Latest News

6th July 2008
The re-opening of Zanzibar Retreat Hotel took place the 1st of July with the new owners from Scandinavia. The hotel has gone through an up-grading phase, with a new bar close to the beach, and a bigger focus on the service and food situation. Many more things are planned and in the pipeline, and we hope to see a fruitful year with all our partners here on Zanzibar. Managing Director Jan Haasiosalo, Matemwe

17th November 2008
A bunch of friends had a good deep sea fishing trip outside Mnemba. The retreat hotel has good connections to the game fishing companies, and this is a must-do experience for all interested of fishing.

15th December 2008
We have decided to open up another option regarding lunch. A small part of the beach will be equipped with a cool setting for 6-8 people, and will be served our lunch a la carte menu. This will be open for walk-inns but the rest of our facility remains private for hotel guests only. Welcome to experience our delicious lunch menu.

December 2008
This months news on the jungle drums is also regarding food. A top gourmet chef from Croatia has decided to upgrade the kitchen which we gladly accepted. We are looking forward to many good fusion plates reinforcing our euro-swahili concept. The Chef will stay on until March 2009. Hurry up to book a weekend and enjoy.

Activities

Local activities

Besides the tours on offer around Zanzibar we also offer you a range of activities from the hotel:

  • Massage and Henna body paintingfishing

  • Mountain bike rental

  • Enduro motorcross bikes

  • Car rental

  • Deep sea fishing

  • Snorkelling

  • PADI diving

  • Village walk

  • Volleyball

 

Activities and day tours on Zanzibar

Please see below a sample of activities on offer, all trips can be modified to suit the client's holiday plans. All activities can be arranged at the hotel a few days in advance.

  • boatride to Niamembe Island Trip

On this boat trip we are heading to the small islands, Miwi and Nianembe or Kwale in the protected Menai Bay. From the sailing boat often you can see dolphins.

On the islands you will find a exposed sandbar, providing a pristine beach, perfect for relaxation. The sea around the islands is very good for snorkeling.

niamembeWhen the tide is low it's possible to walk around the island, exploring the rock pools where juvenile fish and a myriad of crabs, shellfishes, starfishes, oysters and other invertebrates exist in the ever-changing environment of the intertidal.

We’ll arrange a barbecue with fresh caught fish, local dishes and tropical fruits. Do not miss this very special trip!


  • 22Uzi Island tour

On the remote island of Uzi 6000 people are living, despite the fact that it is hard to access. Only during low tide, on a path through mangroves or on boats you can reach Uzi. But if you reach it, you will find a different Zanzibar. Untouched nature and original african life make a trip to Uzi Ilsand an adventure: primary forest, monkeys, lonely beaches and curious locals. It is really off the beaten track!


  • Spice Tour

cacaoThe history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and a good tour includes opportunities to dazzle the senses with fresh spices. We have developed a special Spice Tour with in depth information not only about spices, but also organically grown herbs and a detailed description about their traditional uses in medicine cosmetics and cooking. After the tour we invite for an opulent lunch, where you can taste the spices and fruits. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils.

  • Stone Town City Tour

House of Wonders, StonetownThis tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingston's House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! 

Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. A guided walk through this colourful and alternating city with tour guide Jumma,  who knows funny, but also cruel stories to tell about life of the old times in Stonetown. 

  • Prison Island Tour

turtles on prison islandEarning its name as a former prison for slaves and a quarantine station for Zanzibar and the mainland nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet. The island lies just off the Old Stone Town and is home to giant tortoises that were imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white beach for sunbathing. The island is ideal for a day trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.

  • Jozani Forest Tour

jozaniThe Jozani Forest is the home of the red colobus monkey, a rare species found only in Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. But Jozani is also home to other species including Sykes monkey's, small buck, chameleon and bush pigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night - perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative. A walk through this impressive flora and fauna is one of the highlights Zanzibar has to offer.

  • Dolphin Tour

dolphinsSituated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins, which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins, which can be a very rewarding experience. We are doing this trip in the afternoon to avoid the crowds of tourists in the morning, which in big numbers disturbing the dolphins. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons.

  • Diving / Snorkeling

We are always aiming of providing for our guests the best deals for an ideal vacation, that's why we use ONE OCEAN Diving Centre in Matemwe for all our dives and snorkeling activities. Please visit their website or book through us, and enjoy the coral reef, Mnemba Atoll and the natural beauty of Zanzibar.