Pemba Island

Übersicht

Pemba Island – Tanzania’s Hidden Diving Paradise

Pemba Island stands as Tanzania’s best-kept secret, offering travelers an authentic island experience away from crowded tourist destinations. Furthermore, this tropical paradise combines world-class diving with pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage. As a result, visitors discover an untouched gem that delivers unforgettable memories.

World-Class Diving Adventures

Pemba Island boasts some of East Africa’s most spectacular diving sites. Specifically, the diving sites include Misali Island, the Kigomasha Peninsula, the Fundu Gap, and the Njao Gap. Moreover, divers find the highest diversity of coral and fish species in East Africa in these waters.

The island’s location creates exceptional underwater conditions. Additionally, the best diving sites are on the west coast of the island, which are all part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area. Consequently, marine life thrives in these protected waters, making every dive an adventure.

Professional dive operators provide comprehensive services for all skill levels. Furthermore, experienced guides ensure safe exploration of the island’s underwater treasures. As a result, both beginners and advanced divers enjoy incredible experiences in these pristine waters.

Authentic Culture and Spice Heritage

Beyond diving, Pemba Island offers rich cultural experiences that showcase its heritage. Notably, Pemba is famous for its clove production, and tours of the plantations allow visitors to discover the whole process of growing and processing this prized spice. Additionally, early Omani sailors dubbed the island as the Green Isle or El Huthera, reflecting its lush landscape.

The island’s spice plantations cover vast areas and provide fascinating insights into traditional farming methods. Moreover, visitors learn about the historical significance of the spice trade in shaping local culture. Therefore, these tours offer authentic experiences that connect travelers with the island’s heritage.

Pemba Island’s Pristine Beaches and Natural Beauty

Pemba Island delivers spectacular beaches that rival any tropical destination. Similarly, the island’s natural beauty extends beyond its coastline. Furthermore, dense forests and mangrove systems create diverse ecosystems that support abundant wildlife.

The island’s small size makes exploration easy and rewarding. Specifically, Pemba is only 67 km (42 miles) long, and a mere 22 km (14 miles wide). However, this compact size allows visitors to experience multiple attractions during their stay.

Why Choose Pemba Island for Your Next Adventure

Of the three Tanzanian islands, Pemba is the least touristy island by far. Consequently, travelers enjoy a more authentic and peaceful experience. Additionally, the island offers amazing diving but also amazing beaches and a Robinson Crusoe type of vibe.

Pemba Island provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Therefore, it appeals to travelers seeking unique experiences away from mainstream tourism. Furthermore, the island’s pristine environment and warm hospitality create lasting memories for every visitor.

Aktivitäten

Snorkeling & Diving – Explore untouched coral reefs and rich marine life.
Visit Ngezi Forest – Hike through lush rainforest with rare bird species.
Dhow Sunset Cruise – Sail on traditional boats for magical ocean views.
Tour Spice Farms – Discover Pemba’s clove and spice heritage.
Explore Ras Mkumbuu Ruins – Visit ancient Swahili ruins by the coast.
Relax on Secluded Beaches – Enjoy quiet white-sand shores like Vumawimbi.
Swim at Misali Island – Day trip to a marine conservation hotspot.
Cultural Village Visit – Experience local Swahili traditions and food.
Kayaking in Mangroves – Paddle through scenic mangrove channels.
Fishing Trips – Try traditional hand-line or deep-sea fishing.

Wildtiere & Tiere

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffalo

Zebra

Wildebeest

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Lion

Leopard

Cheetah

Hyena

Wild Dog

Gorilla

Chimpanzee

Vögel & Vogelbeobachtung

Pemba Island is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to several endemic and rare bird species. The island’s lush forests, mangroves, and wetlands support unique species like the Pemba Scops Owl, Pemba White-eye, Pemba Sunbird, and Pemba Green Pigeon—found nowhere else in the world. Ngezi Forest Reserve is a prime spot for birding, offering guided walks through tropical habitats. You’ll also encounter migratory waders, kingfishers, and herons along coastal areas. With over 130 bird species recorded, Pemba Island offers unforgettable experiences for both casual nature lovers and serious bird enthusiasts.

Birds in Pemba Island

Pemba White eye

green pigeon

pemba scops owl

palm nut vulture

Sun Bird

Beste Reisezeit

The best time to visit Pemba Island is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. Wildlife is more active, and beach days are sun-filled. Avoid the heavy rains from March to May, when travel conditions and underwater visibility can be limited.

Anreise

Getting to Pemba Island is easy via domestic flights or boat transfers. The fastest way is to fly from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam to Pemba Airport (PMA), with several daily flights operated by local airlines like Auric Air and Coastal Aviation. Flights take about 30–60 minutes. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can take a ferry from Zanzibar, though schedules vary and weather can affect reliability. Most resorts offer private transfers from the airport or port to your accommodation. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season.

