Discovering the natural treasures of the island of Pemba
A true green lung of the Zanzibar archipelago, Pemba Island immerses visitors in a heavenly setting. With an area of 988 km², it is none other than the second largest island in the archipelago. Its size does nothing to detract from the wild beauty of its lush landscapes and white sandy beaches lined with turquoise waters. Pemba Island owes its nickname to the fertility of its rolling land. An environment conducive to growing rice, cloves, coconuts, bananas, cassava and beans. Far less touristy than Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago, Pemba Island guarantees travellers a complete change of scenery. Calm, escape and relaxation are the watchwords of any stay in the heart of this dense, green nature surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Mangroves, tropical forests, fine sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and marine reserves of great richness: the landscapes offered by Pemba Island will not leave you indifferent. A perfect setting to end a safari circuit in Tanzania in style or enjoy an exclusive destination for a honeymoon.
The paradisiacal beaches of Pemba during your stay
Pemba Island is full of natural treasures, and its deserted beaches are among them. Preserved from mass tourism, these stretches of white sand bring a wild dimension to the landscapes of the Green Island. A small lost paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean, ideal for recharging your batteries. Enjoy a break from the digital world on the dream beaches of Pemba Island. Idling under the coconut palms, swimming in the middle of turquoise lagoons, snorkelling in search of coral reefs and the multicoloured fish that inhabit the marine reserve, you are spoilt for choice !
The cultural and historical richness of Pemba Island
The beaches of Pemba Island are among the most beautiful in the Zanzibar archipelago, but the appeal of the green island is not limited to its dreamlike landscapes. The island’s cultural and historical richness is one of the reasons why travellers choose to set down their bags on this verdant stretch of land. There are various ways to discover Pemba Island’s cultural heritage. You can visit the ruins of Jambagome, the ruins of Ras Mkumbu, Chwaka and Mkama Ndume. These archaeological sites and historical monuments offer a real leap back into the past. Visiting the Pemba Museum and the port of Chake Chake is also an excellent way to learn more about the history of the green island, its Arab and Swahili heritage, as well as its role in the archipelago’s maritime trade.
Sport and adventure activities in Pemba
A change of scenery is within easy reach on the island of Pemba. This little paradise owes its reputation to its heavenly landscapes, but also to the unforgettable experience it offers travellers. Among the most immersive experiences: kayaking among mangrove forests, snorkelling in the heart of turquoise lagoons, scuba diving in one of the archipelago’s most beautiful marine reserves, cultural walks in traditional villages, and visits to local plantations and farms. There are many options available for you to discover all the facets of Pemba island.
Gastronomy and flavours of Pemba during your stay
A stay on the island of Pemba will be an opportunity to discover the local cuisine and traditional dishes of Zanzibar gastronomy. Take the time to sample the island’s specialities and the exotic flavours that have made Zanzibar cuisine so renowned. Seafood and grilled fish take pride of place in the archipelago’s typical dishes. Spices also hold a place of choice in this colourful cuisine.
The comfort and charm of accommodation in Pemba
Several types of accommodation are available to you on Pemba Island. Luxury, simplicity, authenticity — it is up to you to choose the world in which you wish to stay during your trip to Pemba Island.
- Fundu Lagoon is very popular with travellers who choose Pemba Island for their honeymoon or a romantic trip. This beautiful establishment located by the sea offers more than 20 fully equipped bungalows opening onto the surrounding wilderness.
- Manta Resort, located on the northern side of the island, offers a unique experience with its panoramic view of the ocean and white sand. This hotel owes its fame to its underwater room at a depth of more than 4 metres.
- The Aiyana is a chic lodge designed in a natural style to offer exceptional views. Comprising 30 beautiful private villas, this seaside hotel has everything to please.
Meet the locals and discover their way of life
To enjoy the perfect escape on the island of Pemba, meet the locals! Encounters with the local people are synonymous with sharing, exchange, discovery and conviviality. An unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover the customs and local way of life for a fully immersive stay.
