Pemba is known for being one of Africa’s best scuba diving locations. Magnificent underwater walls and excellent topography surround the island.
Zanzibar is not an island; it is an archipelago.
Zanzibar is an archipelago comprising about two dozen islands, the largest of which are Unguja and Pemba. Together, they make up Zanzibar. Unguja is often called Zanzibar because it is more difficult to pronounce and is a more popular destination. This has given the impression that Zanzibar is a singular island, but this needs to be more accurate.
Unguja is where you can swim with dolphins, windsurf, and party all night long on the beach. Pemba, on the other hand, offers seclusion, absolute privacy, and untouched nature.
Pemba has only three hotels on the entire island
Unguja has 150+ hotels across the island. Pemba has only 3.
While the hotels operating on Pemba offer modern amenities and comforts, the rest of the island can feel as if it has been frozen in time. Little has changed on this small island in the Indian Ocean in centuries: pure sand beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, no rubbish or litter found in the turquoise waters, and traditional boats or canoes still used by local fishermen. Pemba is a vibrant, green island and the world’s top producer of cloves – Zanzibar’s largest export. If you venture to the rural areas of this island, your senses will be awakened with a soft hint of cloves as the plantations emit a fresh, romantic aroma of this tropical spice.
Most of the local population lives in Pemba’s capital, Chake Chake. Many current residents are descendants of ancient Omani immigrants (the indigenous Swahili people) from centuries ago. Others identify as “Shirazi,” who, according to legend, are descendants of Persian royalty.
The people of Pemba follow traditional dress customs, speak formal Swahili, and hold their religious beliefs very close. Pemba was known for practicing conventional medicine and mysterious traditions, and some say such knowledge and skills can still be found within the local villages. Local Pemba guides can share intriguing legends and inspiring histories.
Visit Pemba if you want a romantic, secluded, or enjoyable getaway. This untouched island offers something completely different from significant tourist attractions. However, it still offers all the glamorous comforts, fresh seafood, and incredible hospitality you’d expect on a great island vacation.
Where is Pemba?
On a map, Pemba is located just 50 km east of Tanzania’s mainland, in the Indian Ocean.
This small island is only 67 km (42 miles) long and 22 km (14 miles wide) wide. Despite its size, Pemba has plenty of charm and is surrounded by beautiful ocean waters.
The Zanzibar Archipelago consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba. Along with Mafia Island, a part of the Mafia Archipelago, they form Tanzania’s ‘Spice Islands’ trio. These islands are globally recognized for their export of exotic, tropical spices.
How to get to Pemba?
There are two ways to reach Pemba: by air or water.
Water: Those with plenty of time and a love for the open water can take a ferry from Zanzibar to Pemba. This ferry, which takes approximately five hours, is offered twice a week and arrives at the port in Chake Chake town.
Air: Flying into Pemba is an excellent option for those who want to arrive at their destination and save travel time.
For almost the same price (sometimes even less!) as a ferry ticket, guests can take a quick flight from any major airport in Tanzania into Pemba. How quick? As little as 15 minutes!
Most itineraries include a stopover at Stonetown’s airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ).
As the destination “Pemba” can be confused with the port town in Mozambique, it is best to ask a local operator to organize your flight to Pemba. Because it is such a short flight and only available by small, regional airlines, booking online or paying using a secure method may be difficult outside of Tanzania.
Contact Altezza to organize your quick flight to the fantastic island of Pemba, and start dreaming of pristine, clove-scented beaches immediately!
Pemba Ambience
Pemba is all things tropical without being tacky. It is charming and romantic, drenched in sunshine and salt water. Because the island is tiny, the beach is always nearby, the plantations are local, and everything is about hospitality. The atmosphere of Pemba is pleasant and friendly, and it does not feel touristy.
Pemba has been nicknamed the “Green Island” because of its lush plantations and untouched beauty. Many of the fruits available on the breakfast buffet at one of Pemba’s three hotels, such as mangos, bananas, jackfruits, and more, were grown on the island.
