Manta Resort
Matemwe Retreat
August 11, 2021
Pemba Island is a far cry from the busier areas on Zanzibar Island and the cities of Tanzania. It is just fantastic to be away from any hustle and bustle and lots of people.
Going to Pemba is not about walking out down the beach to restaurants and bars, or about larger resorts with lots of facilities and all the five-star touches. Pemba is remote, quiet and full of beautiful beaches, forests and friendly people.
Manta itself is a real family environment and you will be welcomed into the family straight away. Be prepared to take in and immerse yourself into all the resort has to offer - whether that be simply relaxing, going out on their all-day 'island safari' - seeing spice farms, fish market, 18th-century ruins, the endemic flying foxes and the bustling capital Chake-Chake, visiting the local school, fishing, heading out on kayaks or chilling out on the sandbank. There really is a lot to do on Pemba and lots to keep you busy. And of course, if you are into your marine life then the diving and snorkelling here are world-class!!
We must also mention the Underwater Room! Manta has been getting quite a bit of media coverage in the last few years as they have built a room for overnight stays literally underwater! A private floating island with a bedroom four metres below the surface. Sunbathing, stargaze and dine on the deck there surrounded by the marine environment. More info below on this feature.
Manta is hard to beat in terms of an off the beaten track island experience. Also, a massive plus for us is the formalising now of years of work in the officially registered NGO - the 'Kwanini Foundation' - where there are now many ongoing projects with the local communities. It is important to us that the lodges/camps we work with engage and involve the local community, and that by people staying on the island it benefits all involved.
Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly, the floating underwater room tops almost anything you’ll see worldwide in terms of a unique accommodation experience!
All within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by - sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, those above the water clad in local hardwood. Each one is worthy of its own story.
The landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. A ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging area – for sun-worshipping by day and stargazing at night all seen without any light pollution. You can sleep happily under the stars to the sounds of the ocean or underwater in your spectacular windowed room!
Descending the ladder to the bedroom below you are given the amazing feeling of lying on a soft kingsize bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing of the ocean. Situated on the reef, in the middle of a conservation area, shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely seen nature will often visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which provides them with some protection from predators.
At night, the underwater spotlights on all sides of the room often attract the shyer and more unusual, for instance, squid. Coral has established itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopus and even Spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes. The reef inhabitants can simply not resist the attraction, which makes for exciting watching and truly unique experience!
The room lies approximately 250m from the shore, in the crystal clear waters of the marine conservation area. The Underwater Room at Manta is a short boat ride of around 5 minutes from the beach. On arrival at the room, along with your service fundi and boat captain, you will get shown around and made familiar with the ins and outs of your private floating island.
You will then be left alone to enjoy your new surroundings. The underwater room lies in what Manta call the blue hole, which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine life. A kayak, snorkel and fins will be provided for you to use.
After having sundowners on the lower or upper deck, dinner will be served at a pre-arranged time decided by you and your service fundi. After dinner, you will be left to yourselves. Breakfast will be served at a pre-arranged time. Check-in time is 14h00 for the Underwater and check out time from the room is at 11h00.
The Underwater room security guard will be anchored to a buoy not far off from the room. The bathroom facilities include an open-air freshwater shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is eco-friendly, and a small hand-wash basin. Manta provides all the necessary environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products. A fully-stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience and a mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything.
From the standard Garden Rooms to the Superior Garden Rooms and Seafront Villas, Manta offers everything you could want from an island holiday or vacation. Manta comes highly recommended.
Standard Garden Rooms
The standard rooms are open plan makuti thatched rooms situated further back in the gardens. They all feature a king-size bed covered by a mosquito net, open plan en-suite bathroom, and a comfortable verandah to relax on. These rooms offer great value for those on more of a budget. They are not air-conditioned but do have a fan above the bed.
Superior Garden Rooms
Two pairs make up the four Superior Garden Rooms with views of the sea between the garden foliage. One of the two pairs has an interconnecting door which makes it a good choice for families or friends. The Superior Garden Rooms are air-conditioned with a king-size four-poster bed and private makuti thatch covered terrace.
Seafront Villas
These villas have open plan makuti thatched roofs and are spacious and private. The ‘evening breeze’ air conditioning system around your bed is delightful! The rooms have a king-size bed and a large en-suite bathroom. The ‘open’ windows face a spectacular ocean view and a stunning sunset. Our choice for our clients if you can afford it.
Family Tents
Honeymoon-suite
Ensuite Bathroom
Power in Room
Fans
Swimming Pool
Solar Power
Charging Facilities
WiFi
Massage
Spa
Hair Dryer
In Room Safe
Star Bed
Curio Shop
Whale Watching
Cultural Experience
Vehicle Safari
Full Day Game Drive
Birding Safari
Boat Safari
Sundowner Boat Cruise
Fishing
Local School Visit
Bush Dining
Diving
Snorkeling
Sea Kayaking
Water Sports
Facilities
Activities
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