Pemba’s exceptional marine wildlife
With its richly diverse marine ecosystem, Pemba Island is certainly one of the most beautiful diving and snorkelling spots in the Zanzibar archipelago. Meet tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and other incredible species that live in the crystal-clear waters around Pemba Island. Corals, anemones and multicoloured sponges, the flora that inhabits the reserve’s seabed is every bit as majestic. Exploring the depths of Pemba Island holds some wonderful surprises for you.
The unique and lush flora of Pemba Island
Pemba Island stands out from its neighbour, Unguja, with its rolling landscapes and dense, lush vegetation. This environment, ideal for growing rice, cloves, coconuts, cassava and bananas, has earned it the nickname Green Island. A land of agriculture and plantations, Pemba Island hides real botanical riches in the heart of its tropical forest. Nature lovers will be captivated by this exceptional environment.
The must-sees during your visit to Pemba
A quintessential beach destination, the island of Pemba has many facets. Here are the must-sees during a stay on the green island:
- Visit the town of Chake Chake
- Explore the primary forest of Ngezi
- Meet the flying foxes, the largest bats in the world, at the Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary
- Visit the clove plantations
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving
- Go on a kayak trip through the mangrove
- Discover the ruins of Ras Mkumbu
Why go to Pemba Island
Pemba Island is known for honeymoon trips. With its white sand and turquoise water, you are guaranteed a complete change of scenery during your romantic stay.
Pemba Island’s nickname is “the green island”, due to its very fertile land, which gives it a dense, lush natural environment.
With its fertile land, the locals grow all kinds of food such as:
- Rice
- Banana
- Cassava
- Bean
- Coconut
Pemba Island is a good alternative to Zanzibar’s main island: Unguja. It should be noted that Unguja attracts around 100,000 travellers per year compared with only 6,000 travellers for Pemba Island. The island is therefore still very little visited by tourists.
Pemba Island is one of the more hilly islands in the archipelago, unlike the other islands which are flatter and whose ground is mainly coral stone.
Activities on Pemba Island
- Kayaking in the mangrove forests
- Wakeboarding
- Snorkelling and scuba diving
- Cultural walk
- Visit the Jambagome Ruins
Set off to discover the secrets of the Indian Ocean during a diving session and observe marine animals in their natural environment.
If you are the sort of person who prefers activities on dry land, several excursions will be offered to discover the island’s every nook and cranny, with its tropical forests, rolling landscapes, palm trees, etc…
One of the activities not to be missed is a visit to the ruins at Ras Mkumbu, where you will learn a great deal about the island’s history.
There’s no need to panic for travellers looking to relax and enjoy a restful stay. All you need to do is bring your swimwear, your towel and come and unwind on the white sandy beaches.
When to visit
It is possible to travel to Pemba Island all year round to enjoy a peaceful break and a romantic getaway for two.
During your stay, we recommend remaining on the island for at least 5 days, long enough to discover the island’s culture and nature.
How do you get to Pemba Island?
Access to Pemba Island is relatively easy, with flights from Zanzibar Island running at any time of day to reach the island.
You can also take flights from Tanzanian cities such as Arusha and Dar Es Salaam.
- Zanzibar = 2.5 hours’ flight
- Arusha = 30 minutes’ flight
- Dar Es Salaam = 1 hour’s flight
Where to stay on the island
There are several accommodation options available to you on the island of Pemba:
- Fundu Lagoon is very popular with travellers on their honeymoon or those simply looking for a romantic getaway. It is located by the sea with excellent staff service.
With more than 20 bungalows, equipped with a bathroom with shower, a large double bed with mosquito net and ceiling fan, the lodge has everything to please you. - Manta Resort, located on the northern side of the island, offers a unique experience with its panoramic view of the ocean and its fine white sand. One of the reasons why Manta Resort is a popular lodge is its underwater room at more than 4 metres deep.
- The Aiyana opened its doors in 2015, it is a chic lodge designed with great style.
