You have just landed at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). Your Matemwe resort is waiting, white coral sand, a quiet lagoon, and the Indian Ocean straight ahead. The last thing you want is to stand outside the terminal, haggling with an unlicensed taxi driver while your luggage sits on hot tarmac.
Zan Drive makes the journey simple. A professional driver meets you at arrivals with a name board, loads your bags, and takes you straight to Matemwe – no stress, no negotiation, no surprises. The Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe transfer takes roughly 45 to 55 minutes by private vehicle, covering approximately 40 km via a smooth tarmac road through lush coastal scenery. Fixed prices, licensed drivers, full insurance – everything confirmed before your flight even lands.
Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Transfer Price
The fixed price for a private airport transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe is $35 to $50 depending on the type of the vehicle and number of passengers. Private luxury transfers to Matemwe price starts from $60. These are flat rates – no surge pricing, no fuel surcharges, and no add-ons at arrival. What you see is what you pay.
| Vehicle Type | Passengers | Price (One Way) |
| Compact Car (Sedan / SUV) | 1 to 4 | $35 |
| Large Van (Toyota Noah) | 5 to 7 | $50 |
| Luxury Alphard (VIP / Honeymoon) | 1 to 7 | From $60 |
All prices include: meet and greet at arrivals, flight monitoring, name board, 2 bags per passenger, and direct drop-off to your resort or villa in Matemwe.
How to Book Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Transfer
Booking takes under 60 seconds. Send a WhatsApp message to +255 776 042 282 with your name, flight number, arrival date, and drop-off resort. You receive confirmation within 2 minutes – day or night, from any time zone.
Three ways to book:
- WhatsApp (fastest): Message +255 776 042 282. Confirm your booking in 2 minutes. Driver is dispatched automatically on your arrival day.
- Online booking form: Use the form on website. Pay securely via Visa, Mastercard, or M-Pesa.
- Hotel arrangement: If your hotel offers a transfer, compare their price against our fixed rates – hotel transfers are often marked up 40 to 60%.
Book at least 24 hours before arrival for guaranteed availability. Last-minute bookings are accepted subject to driver availability.
Why Book a Private Transfer to Matemwe
Matemwe sits on Zanzibar’s northeast coast – one of the island’s most serene and upscale beach destinations. Getting there independently means either negotiating with airport taxis (where prices vary wildly and unlicensed drivers are common) or waiting for a shared shuttle that stops at four resorts before yours.
A private transfer means:
- Licensed, insured driver – fully vetted, English-speaking, with local road knowledge
- Direct route, no detours – straight to your property, not a shared shuttle loop
- Flight monitoring included – delayed? Your driver already knows and adjusts
- Fixed price, agreed upfront – no meter, no negotiation, no confusion
- Safe and comfortable – clean, air-conditioned vehicle with luggage space
Matemwe’s road passes through Chwaka Bay and northeast coastal villages. The last stretch to some resorts runs close to tidal flats – a local driver knows exactly which routes to take at which time of day. That local knowledge is not something you get from a random airport taxi.
Check out our other Zanzibar tour packages
Whether you are traveling as a couple on honeymoon, a family with young children, or a solo traveler arriving late at night – a pre-booked private transfer is the safest and smartest way to start your Zanzibar experience.
Vehicle Options for Matemwe Transfers
Choose the right vehicle from our fleet for your group size, budget, and comfort preference.
Sedan
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and small groups up to 4 passengers.
A comfortable, fuel-efficient sedan or compact SUV that handles Zanzibar’s tarmac roads well. Air-conditioned, with adequate boot space for 2 to 4 bags. At $35 one way to Matemwe, it is the most cost-effective private transfer option on the route.
Minivan
Best for: Families, friend groups, and travelers with more luggage.
The Toyota Noah carries 5 to 7 passengers with generous luggage space. Fixed price of $50 to Matemwe – split across 5 people, that is just $10 per person. Air-conditioned, smooth, and well-suited to the 40 km northeast coast route.
Luxury Vehicle
Best for: Honeymoon couples, VIP arrivals, and travelers who want an exceptional first impression.
The Toyota Alphard delivers premium leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and panoramic windows. Your driver arrives in formal attire. Optional floral decoration available for honeymoon transfers. From $60 to Matemwe.
Group Minibus
Best for: Wedding parties, resort groups, corporate teams, and dive groups of 8 or more.
We operate chartered minibuses for larger groups traveling together from the airport to Matemwe resorts or dive lodges. Contact us via WhatsApp with your group size for a custom group quote.
Best Transfer Options from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe
Not all transfer options work the same way. Here is a side-by-side comparison of every option available on this route:
| Transfer Type | Price Range | Travel Time | Privacy | Booking Required | Best For |
| Private Transfer | $35 to $60 | 45 to 55 min | Full | Yes (easy) | All traveler types |
| Airport Taxi (unmetered) | $30 to $60 | 45 to 60+ min | Full | No | Budget, risk-tolerant |
| Shared Shuttle | $15 to $25 pp | 60 to 90+ min | Shared | Yes | Solo budget travelers |
| Hotel Transfer | $50 to $90 | 45 to 55 min | Full | Via hotel | Convenience seekers |
Private Transfer
The best option for most travelers. Fixed price, direct route, licensed driver, and flight monitoring included. Your private transfer to Matemwe is confirmed before you land, so there is zero uncertainty on arrival. No price negotiation, no shared van, no detours.
