Last but not least...Matemwe Beach Village








Matemwe's beach



Crispy Squid salad



Someone once told me that the word "Matemwe" means "I like" in one of the 18 Malawian languages. In Swahili the word does not exist, but I think it should and it should mean "heaven on earth"!

Matemwe is situated on the north east coast of Zanzibar, and this is the last place I see before I leave this island,  and has been home for the past year.

With breathtaking sunrises and flabbergasting full moons, the white beaches, crystal waters, tall coconut trees and view of Mnemba Atoll you wonder whether there is a place more serene and more beautiful in this world. Worries are non-existent and fears vanish and the tides bring hope, love, peace and all things wonderful. This is my heaven.


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Sailfish Fishcakes

I could go on and on about this glorious little guest house hidden between lush gardens and humble village homes that believe that tourism should improve the local community's lives, and that tourists should be one with the island they come to visit, seeing it for the true and wonderful place it is without the fake, the plastic and the false. With exceptional staff and thoughtful touches, guests leave here with magical memories. And with happy tummies!



With comments such as "Best food I've eaten in Africa" and "best chef in the Indian Ocean", it is proof that this place's heart is in the right place...the kitchen! The young South African chef has brought with him tons of passion, great skill and a true love for food, transforming normal unskilled village boys into talented chefs. Combining local produce and traditional flavours with  western techniques and a touch of European ingredients, the menu is a true symphony of worlds that illuminates the beauty of the setting.






Pork Fillet with a Roast Apple sauce



Dinner time is an adventure and you are taken on a journey each night. One night, dinner time brings a travel through the culinary offerings of Africa, showcasing Morocco, South Africa and local Zanzibar food. Another night places you in a Masai Boma, feet in the sand, lit up by candle light and lanterns, where local spices are used to bring guests wonderful curries accompanied by a Zanzibari quartet of traditional Afro-Arabic music.

But the true experience comes on the nights where the chef flashes his creativity and talent and offers guests a 3 course meal where the menu lets Africa meet Europe.



Tuna in a Coconut Sauce



Dinner time has the restaurant buzzing with conversations of safaris through Africa, tribulations of Kilimanjaro, romantic whispers of honeymooners and the sound of the Indian Ocean waves breaking on the beach.  Dishes are sent out of the kitchen as artworks and empty plates are returned as guests enjoy the wonderful surprise of fantastic food in such a simplistic setting.



Some of the dishes on offer are Sailfish Fishcakes on Marinated Zucchini Ribbons and served with a Pineapple Preserve and Tomato Jam or a Crispy Squid Salad, made from squid freshly caught today, and served  

Venison on Pommes Dauphine with a Honey Mustard Sauce

with aa home made Chilli and Lime dressing. Mains consist of Pan Seared Tuna served on Spinach and Candied Cauliflower with a Coconut Sauce, and Pork Fillet stuffed with Dates and Gorgonzola, served with Potato Puree and Sauteed Red Cabbage with a Roast Apple Sauce! Sticky Toffee Puddings, Creme Brulees and Warm Chocolate Pots are some of the wonderful desserts you'll get to sample here. With the menu changing each night, a lifetime spent here is possible and favourable.

Sticky Toffee Pudding



So I say goodbye to my heaven and hope that angels let me return someday. In the meantime I'll cherish the fond memories made here and dream of the dinners spent with fantastic people, fabulous food and the east coast breeze promising another beautiful day.