History buffs can visit the ancient ruins of Pemba, which are found on the western part of the island. These structures were assumed to have been used in the 13th and 14th centuries. A significant site is the foundation of a large mosque, considered the largest in sub-Saharan Africa at the time. This is a testament to Oman’s influence in Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean.
Guests can also learn about the endangered Hawkbill Sea Turtle’s nesting sites off Misali Island. Due to climate change, the rising waters around small islands and inlets around Pemba have devastated sea turtle habitat and made nesting difficult for these majestic animals. Local hotels have taken steps to help protect sea turtles, such as rewarding fishermen who spot sea turtle nests with eggs and defend them until hatching. This is one example of how visitors to Pemba can work with the tourism industry to help make a positive environmental difference.
Other unique wildlife may be seen in the remaining areas of Pemba’s ancient forests. Visitors can spy on the Pemba Flying Fox (an exotic bat) and a primate known as Kirk’s Colobus. Both are unique to the area and won’t be seen in mainland Tanzania.
Of course, plenty of water activities are available on Pemba, from swimming and snorkeling to fishing. Learn to fish traditionally with a local fisherman in a ngalawa (a local-style canoe), or ask your hotel to organize a fishing expedition. If seclusion and quiet swimming are your ideal island life, there will be no shortage of warm, sunny days to relax on the beach or enjoy the Indian Ocean’s warm waters while on Pemba Island.
Diving on Pemba
The most popular activity in Pemba is diving—and for good reason! Pemba offers excellent diving opportunities and the chance to see active, vibrant marine life. Adventurous travelers can visit Pemba Channel to spot hammerhead sharks, known to swim in groups in this area (but don’t worry—these sharks never venture to shallow waters near Pemba’s beaches).
Diving experts have acclaimed Pemba as the best diving experience in East Africa, with great options for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Snorkeling
Those who enjoy snorkeling should consider visiting Misali Island, where sea turtles are known to nest. Snorkelers will also see plenty of brightly-colored fish and beautiful starfish.
Birdwatching on Pemba
Pemba has changed little in the past 100 years, becoming a haven for tropical birds. BirdLife International, a UK-based NGO founded in 1922 to protect birds and their habitats, recently included Pemba Island on its official list of Important Bird Areas, making it a coveted destination for bird watchers.
Hotels on Pemba
The list of hotels on Pemba is short and sweet! While these accommodations are excellent, we have a favorite: the Aiyana Resort and Spa. Our experience here has been consistently good, and our guests continue to rave about their time at this hotel.
Here, the Pemba Scops-Owl, Pemba Green Pigeon, Pemba Sunbirds, and other exciting birds endemic to the island. Only by visiting Pemba in person can a bird lover spy on these rare species.
The Aiyana Resort & Spa
This resort hotel offers private villas on the beach with a breathtaking ocean view. The in-house restaurant features some of the best fresh seafood and impeccable hospitality.
The resort offers many activities, including diving, snorkeling, guided tours, and more. Its spa emphasizes relaxation, with massages and other services available for guests.
The staff genuinely know Pemba, and they aim to help guests fall in love with this magical island.
Manta Resort
Manta Resort emphasizes nature in every aspect. This resort is located near the beautiful forests of Pemba, where guests can become immersed in the Swahili culture, walk barefoot on the beach, and enjoy delicious, fresh meals at the in-house hotel.
Manta Resort offers guests an “underwater room” for a unique ocean experience.
Fundu Lagoon
Fundu Lagoon offers simple, beautiful accommodations for guests who want to enjoy Pemba’s natural beauty and beaches.
Fundu Lagoon is currently closed (estimated to reopen in July 2021).
Are you ready for a beach vacation unlike any other? Pemba Island is a unique paradise of white sand and turquoise waters. An island where plantations of bananas and cloves mingle with forests for tropical birds, where the ocean’s waters embrace marine life. Pemba is where time has stopped and nature rules.