Airport Taxi
Unmetered taxis wait outside the terminal. Prices are negotiable but inconsistent – the same journey may cost $30 or $60 depending on your negotiating ability and the driver. Vehicle condition varies. There is no insurance guarantee and no accountability if something goes wrong. Fine for experienced travelers; stressful for first-timers.
Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles combine multiple passengers headed to different resorts. They are cheaper but significantly slower – expect 60 to 90 minutes as the van completes multiple stops before yours. With luggage and tired travelers, this is rarely worth the $10 to $15 saving.
Hotel Transfer
Many Matemwe resorts offer their own transfer service. Convenient, but typically priced 40 to 60% above market rate. The vehicle and driver are often contracted out anyway.
Where Your Driver Meets You at Zanzibar Airport
Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) has a single arrivals hall. After you clear customs and immigration, your driver will be standing in the arrivals area holding a personalized name board with your name printed on it.
What to expect on arrival:
- Clear customs and collect your bags from the baggage carousel
- Exit through the arrivals gate into the main hall
- Your driver is waiting with your name board
- Driver helps load luggage and leads you to the vehicle
- Direct departure to Matemwe – no waiting, no paperwork
We monitor your flight in real time. If your flight is delayed, your driver adjusts automatically – you are never left waiting and never charged extra for delays.
If you cannot locate your driver on arrival, call or WhatsApp at +255 776 042 282. Response is immediate, 24 hours a day.
Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Distance & Travel Time
Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe is approximately 40 km by road, taking 45 to 55 minutes by private vehicle under normal conditions.
The route goes northeast from the airport, skirting Stone Town’s outskirts before joining the northeast coast road toward Kiwengwa and Matemwe. The road is tarmac throughout and well-maintained. No off-road sections are involved for standard Matemwe resort drop-offs.
Factors that can affect travel time:
- Stone Town traffic during morning and evening peak hours (add 10 to 15 minutes)
- Matemwe is a spread-out area – your specific resort location affects the final few minutes
- Tidal conditions very rarely affect the main access road but your driver plans accordingly
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time | Road Type |
| Airport (ZNZ) to Matemwe | ~40 km | 45 to 55 min | Tarmac |
| Stone Town to Matemwe | ~35 km | 40 to 50 min | Tarmac |
| Nungwi to Matemwe | ~25 km | 25 to 35 min | Tarmac |
| Matemwe to Mnemba Atoll jetty | ~2 to 5 km | 5 to 10 min | Local road |
Learn about locations and areas to which we offer airport transfer
Travel Tips for Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Route
- Book before you fly: Matemwe resorts fill quickly during peak season (July to September, December to January). Pre-book your transfer at the same time you book accommodation.
- Currency: We accept USD cash, TZS, Visa, Mastercard, and M-Pesa. No need to exchange money at the airport specifically for your transfer.
- Luggage: The transfer price includes 2 bags per passenger. Traveling with dive gear or oversized luggage? Mention this when booking so the right vehicle is assigned.
- Matemwe and Mnemba Island: Matemwe is the launch point for Mnemba Atoll snorkeling and dive trips. If you are diving, your lodge will arrange boat transfers from the beach – your road transfer ends at the resort.
- Traveling with children: Request a child seat when booking. We provide child seats at no extra charge with advance notice.
- Night arrivals: The northeast coast road is safe and well-traveled but poorly lit after dark. A pre-booked private transfer is especially important for late-night or early-morning flights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Transfer
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe?
A private transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe costs $35 for up to 4 passengers and $50 for groups of 5 to 7. Unmetered airport taxis charge anywhere from $30 to $60 depending on negotiation.
How far is Matemwe from the airport?
Matemwe is approximately 40 km from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) via the northeast coast road. The drive takes 45 to 55 minutes by private vehicle.
Are taxis in Zanzibar expensive?
Compared to Western prices, no – but prices vary widely if you are negotiating at the airport. A private pre-booked transfer to Matemwe starts at $35, which is often the same or lower than what an un-booked taxi will quote you after a long flight.
What to do in Matemwe, Zanzibar?
Matemwe is best known as the gateway to Mnemba Atoll – Zanzibar’s premier snorkeling and diving destination, home to sea turtles, dolphins, and vibrant coral. On the beach itself, Matemwe offers kite surfing, beach walks, sunset kayaking, and exceptional seafood at local and resort restaurants.
Which part of Zanzibar is most beautiful?
Zanzibar’s northeast coast – including Matemwe, Kiwengwa, and Nungwi – is consistently ranked among the most beautiful coastal areas in East Africa. Matemwe specifically offers a quieter, more intimate setting with clear water and direct access to Mnemba Atoll’s marine reserve.
Is Matemwe worth visiting?
Absolutely. Matemwe is Zanzibar’s best-kept secret for travelers who want natural beauty without the crowds of Nungwi or the party atmosphere of Paje. If you are a diver, snorkeler, honeymooner, or simply someone who wants a peaceful Indian Ocean beach – Matemwe is exactly right.
Book Your Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Transfer
Your Zanzibar holiday starts the moment you step off the plane – not after 20 minutes of taxi negotiation. Zan Drive has your transfer confirmed before you land, your driver waiting at arrivals, and your bags loaded before you have time to check your phone.
| How to Book | Contact | Response Time |
| WhatsApp (Fastest) | +255 776 042 282 | Under 2 minutes, 24/7 |
| info@zandrivecarrental.com | Within 1 hour |
Book now and travel stress-free. Your Matemwe holiday deserves the perfect start.
