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A Day at Matlai: From Indian Ocean Sunrise to Dinner on the Beach
Welcome to Boutique Hotel Matlai in Michamvi Pingwe, Zanzibar—a place where time slows down and the Indian Ocean dictates the rhythm of the day. A stay here is more than just a holiday; it's an immersion into pure, luxurious relaxation. Join us on a journey through a typical, dreamy day at Matlai, from the first light of dawn to the starry, intimate nights. Morning: The Awakening of Paradise 🌅 6:00 AM – The Magical Sunrise The day begins early, but it's a wake-up call you w
Boutique Hotel Matlai
2 days ago4 min read


Zanzibar Goes to the Polls: Understanding the October 29th Election
At the end of October, Zanzibar, the beautiful semi-autonomous archipelago within the United Republic of Tanzania, will hold its general elections. While part of the national Tanzanian voting process, the elections for the Zanzibar Presidency and the local House of Representatives are distinct and deeply significant for the islands. If you are visiting Zanzibar during this time, you will notice increased political activity, rallies, and public interest as the islands prepare
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Oct 173 min read


Escape the Autumn Fade: Discover the Everlasting Green of Zanzibar
If your soul craves the endless green and the gentle murmur of a tropical canopy, look no further than Zanzibar. While the some parts of the world begin its seasonal descent into brown and muted tones, our spice island stays firmly planted in summer. This is your invitation to trade the chill for the tropics! Zanzibar is a truly evergreen paradise, and its iconic trees are stories waiting to be told. Join us as we take a closer look at the fascinating trees that define our is
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Oct 108 min read


Discover Zanzibar Like a Local: Culture, Daily Life & Authentic Experiences
When most travelers think of Zanzibar, images of luxury hotels, romantic beach escapes, and turquoise Indian Ocean waters come to mind. And yes—this paradise island off the coast of Tanzania is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. But after living in Zanzibar for three months, I discovered another side—one of resilience, hospitality, and deep-rooted traditions. This is not just the Zanzibar of holiday postcards, but the real Zanzibar, the one locals call home. Da
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Sep 226 min read


Your Monthly Guide: When to Go & What to Expect
Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but each month brings its own magic. Whether you're chasing the sun, looking to avoid the crowds,...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 203 min read


Your Zanzibar Checklist: So Nothing Goes Wrong! Part 2
In our previous blog post, we covered essential travel preparations , from finding flights to managing your money. Now, let's dive into...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 28 min read


Your Zanzibar Compass: Everything for Perfect Travel Preparation - Part 1
Zanzibar awaits! Before you pack your bags, discover all the crucial tips and tricks to ensure your exotic escape is perfectly planned....
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 209 min read


Zanzibar’s Boutique Hotel Boom: A New Era of Travel
We are living in a generation that craves authentic travel experiences, boutique hotel stays, and deeper connections with the...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 44 min read


Best Snorkelling and Diving in Zanzibar: Discover Marine Life
Zanzibar is a marine paradise that appeals to all ocean lovers. Whether you’re an experienced diver, a snorkelling enthusiast, or simply...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jun 253 min read


Ronaldinho Live in Zanzibar on July 27th – Legendary Football Match
Zanzibar is not just famous for its beautiful beaches and tropical paradise but also for its deep passion for sports, especially...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jun 22 min read


Ramadan and Eid in Zanzibar: A Time of Faith, Community, and Celebration
Zanzibar, with its rich Swahili culture and deep Islamic traditions, embraces the holy month of Ramadan with devotion and a strong sense...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Mar 265 min read


TripAdvisor’s List of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches is out—But Where Is Michamvi Pingwe in Zanzibar?
Pingwe Beach The new Tripadvisor 2025 list of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world doesn't include any beaches from Zanzibar this...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Feb 233 min read


Have You Already Started Dreaming About Your 2025 Vacation?
Tides, Moon Phases, and Unique Coastal Experiences in Zanzibar Moon Rise Villa Kidosho Is There a Reason to Plan Your Vacation According...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jan 243 min read


Welcoming 2025 in Paradise: New Year’s Eve at Boutique Hotel Matlai
As 2024 ended and 2025 began, we at Boutique Hotel Matlai had the pleasure of celebrating New Year’s Eve with our guests in true Zanzibar...
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jan 42 min read


Christmas and New Year in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, Christmas is celebrated by the Christian minority, which makes up about 3–4% of the population, as the majority of...

Inge BB
Dec 6, 20243 min read


FAQ's before visiting Zanzibar
Get ready for your trip to Zanzibar with our essential FAQs, covering everything you need to know before you go! What and where is...

Inge BB
Nov 11, 20248 min read


New Mandatory Insurance for Tourists Visiting Zanzibar
Effective 1.October 2024, all tourists traveling to Zanzibar are required to obtain a mandatory insurance policy prior to their arrival....

Inge BB
Oct 11, 20242 min read


Public Holidays in Zanzibar - part 2
The first part of the holidays covered the first half of the year. Now, we'll move on to the second half of the year, followed by the...

Inge BB
Sep 6, 20245 min read


Public Holidays in Zanzibar - part 1
Public Holidays are an important part of a country's history. The public holidays in Zanzibar and Tanzania do not differ. This also means...

Inge BB
Jul 28, 20245 min read


Introducing Our Live Lobster Aquarium: Freshness Redefined at Our Restaurant
Indian Ocean Lobster We are excited to introduce our new aquarium , which allows us to offer live lobster at our restaurant. This...

Inge BB
Jul 20, 20242 min read
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