Kiganja – Hotel in Matemwe (Zanzibar), Zanzibar

Name: Kiganja
Address: Matemwe Kilimajuu, Matemwe (Zanzibar), Unguja North Region
Price range: US$82+

Kiganja Bed & Breakfast Matemwe Amenities photo

Kiganja Bed & Breakfast Matemwe Exterior photo

Key details

Property Overview

Matemwe Kilimajuu, Matemwe (Zanzibar)

Near Matemwe Beach

Perfect

9.2

/10

5.0

4.5

Guests love staying at Kiganja

Visiting bush babies

Homemade cakes

Executive mozzie net

Delicious food

Nice pool

"If you love quietness and being surrounded by nature then I highly recommend booking a stay here."

Lauren from United Kingdom

read full review

"The visiting bush babies every evening were a joy!"

Elvera from Netherlands

read full review

"Outstanding chef- the 3 course dinner is amazing!"

Brading from United Kingdom

read full review

"If you're looking to experience the real Zanzibar - peaceful, welcoming, and full of character - Kiganja Retreat is a wonderful place to stay."

Maria from United Arab Emirates

read full review

"The restaurant has a very good menu and delicious food and a beautiful view."

Nathan from Australia

read full review

Intimate 8-room beachside retreat in Matemwe with Italian dining

Accommodations

Kiganja offers 8 air-conditioned rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the outdoor swimming pool. Every room includes a minibar, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom equipped with rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. The property also provides free WiFi in all areas and a kettle for guest use.

Dining & Social

The on-site restaurant serves Italian cuisine and offers room service, with a daily buffet breakfast that includes continental options and a welcome drink upon arrival. A complimentary guest reception is held each evening, encouraging mingling among guests. The bar overlooks the pool, and the property provides special diet menus, packed lunches, and a coffee house on site.

Activities & Recreation

The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, with pool towels provided. Guests can use badminton equipment, darts, and board games, or join on-site diving, snorkeling, hiking, and fishing excursions. The property also organizes live sport events and happy hour, with a shared lounge and TV area for relaxation.

Location & Surroundings

Kiganja sits 100 meters from Matemwe Beach and is a short walk from Pwani Mchangani Beach, offering direct access to white sand. The property is close to Mnemba Island, a prime site for diving and snorkeling, and provides a tour desk for arranging excursions. The quiet, remote location is removed from busy tourist areas, with street parking and shuttle service available.

Family & Children

Family rooms are available, and the property provides an indoor play area with board games and puzzles. Kids' meals are offered at the restaurant, and the outdoor pool includes a shallow end. The staff can arrange airport transfers, and express check-in/check-out is available for convenience.

Highlights

Location: 100 meters from Matemwe Beach, near Mnemba Island diving sites

Rooms: 8 air-conditioned rooms with private balcony and pool view

Dining: Italian restaurant with room service and daily complimentary reception

Activities: Outdoor pool, diving, snorkeling, badminton, and darts

Family: Family rooms, indoor play area, and kids' meals

Must-do experiences

Snorkel in Mnemba Atoll for vibrant marine life and clear waters.
Savor fresh seafood at The Rock Restaurant, a local culinary gem.
Visit Nungwi Beach for stunning sunsets and lively seaside activities.
Explore Stone Town's winding alleys and the historic Forodhani Market.
Try the local dish 'Zanzibar pizza' from street vendors at night.

Location: Great

8.6/10Review score

See this property's location on the map

Highlights from guests

DiningTaste of Paradise

The Italian owners serve incredibly delicious food. Don't miss anything on the menu; it's all fantastic.

Marco from Italy

Review on

Room FeaturesComfort Elevated

Rooms are modern, with strong AC and amazing water pressure. The beds are exceptionally comfortable.

Chloe from Canada

Review on

Spa & LeisureTranquil Escape

A beautiful, quiet pool area with great sunbeds and umbrellas provides a perfect place to relax.

David from UK

Review on

Children's AmenitiesMagical Evenings

Every evening, adorable bush babies visit for a snack, adding a unique touch of wild delight.

Sarah from Australia

Review on

Pick the room type that suits your Zanzibar stay

Kiganja offers double, family and suite rooms, each including breakfast, free cancellation and special rates for travelers exploring Zanzibar.

Quadruple Room Balcony
2 persons
26 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Bunk bed
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Triple Room Pool View
2 persons
26 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Single bed
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Double Room Pool View
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Shower
room details

Room Rates & Availability Calendar

See live prices and availability for your selected dates!

Amenities

Kiganja provides amenities designed for a relaxed stay and memorable experiences on the island.

