Pemba Island

Pemba Island is one of the lesser-known islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago. It is, however, a popular honeymoon destination. If you want rest, tranquility, and a romantic atmosphere – this is the place to be! The coral reefs surrounding the entire island form a magnificent playground for snorkelers and divers. The Pemba Channel has impressive marine life, much like an underwater paradise. You can spot many colorful fish, sharks, dolphins, and even whales here. Also, be sure to explore the range of watersport activities. You can choose anything from kayaking, kite surfing, and windsurfing to a romantic sunset cruise in a traditional sailing boat.

The Green Island

Pemba Island is also known as the green island. The main reason is its rich and fertile soil, the lush green hills, and the thick vegetation. As such, this untouched island has lots of forests, mango trees, and vast clove plantations. A third of the population depends on small-scale farming (rice, cloves, cinnamon, bananas, cassava) and fishing. Last but not least, Pemba’s wildlife is not only spectacular below sea level. Bush babies, flying foxes, and vervet monkeys roam the island!

Combining Pemba Island with a stay at Zanzibar, Mafia, or a Tanzania Safari on the mainland is possible.

Pemba remains largely ‘undiscovered’ by travelers, which is part of the island’s appeal. Pemba is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Unguja, even though Pemba is hillier and more verdant.

Pemba is a hidden masterpiece filled with forests, mangrove swamps, hidden beaches, lagoons, and tidal sandbanks. It is littered with the ruins of mosques and tombs, reminders of the Arab domination of the island in the 17th century.

Pemba’s pristine beauty has been preserved so well due to a lack of awareness about the island. Few towns and hotels exist in Pemba, making this destination one for the intrepid traveler.

Known as ‘clove island’ because it is the world’s main exporter of cloves (70% of all the world’s cloves are grown in Pemba), the island is also the center for ju ju traditions of medicine, giving it a reputation as the world’s ‘magic’ island.

Pemba Island History

Pemba Island has been separated from the mainland of Tanzania and Zanzibar for decades, leaving an untouched and pristine island of great beauty and fertility. The mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches, and lagoons is scattered with the ruins of mosques and tombs mostly reclaimed by the forest – sites that date back to Arab domination when Pemba Island was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (Oman) in the 17th century. He loved the Spice Islands, established his court in Zanzibar, and ruled Muscat from there.

Chake Chake harbour

Used for swimming & fishing

Chake Chake Harbour is mainly used for swimming and fishing. When the Western Colonial powers came to East Africa, the British forced the Sultanates of Muscat and Zanzibar to separate and then administered the Spice Islands in the Sultan’s name.

Untouched territory

Where is everyone?

How can such a beautiful place be so devoid of visitors? On an island with a population of 500,000, there are rarely more than a few dozen foreigners. It is as though the people of Pemba have a secret that they refuse to share. Traveling in Pemba is discovering untouched territory. Villagers are eager to talk to anyone who passes, and small children will give you their biggest and white smiles as they yell “bye-bye!” as you pass them by. The stallholders will call you over to markets to sit you down to try their fruits, waiting patiently for your reaction.

The Clove island

Pemba is still the predominant global producer of cloves, yielding around 70% of all the world’s cloves, but it now plays its more traditional role of being an island paradise with a small inter-island trade. Pemba Island also has a strong reputation as a ‘magic’ island, a center for ju-ju traditions of medicine and wizardry.

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES ON PEMBA ISLAND

Snorkeling and scuba diving
Cultural village walk
Visit the Jambagome Ruins on a boat safari
Dolphin safari
Wakeboarding
Kneeboarding
Kayaking through the mangrove forest
Sunset cruise
Visit plantations (spices, vegetables, fruit)

Archeological Sites

Several fascinating archaeological sites are unmissable for travelers who are interested in history.

These include the Ras Mkumbuu, which features a mosque, ancient tombs, and houses from the 14th century, and Chakawa, which contains the ruins of a town dating from the 11th to 15th century.

The Mkama Nduma ruins are one of the most interesting sites. This 15th-century palace is the only known fortification on the Swahili coast.

To immerse yourself in the local culture, visit the Pemba Museum in Chake Chake to learn the island’s story. The island’s main town, Chake Chake, also contains the ruins of an old fort.

Spice Farms

Pemba is known as the ‘clove island’ because the island is the world’s main exporter of cloves. You can visit a spice farm to see the clove trees and discover how cloves are turned into essential oils at the ZSTC Clove Oil distillery.

The Zanzibar archipelago is nicknamed the ‘spice islands’ due to the countless spice farms that are found in the region. Pemba Island’s spice farms also produce cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, lemon grass, vanilla, and nutmeg.

You can book a cookery lesson or get a tour of the farm to see how the products are cultivated, learn about the history of the spice trade in the region, and get the chance to shop for the freshest, most authentic spices in the world.

Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to a colony of 4,000 Pemba flying foxes, a large bat that is indigenous to Pemba.

You can watch the bats from a small viewing platform. During the day, they hang upside down and frequently take to the air.

Kidike is situated next to Kangagani village, 2km east of the main road between Chake Chake and Wete. Ask your driver to turn off the main road 10km northeast of Chake. Travel through Kangagani village, and the sanctuary will be on your right.

Scuba Diving

Pemba is known for being one of Africa’s best scuba diving locations. The island is surrounded by magnificent underwater walls and excellent topography, which provide habitats for many sea creatures, including turtles, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and big game fish.

The best diving sites are on the island’s west coast, including Misali Island and areas off the Kigomasha Peninsula, the Fundu Gap, and the Njao Gap, which are all part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area.

Most divers have prior experience, but some companies provide courses and day trips for beginners. There is excellent visibility throughout most of the year, but you should avoid the rainy seasons (April to May, November to December).

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing is a popular half-day or full-day activity, and you can catch marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.

Pemba’s proximity to the Pemba Channel means that you have a good chance of catching big game fish that can be barbecued for dinner.

The prime fishing season is from mid-July to mid-April.

FLIGHTS TO PEMBA ISLAND

Flights to Pemba depart from the following airports:

Arusha (appr. 2.5 hours), price indication: € 350
Zanzibar (appr. 30 min), price indication: € 95
Dar es Salaam (appr. 1 hour), price indication: € 140

TRAVEL TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS ABOUT PEMBA ISLAND

Pemba is a beautiful and super romantic island where you can enjoy peace and friendly people. We have a special offer for newlyweds on honeymoon: a bottle of prosecco, a massage, and a private dinner for free. Contact us so we can tell you more about all the available options.

When To Visit Pemba

The heavy rain season runs from April to May, during which many of the resorts are closed. These monsoons give the island its mangrove forests and swamps.

The smaller rainy season lies between November and December. Visibility for diving during these seasons is much lower, although there are also fewer malaria-carrying mosquitos.

Pemba sits on the equator, so the average temperature is a balmy 26°C year-round.

How long to stay in Pemba?

Mostly 5 days (4 nights) to fully enjoy the beauty of Pemba island.