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Zanzibar Travel Blog
Tips, Guides & Experiences at Boutique Hotel Matlai
Zanzibar Travel Blog
Welcome to the Boutique Hotel Matlai travel blog. Here we share insider tips about Zanzibar, including the best beaches, activities, cultural experiences and ideas for combining a Tanzania safari with a relaxing beach stay on the island.
Direct flights to Zanzibar from the United Arab Emirates
You can fly from the United Arab Emirates to Zanzibar without changing planes — Dubai–International with Air Tanzania and Flydubai. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from Israel
You can fly from Israel to Zanzibar without changing planes — Tel Aviv with Arkia and Israir. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away. Some of these services are seasonal, so check the dates for the season you are travelling in.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from France
You can fly from France to Zanzibar without changing planes — Paris–Charles de Gaulle with Air France. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from Italy
You can fly from Italy to Zanzibar without changing planes — seasonal charter services from Bologna, Milan–Malpensa, Rome–Fiumicino, Verona and Catania. These are winter-season services — they operate roughly November to April, not in the northern summer, and the airline operating them changes from season to season.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from Turkey
You can fly from Turkey to Zanzibar without changing planes — Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from Czechia
You can fly from Czechia to Zanzibar without changing planes — a seasonal charter service from Prague. These are winter-season services — they operate roughly November to April, not in the northern summer, and the airline operating them changes from season to season.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from Poland
You can fly from Poland to Zanzibar without changing planes — a seasonal charter service from Warsaw–Chopin. These are winter-season services — they operate roughly November to April, not in the northern summer, and the airline operating them changes from season to season.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from the Netherlands
You can fly from the Netherlands to Zanzibar without changing planes — Amsterdam with KLM and TUI fly. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from the United Kingdom
You can fly from the United Kingdom to Zanzibar without changing planes — London–Gatwick with Air Tanzania. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read
Direct flights to Zanzibar from Switzerland
You can fly from Switzerland to Zanzibar without changing planes — Zurich with Edelweiss Air. The island is closer than most people assume, and once you land the east coast is just over an hour away. Some of these services are seasonal, so check the dates for the season you are travelling in.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Aug 222 min read


Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar: Luxury Beach and Safari Combination
A Tanzania safari from Zanzibar is entirely possible—and increasingly popular among luxury travelers seeking both beach and wildlife in one trip. Boutique Hotel Matlai, located on Zanzibar's tranquil east coast at Michamvi Pingwe, serves as the perfect base for combining the island's crystalline waters with mainland safari adventures just a short flight away. Most visitors fly to Zanzibar first, spend 3–5 days beachside, then take a 45-minute charter flight to northern Tanzan
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 306 min read


Birthday Celebrations in Zanzibar | Boutique Hotel Matlai East Coast
Plan the perfect birthday or milestone at Boutique Hotel Matlai on Zanzibar's east coast — private candlelight dinners dressed with palm leaves and bougainvillea, a floating sunrise breakfast in the pool, and the sandbank that sits directly in front of the hotel.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 304 min read


Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Honeymoon: The Complete Guide
Two weeks combining Tanzania's northern safari circuit with Zanzibar's east coast — the complete guide to structure, timing, honeymoon packages, and cost.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 309 min read


Zanzibar in July: Weather, Activities and What to Expect
July is Zanzibar's dry-season peak — clear skies, 25–28°C, excellent snorkelling visibility and warm evenings. Here is what to expect on the east coast in July.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 306 min read


Zanzibar Hotel with Infinity Pool: East Coast Views at Hotel Matlai
Boutique Hotel Matlai on Zanzibar's east coast has two private pools — the Kidosho infinity pool and Asili oceanfront pool — both with Indian Ocean views, exclusive to villa guests.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 306 min read


Things to Do Near Michamvi Pingwe — The Complete Guest Guide
From tidal sandbank walks to ngalawa sunset cruises — everything on the doorstep of Boutique Hotel Matlai, and how to make the most of each one.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Jul 308 min read


The Ultimate Guide to a Zanzibar Honeymoon: Romance on the East Coast
Discover why Zanzibar's east coast is the perfect honeymoon destination. Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and intimate settings await.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
May 145 min read


Is Zanzibar Quiet in April & May? Discover the Hidden Gems
Is Zanzibar Quiet in April & May? April and May are considered the low season in Zanzibar — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. In fact, many travelers who know the island well will tell you this is one of the most special times to be here. The beaches are quiet, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the island feels more authentic. Especially on the east coast, in areas like Michamvi Pingwe, you can experience Zanzibar without crowds. Why Many Restaurants Close During Lo
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Mar 262 min read


North Coast vs East Coast Zanzibar
Aerial view of a small sandbank island in Zanzibar surrounded by turquoise water and coral reef lagoon. The image illustrates the stunning beach landscapes found along the east coast of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean - Mnemba Island
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Mar 155 min read


Destination Wedding Zanzibar: Beach Wedding Guide
Discover how to plan a wedding in Zanzibar — best seasons, church and beach ceremonies, documents, tides, and wedding planner tips.
Boutique Hotel Matlai
Feb 208 min read
Planning your trip? Explore our Tanzania Safari Guide, learn about the best time to visit Zanzibar, and discover our luxury beachfront villas in Michamvi Pingwe.
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