Pemba Island, Tanzania

Hidden in the shadows of its more famous neighbor, Zanzibar, lies a verdant island that time seems to have forgotten — Pemba Island. Known as the “Green Island” for its lush vegetation and fertile lands, Pemba is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago yet offers a completely different experience: raw, authentic, and deeply rooted in tradition.

With its secluded beaches, thriving coral reefs, and sleepy villages untouched by mass tourism, Pemba is a sanctuary for nature lovers, divers, and those seeking the quiet magic of unspoiled Africa.

Where Is Pemba Island?

Pemba lies approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and is part of the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, under the government of Tanzania. It is smaller and hillier than its southern sister island and significantly less developed, giving it an authentic charm.

Why Visit Pemba Island?

1. Unspoiled Nature

Unlike bustling Zanzibar, Pemba remains relatively untouched by commercial tourism. Here, you’ll find rainforests, mangroves, spice farms, and coral reefs that are healthier and more vibrant than nearly anywhere else in East Africa.

2. World-Class Diving and Snorkeling

Pemba boasts some of the best diving sites in the Indian Ocean, with walls, drop-offs, and drift dives that attract marine biologists and underwater photographers from around the world. The reefs are teeming with life, and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

3. Cultural and Historical Richness

Pemba has a deep Swahili cultural heritage and a long history of Arab influence. Its traditional way of life is alive and well, with ancient mosques, clove farms, and markets providing a window into a past that still shapes the present.

4. Complete Escape

With few tourists, minimal infrastructure, and no crowds, Pemba offers true seclusion. It’s a perfect retreat for honeymooners, solo travelers, or anyone wanting to disconnect and unwind.

Things to Do on Pemba Island

1. Diving and Snorkeling

The Pemba Channel is a diving paradise, known for:

Coral walls and deep drop-offs
Abundant reef fish, turtles, rays, barracuda, and reef sharks
Occasional sightings of hammerheads and manta rays
Pristine soft and hard corals

Top dive sites include:

Emerald Reef
Swiss Reef
The Crack
Fundu Gap

For snorkelers, shallow reefs near Misali Island and Shamiani Island offer stunning underwater scenery.

2. Visit Misali Island

Part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PCCA), Misali is a small, uninhabited island off Pemba’s west coast. It's perfect for:

Snorkeling and diving
Nature walks
Picnics on deserted white-sand beaches

It’s also a conservation hotspot for nesting sea turtles and rare birds.

3. Explore the Forests and Nature Reserves

Ngezi Forest Reserve in the northwest is the last remnant of Pemba's indigenous rainforest. Walk through giant mahogany trees and palms while spotting:
- Pemba flying foxes (huge fruit bats, unique to the island)
- Bush babies, monkeys, and rare birds
Kidike Root Site offers close-up views of flying foxes in their roosting habitat.

4. Spice and Clove Tours

Pemba was once the world’s largest clove producer, and spice farming is still a major part of island life. Visit clove plantations to learn how:

Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemongrass are grown, harvested, and dried
Spices shape Swahili cooking and medicine

5. Cultural Experiences

Explore Chake Chake, the island’s central town, or Wete, the administrative capital. These quiet, dusty towns are filled with:

Old Arab houses
Bustling local markets
Friendly locals who are always happy to talk

You can also visit:

Ras Mkumbuu Ruins – remnants of a 14th-century Swahili settlement
Mkama Ndume Ruins – a ruined palace and fort near Pujini, from the 15th century

Best Beaches on Pemba

Pemba’s beaches are more rugged and remote than those of Zanzibar but incredibly beautiful. Top picks include:

Vumawimbi Beach – long, wild, and often deserted
Shamiani Beach – tidal flats and calm waters, great for kayaking
Misali Island Beaches – small, private beaches surrounded by coral reefs
Fundu Lagoon – remote and romantic, often considered the most exclusive beach

Accommodation tip:

Accommodations are few but charming, offering eco-luxury lodges and rustic beach escapes. Many are built with local materials and designed to blend with nature.

Manta Resort – Famous for its Underwater Room, where you sleep beneath the sea (instagramable famous site)

What to Eat

Expect Swahili coastal cuisine featuring:

Fresh seafood: lobster, octopus, snapper
Coconut-based curries
Spiced rice (pilau), chapati, and samosas
Tropical fruits: mangoes, jackfruit, and bananas

How to Get to Pemba Island

By Air:

Daily flights from Dar es Salaam (1 hour) or Zanzibar (30 minutes)
Carriers: Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, or ZanAir

By Sea:

There are local ferries from Tanga or Zanzibar, but these are not recommended for tourists due to safety, comfort, and scheduling concerns.

Best Time to Visit

June to October: Dry season, ideal for diving and exploring
November to March: Hot, with calm seas (great for marine life)
April to May: Heavy rains; many lodges close during this time

Responsible Travel Tips

Respect local customs — Pemba is conservative and predominantly Muslim
Dress modestly in towns and villages
Support community-led tours and local guides
Avoid single-use plastics and use reef-safe sunscreen
Dive and snorkel responsibly — don’t touch corals or marine life

Conclusion

Pemba Island is the wild heart of the Swahili coast — untamed, green, and full of soul. While Zanzibar dazzles with its markets and resorts, Pemba invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience life at nature’s rhythm.

Whether you're swimming through coral gardens, sipping spiced tea in a clove farm, or listening to the call to prayer drift across the hills, Pemba will stay with you — not just in memory, but in spirit.

For those who seek more than just a vacation — who seek connection, authenticity, and the quiet magic of untouched beauty — Pemba Island is waiting.