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.
