Pemba Island- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Off the coast of Tanzania lies Pemba Island, a quietly beautiful island in the Zanzibar Archipelago that often stays out of the spotlight. The island covers around 988 sq km and boasts a landscape of rolling green hills, dense mangroves and fertile farmland.

Its local economy remains rooted in agriculture: Pemba is known globally as a major producer of cloves, along with crops like coconut, cassava, banana and rice. Compared to its busier neighbour Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar Island), Pemba has retained a more relaxed pace of life and fewer large resorts.

This slower pace is part of the appeal. For travellers seeking a less developed island, Pemba offers a mix of cultural authenticity, natural richness and marine adventure. The combination of rural village life, spice‑town ambiance and coral‑reef diving makes it versatile yet distinctive.

How to get there

You can reach Pemba Island by flying from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam — it’s a short flight of about 30 minutes from Zanzibar. There is also a ferry connection, though it is slower and less comfortable than flying. Once on the island, transport is simpler but rustic: expect modest roads, local dala-dalas (minibuses) or 4×4 taxis for more remote areas.

Where to stay

Accommodation options range from high-end luxury lodges and boutique eco-resorts to simpler guesthouses. Many of the top resorts are concentrated on the northern coast, closer to prime dive sites. If you prefer a quiet, less developed setting, southern and western parts of the island offer charming lodges amid nature rather than big hotels.

Best time & practical tips

The best window for most visits is during the dry season (July to late October), when the weather is fair and marine visibility is strong. Avoiding peak wet periods will help you get more out of diving, kayaking or exploring. Also, since Pemba is less developed for tourism than some other islands, plan logistics (airport transfers, dive bookings, resort pickup) ahead of time.

Underwater adventures

For snorkellers and divers, Pemba delivers. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs and marine channels rich with life. Dive sites such as around the Pemba Channel and Misali Island offer clarity and diversity of marine species. Whether you’re seeking turtles, reef sharks, colourful corals or big game fish, Pemba offers a memorable underwater world.

Land & nature exploration

Beyond the sea, you’ll find lush forest reserves and mangrove-lined coastlines. The Ngezi Forest Reserve, for example, is a unique habitat for endemic birds and the flying fox bat. Mangrove kayaking, forest walks and hilltop views are excellent for nature-based travel.

Cultural and heritage immersion

Pemba’s spice farms are a portal into its agricultural heritage. Visiting a clove plantation or spice farm gives insight into how residents work the land and how the island’s economy developed. Additionally, you can visit local villages, sample Swahili-influenced cuisine and explore ancient ruin sites the island hosts.

• Snorkelling and diving in Pemba Channel
• Exploring Misali Island reefs
• Kayaking through mangroves
• Visiting Ngezi Forest Reserve
• Touring clove and spice farms
• Exploring local villages and ancient ruins