Hi,

Trying to finalise the last details of our honeymoon where we spend 6 days in Zanzibar at the end!

We've maxed the budget on the safari so going a bit more modest on Zanizbar and it's come down to these 2.

They both seem to be well regarded. Pongwe sounds like it has great food and the best beach. Matemwe is closer to the Mnemba dive sites and sounds like there is a bit more going on. Not sure I want to sit on a beach for 5 days straight.

Bit worried about the wind late June - not sure which is more sheltered.

Cost wise Pongwe is $140 for a double room BB. Matemwe is $130 for standard room HB vs $200 suite HB so not much in it.

So Pongwe, Matemwe or split between them. And if Matemwe, standard room or worth paying extra for the suite. Any views from those who have stayed there?

Thanks,
Bob

Maybe one thing to consider; Pongwe doesn't have a pool I think. Dunno about Matemwe.

FWIW, we chose Pongwe and will be there for 5 days (mid July)

If you want to be active and don't want to sit on the beach, then Matemwe is for you. If you'd like to enjoy relaxed atmosphere and each other on your honeymoon, then you should go to Pongwe. We stayed in Pongwe this Feb. and we loved it, but we also thought that it was a bit too relaxed, and we really wanted to do some activities. Hope that helps

Is that Matemwe Village or Matemwe Bungalows? They're two different resorts. The latter being more expensive than the former. Check it out.

It's Matemwe Beach. Matemwe Bungalows is $120pppn more expensive - I'm sure it's nice but we have maxed out on the safari leg!

Pongwe only had 3 nights available so we have ended up splitting 3 nights at Pongwe and 2 nights Matemwe. I think it's a good mix as we can chill out at Pongwe for and then do some diving/snorkelling at Matemwe.

Bob, please let me know how you enjoy the two places.

We are in a similar situation: Honeymoon with 5 days on Zanzibar Sept. 23 to 28. I contacted both Matemwe Village and Matemwe Bungalows and they are both booked!

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR 3 NIGHTS AT THE BEACH IN ZANZIBAR?

thanks,
scott

scott:
Did you try Pongwe--several posters have stayed there and liked it.

We are staying at Matemwe Bungalows for our honeymoon earlier in September, but we also strongly considered the brand new Kempinski, which looked very nice and has gotten some positive reviews, and Pongwe. I think the Kempinski has a/c - we heard that Pongwe gets quite hot, though it looked like a lovely place.