Safari-Touren nach Pemba Island

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Unterkünfte in Pemba Island

Marafiki Beach Hotel

Nimali Mara

Olmorijo Migration Camp (Kogatende)

Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

Karatu Tented Lodge

Tarangire Safari Haven Camp

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge

Die Lake Burunge Tented Lodge liegt in spektakulärer Lage direkt am Ufer des Burunge

La Luna Suite Apartments

Mwezi Boutique Resort

FAQ Über Pemba Island

Pemba Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Unguja (Zanzibar’s main island) and about 50 kilometers off the Tanzanian mainland coast.

Pemba Island is renowned for several unique characteristics:

Spice Production: It’s historically a major global producer of cloves, and the air often carries the sweet aroma of drying spices. Other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon are also grown.
Pristine Coral Reefs: The waters surrounding Pemba boast some of the healthiest and most vibrant coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, making it a top destination for diving and snorkeling. The deep Pemba Channel on its western side contributes to this rich marine environment.
“Green Island”: Its fertile soil and abundant rainfall give it a lush, green landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and extensive mangrove swamps, earning it the nickname “Green Island.”
Traditional Medicine & Ju-Ju: Pemba has a strong reputation as a “magic” island, a center for traditional medicine and “ju-ju” (witchcraft) practices.
Untouched & Authentic: Compared to Unguja, Pemba is far less developed for tourism, offering a more remote, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Pemba offers a range of activities focused on nature, culture, and relaxation:

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: This is the primary draw. The island’s untouched reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and exceptional visibility provide world-class diving for all levels. Dive sites like Njao Gap and Fundu Gap are legendary.
Spice Tours: Explore working spice plantations, learn about the cultivation and uses of various spices, and enjoy their intoxicating aromas.
Ngezi Forest Reserve: Trek through one of the last indigenous rainforests in East Africa, home to unique species like the Pemba Flying Fox (a large fruit bat endemic to the island) and the rare Pemba Vervet Monkey.
Manta Resort Underwater Room: Experience the unique sensation of sleeping in an underwater room, offering 360-degree views of marine life.
Island & Sandbank Excursions: Take dhow trips to secluded beaches, sandbanks, or nearby islands like Misali Island (a marine conservation area with beautiful reefs).
Dolphin Spotting: While not guaranteed, dolphin encounters are possible during boat trips.
Historical Ruins: Explore ancient ruins and historical sites like those at Ras Mkumbuu (dating back to the 9th century) and Ndagoni, reflecting the island’s long trading history.
Local Markets: Visit the bustling markets in towns like Chake Chake (the capital) or Wete to experience local life, interact with friendly villagers, and sample fresh produce and seafood.
Kayaking & Mangrove Exploration: Paddle through the serene mangrove channels, a vital ecosystem for marine life and birdwatching.

The dry seasons (June to October and January to February/March) are generally considered the best times to visit Pemba Island.

June to October: Offers cooler, drier, and less humid weather, with calm seas ideal for diving, snorkeling, and other water activities.
January to February/March: Hotter and more humid but with good visibility for diving.
November & December: The “short rains” bring intermittent showers, but generally don’t disrupt activities significantly.
Avoid: The long rainy season (mid-March to May) can bring heavy, prolonged downpours, making sea conditions rough and some activities challenging.

By Air: This is the most popular and recommended way to reach Pemba. Several local airlines (e.g., Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, As Salaam Air) operate scheduled flights from Zanzibar (Unguja), Dar es Salaam, and sometimes Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Pemba Airport (PMA) near Chake Chake. Flights from Zanzibar are short (around 20-30 minutes).
By Ferry: Ferries operate from Zanzibar (Stone Town) to Pemba. While an option, these crossings can be rough and less reliable, and are generally not recommended for tourists due to comfort and safety concerns compared to flights.

Pemba offers a more exclusive and often eco-conscious range of accommodations compared to the larger resorts on Unguja.

Luxury & Boutique Resorts: High-end, often very private lodges (like The Manta Resort, known for its underwater room, and Fundu Lagoon) cater to discerning travelers seeking unique experiences.
Mid-Range Lodges: Several comfortable and charming lodges are available, often with a focus on diving and nature activities (e.g., Pemba Paradise, Emerald Bay Resort).

Yes, Pemba Island is generally safe for tourists. It’s a peaceful and welcoming island.

Standard Precautions: As with any travel destination, it’s advisable to be aware of your surroundings, safeguard personal belongings, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark.
Cultural Respect: Pemba is a predominantly Muslim community. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when outside resorts and in public areas (especially towns and villages) is a sign of respect and helps avoid unwanted attention.
Health: Be aware of tropical diseases like malaria (take prophylaxis as advised). Always drink bottled water.

