Pemba Island- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Pemba Island, Tanzania: The Ultimate Guide to East Africa’s Untouched Paradise

If Zanzibar is the extroverted, bustling face of the Tanzanian archipelago, Pemba Island is its mysterious, serene sibling. Known as "The Green Island" (Al Jazeera Al Khadra), Pemba offers a travel experience that is increasingly rare in the modern world: genuine seclusion.

Here, there are no beach boys selling trinkets, no rows of crowded sunbeds, and no chain hotels. Instead, you will find rolling emerald hills, clove-scented air, and coral reefs so pristine they rival the best in the world. For divers, honeymooners, and eco-conscious travelers, Pemba is not just a destination; it is a return to nature.

Why Visit Pemba? Beyond the Beaten Path

While Unguja (the main island of Zanzibar) focuses on beach parties and Stone Town tours, Pemba remains delightfully raw. It is an island where the asphalt ends and adventure begins.

The "Green Island" Ecology

Unlike the flat, sandy terrain of its neighbor, Pemba is defined by its fertile, undulating hills and dense vegetation. The island produces nearly 70% of the archipelago’s cloves. As you drive from the airport, the scent of drying cloves on roadside mats is unmistakable. This lush topography supports a farming culture that has remained unchanged for centuries.

A Diver’s Mecca: The Underwater Experience

Pemba is arguably the best diving destination in East Africa. The island is separated from the mainland by the Pemba Channel, which plunges to depths of over 2,000 meters.

• Misali Island Marine Conservation Area: Located just off the west coast, Misali offers easy drift dives and snorkeling with massive sea turtles, untouched hard corals, and over 300 species of fish. It is strictly a no-fishing zone, ensuring vibrant marine life.

• The Deep Blue: For advanced divers, the deep drop-offs and strong currents of the Pemba Channel attract pelagic giants, including barracuda, trevally, and the elusive hammerhead shark.

Unique Cultural Heritage

Pemba’s culture is a fascinating tapestry distinct from the mainland.

• Bullfighting: A relic of the 16th/17th-century Portuguese occupation, Pemba is the only place in Africa that practices traditional bullfighting. Unlike the Spanish version, this is a non-lethal sport. It is a test of agility where the bull is praised, not harmed, and usually takes place in villages like Kangagani during the harvest season.

• Mysticism: The island is famously known across East Africa as a center for traditional healing and "white magic." While not a tourist attraction per se, it adds a layer of mystique to the island's atmosphere.

Where to Stay: From Floating Rooms to Barefoot Luxury

Accommodation on Pemba is limited, exclusive, and highly integrated with nature. Do not expect high-rise hotels; expect eco-lodges that blend into the coastline.

The Manta Resort & The Kwanini Foundation

Famous globally for its Underwater Room—a floating suite where you sleep surrounded by shoals of reef fish—The Manta Resort offers more than just a photo op. It is the heart of the Kwanini Foundation, a conservation initiative. A portion of your stay funds the Kwanini Marine Protected Area and local community projects, making this a guilt-free luxury experience.

Fundu Lagoon

Accessible only by boat, Fundu Lagoon is the definition of "barefoot luxury." With tented rooms set on wooden walkways through the mangroves and a hillside infinity pool, it attracts those seeking total privacy. It is a favorite for honeymooners who want to disappear into the jungle canopy.

Constance Aiyana

For those who prefer polished, modern luxury, Constance Aiyana offers minimalist white-washed villas and 5-star service on the northern tip of the island. It provides a stark, beautiful contrast to the wild greenery surrounding it.

Adventures on Land: Nature & Wildlife

Ngezi Forest Reserve

This double-canopy rainforest is a remnant of the indigenous forest that once covered the island. A guided trek here reveals the Pemba Flying Fox, a fruit bat with a wingspan of up to 1.6 meters (endemic to the island), as well as the rare Pemba Scops Owl and vervet monkeys.

Vumawimbi Beach

Located on the Kigomasha Peninsula, Vumawimbi is a long stretch of blindingly white sand and turquoise water. The best part? You will likely be the only person there. It is the perfect spot for a picnic after a morning forest hike.

Essential Travel Guide: Logistics & Etiquette

How to Get There

• By Air (Recommended): The most reliable way to reach Pemba is via a short 30-minute flight from Zanzibar (Unguja) or Dar es Salaam. Airlines like Coastal Aviation and Auric Air operate small Cessna caravans daily. The aerial view of the reefs is spectacular.

• By Ferry: There is a ferry from Stone Town, but it is often unreliable, overcrowded, and safety standards can vary. For most international travelers, flying is the safer and far more comfortable option.

Best Time to Visit

• Diving: September to November offers the best visibility (often 40m+). January to March provides the calmest seas.

• Weather: The heavy rains fall from April to May, during which many lodges close. The dry season (June to October) is cool and pleasant.

Cultural Etiquette & Tips

• Dress Modestly: Pemba is predominantly Muslim and more conservative than Zanzibar. When outside your resort (especially in Chake Chake or visiting spice farms), women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid walking around shirtless.

• Ramadan: If you visit during Ramadan, be respectful by not eating or drinking publicly in town during daylight hours. Resorts will continue to serve food as normal.

• Cash is King: There are very few ATMs on the island (mostly in Chake Chake), and they often run out of cash. Bring sufficient US Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings with you.