Pemba Island

Pemba is the northernmost island in the archipelago. It is the smaller, hillier and greener “sister island” of Zanzibar. Despite being equally beautiful, Pemba is often overshadowed by its world-famous sister island and is sometimes even forgotten. Nevertheless, Pemba has a serene and laid-back atmosphere, where the local people are friendly, and the villages are set amongst spice plantations, fruit trees and lush tropical vegetation.

Pemba has pristine beaches, primaeval forests, picturesque ruins, and beautiful offshore islands. As it receives few visitors, this secluded island is ideal for honeymooners.

Located just 60km off the mainland of Tanzania, Pemba offers the perfect combination of a relaxing beach escape and a thrilling mainland safari or mountain trek. Ask us about our safari and beach packages or our Mount Kilimanjaro climb and beach packages.

There are ferries from Zanzibar to Pemba, but the crossing can be rough and unsafe. Consequently, the easiest way to get to Pemba for most visitors is to fly to Pemba Airport from Arusha, Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar.

Once there, visitors will see several of the island’s four million clove trees, some over 100 years old, and discover why Pemba is known as the ‘Clove Island’ of the Indian Ocean.

If you love the ocean, you’ll find plenty to explore in the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, which spans the entire west coast of the island. It’s a stunning natural habitat that provides a sanctuary for species such as rare dugongs, dolphins, humpback whales, and five types of sea turtles. Several of its beaches are crucial breeding sites for green and hawksbill turtles. The diving sites in the area are widely regarded as some of the best in East Africa and include Misali Island, the Kigomasha Peninsula, the Fundu Gap, and the Njao Gap.

Don’t miss out on Pemba’s other natural wonders. Ngezi Forest, located in the north, is a protected rainforest home to an endemic bat species known as the Pemba flying fox, which can be seen flying at dusk. Another gem is Misali Island, which is world-famous for its beautiful corals and beaches.

If you are a history enthusiast, visit the Mkama Ndume Ruins near Pujini village. These ruins are the remains of a 15th-century Swahili town ruled by a despotic sultan. They are located southeast of Chake Chake, Pemba’s largest town. If you go west of Chake Chake, near Ndagoni village, you can explore the well-preserved ruins of Ras Mkumbuu. Here, you will find ancient tombs and a once-large mosque. Additionally, if you are interested in the origins of your favourite spices, you can take a spice tour to learn about the history of these spices in a modern-day context.

If you visit Pemba Island, you will relax in nature’s embrace.