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Hiking
Badminton
Darts
Fishing

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

See Where Kiganja Is Located

Matemwe Kilimajuu, Matemwe (Zanzibar)

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Dada Zanzibar Production and Cooking Site

2.68 km

Landmark

Muyuni Beach

1.87 km

Landmark

Bandas Live Music

2.07 km

Landmark

Matemwe Beach

2.4 km

Landmark

Scuba Libre Diving Centre

2.57 km

Landmark

Furaha Snorkeling and Taxi Trips

2.57 km

Landmark

Kite Zanzibar

2.86 km

Landmark

One Ocean

3.37 km

Landmark

Swell Kiteschool Zanzibar

3.4 km

Landmark

Cannibal Party

3.48 km

Landmark

Mapenzi Beach

4.02 km

Landmark

Scubafish Zanzibar Ltd

4.13 km

Landmark

Kibwana

4.74 km

Explore Matemwe (Zanzibar)

Local Highlights

Muyuni Beach

25 minutes' walk

Stunning white sand beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Great spot for family picnics and relaxation.

Dada Zanzibar Production and Cooking Site

30 minutes' walk

An interactive cooking experience showcasing Zanzibar's cuisine, perfect for food enthusiasts. Guided tours are available.

Matemwe Beach

25 minutes' walk

Picturesque beach known for its tranquility, great for leisurely strolls or enjoying a quiet sunset with loved ones.

Furaha Snorkeling and Taxi Trips

30 minutes' walk

Snorkeling adventures in vibrant coral reefs, offering guided trips. Suitable for thrill-seekers and ocean explorers.

Snorkeling with Furaha

30 minutes' walk

Snorkeling tours showcasing coral reefs and marine life. Great for families and water sports lovers. Equipment rental is available.

Kite Surfing with Swell Kiteschool

35 minutes' walk

Kite surfing lessons for all levels, with stunning views of the ocean. Perfect for thrill-seekers and adventurous spirits.

Kanazi Beach Restaurant

10 minutes' drive

Casual dining with a beachfront view, offering seafood and local dishes. Vegetarian options are available; reservations recommended.

Ristorante Pizzeria Papo

5 minutes' drive

A cozy spot known for delicious pizzas and a warm atmosphere. Family-friendly and caters to dietary needs like gluten-free.

Bandas Live Music

25 minutes' walk

A vibrant venue offering live music performances, perfect for a lively night out. Family-friendly with an energetic atmosphere.

The Spice Route Bar

10 minutes' drive

Relaxed bar with great cocktails and local brews. Regular events like trivia night make it a fun option for locals and visitors.

Transportation options

City Centre
Matemwe (Zanzibar) 32 min · 2.6 km
Airports
Kisauni (ZNZ) 70 min · 46.6 km
Pemba (PMA) 132 min · 87.5 km

Want Early Booking Rates for Zanzibar Stays?

Unlock Zanzibar Rates Right Now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-21:30

Check-out

until 10 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs USD 8.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Italian, Swahili

Number of rooms:

Guest Reviews & Ratings

Read authentic guest reviews sharing their experience at Kiganja.

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Comfort

9.4/10

Facilities

8.9/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.5/10

Location

8.6/10

Staff

9.7/10

Value for money

9.3/10

Pros

Authentic atmosphere

Friendly hosts

Comfortable rooms

Beach proximity

Cons

Inconsistent water supply

Limited breakfast fruit

Lack of wardrobe

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About Kiganja

Can you clarify the smoking policy? Am I allowed to smoke near the pool while enjoying a drink?

12 March 2024

Smoking is permitted in open areas, on private balconies, and in common spaces. However, please refrain from smoking in indoor areas.

What is the proximity of the beach to the property? How long will it take to walk there?

20 April 2024

The beach is just 50 meters from the property, which is about a 2-minute walk.

Is there an airport transfer service available? What is the fee for this service?

5 November 2024

Private transfers are offered at a cost of $50 from the airport to the property for up to 6 guests, and $45 for the return journey.

What is the travel time from the airport to the property?

28 February 2024

The journey from the airport to the property typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Is internet access available at the property? Is transportation provided from the airport?

15 January 2025

Internet access is available throughout the property, including in the rooms. Transportation from the airport can be arranged for $55, with an extra charge of $5 for night transfers.

Are all the bathrooms in the rooms private, or are some shared?

22 May 2024

Every room is equipped with a private bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy for all guests.

Can you help arrange transportation to the Matemwe diving center?

17 June 2024

Yes, taxis can be arranged to the central Matemwe area for $10. If diving is planned, many centers will pick guests up directly from the property.

What diving options are available nearby, and how can guests reach these locations?

30 July 2024

There are several diving centers in the area. A recommended option is Ocean Legacy Diving Centre, which provides pick-up services from the property for guests.

Is Wi-Fi available in the guest rooms or only in common areas?

11 August 2024

Wi-Fi is accessible in all guest rooms as well as throughout the common areas of the property.

Is there a need for a shuttle service to reach the beach, or can guests walk there?

19 September 2024

There is no need for a shuttle as the beach is a mere 50 meters away, taking just 2 minutes on foot.