are accessible 24 h.


Before booking, verify the current costs, prices and policies (deposit, cancellation fees for each rate, etc.) as the hotel may charge the guest accordingly. Consider travel insurance that covers cancellation fees.