Pemba’s healthy reefs are teeming with life:

Fish: Abundant reef fish, including barracuda, tuna, snapper, groupers, moray eels, lionfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, and a vast array of colorful cichlids.
Pelagic Species: Occasional sightings of larger pelagic fish like trevally, king mackerel, and even reef sharks (white-tip, black-tip).
Turtles & Rays: Green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and various rays (including spotted eagle rays) are common.
Corals: Diverse and healthy hard and soft coral gardens, featuring barrel sponges, sea fans, and anemone cities.
Macro Life: Nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf-fish, and other fascinating smaller creatures.

Weguide African Safari on Trip Advisor

Hier sind einige Erfahrungsberichte unserer Reisenden über ihre Erlebnisse mit WeGuide African Safaris

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 16 reviews 
    
  
 
 
       Hiked Kilimanjaro (6 days) and went on a Safari (5 days Kilimanjaro Hike was amazing! Our guide (Mollel) and porters were all excellent. They were each knowledgable, encouraging and friendly. They took time to get to know us and understand our needs. They helped us feel comfortable with the challenge and enabled us to enjoy our trek from start to finish!Our Safari was equally outstanding! Again, we had terrific guides (Sam & Tembo). They, too, were knowledgable, accommodating and made each day a super fun adventure for all of us! They were incredible at tracking down all of the Big 5! They even found the black rhinos!The Value for the Money was unreal, as well. I would 100% recommend Soul of Tanzania to anyone who is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian experience!
     
   Shairanking F 
 
 
 
 
 
     Unforgettable Safari and experience at its best Journey to Africa My friend and I did a 8 day Safari, starting in Tarangire NP, Serengeti central and South (Ndutu) with big Migration, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Tanganyika. All planning including our wishes and suggestions from Weguide Safari what is best for the time we were traveling were done with WhatsApp. The communication was very easy with very quick respondSo we had an excellent Safari with weguide africa safaris with nice, safe and quite large accommodations and tented camps, including good food.I think our guide Mollel will be the best guide you can find. He has a very good knowledge about animals and their behavior, wildlife and Tanzania culture. Besides he is helpful, friendly and a very good and save driver.We have seen all Big 5 and a great number of other animals living there.He even could find animals hidden under bushes or in trees in a great distance and getting closer we could watch them very, very nearby.My brother with family did the Safari before us with Guide Kennedy. and we all together have the same opinion that this Safari couldn't be topped.It was my best Safari I've done until now and I couldn't imagine getting something better. So much wildlife!!!!I would it recommend to 100%
     
   GreengatePeter 
 
 
 
 
 
     SOLO TRIP TO TANZANIA SAFARI WITH WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS ( 100% I RECCOMENDED WEGUID FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS) Tanzania as a safari destination has it all: if this is your first safari and your driving ambition is to get some amazing sightings and to rack up the big 5 as soon as possible then Ngorongoro Conservation Area is probably the best place in the world. Head for the Serengeti, however, if you have time for a longer safari and your goal is to take time to roam – moving as a nomad with the vast herds, or simply skitting across the savannah between the rock outcrops that are the lookout posts of the Serengeti prides. The Serengeti remains for me (alongside Botswana’s Kalahari) as one of the very best places in the world to experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the African wilderness. There is no feeling like being in the middle of the incomparable immensity of the savannah with no other vehicle in sight and a herd of wildebeest stretching as far as the eye can see towards the horizon.
     
   GoPlaces65996083400 
 
 
 
 
 
     Tanzanian Romantic Safari for Couple Unforgettable honeymoon - safari & beach holidayOverall, great experience with WeGuide Celia has been extremely helpful in tailoring the itinerary for the safari and has assisted us all along the process.Our guide, Sam, and was always on time and truly did his best to show us all the possible animals within the visited parks. We've had nice lunches (with juice and wine) during the 5 days of Safari and the car was always sparkling clean in the morning when our guide was picking us up :) We would've appreciated our guide to be a bit more involved in the conversation (the answers we got to our questions about birds/animals weren't really detailed and we would've enjoyed talking/getting to know our guide a bit more, especially during our common lunches) but of course this didn't ruin our experience.Our safari was followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar : Ceci has arranged a pick-up at the airport for us. The hotel (Z hotel in Nungwi) was also great and the honeymoon package made our holiday unforgettable.I can only recommend Soul of Tanzania and Tanzania in general. The safari is a magical experience everyone should have in a lifetime.
     
   phillip 
 
 
 
 
 
     Viajero solo en la vida silvestre de Tanzania y safaris de experiencia en Zanzíbar Planeamos nuestro viaje a Tanzania junto con Cecie en weguide Safari. Le hemos dicho aproximadamente lo que queríamos hacer (lago Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti y Zanzibar) y ella sugirió el itinerario y el alojamiento que discutimos y adaptamos juntos. El Serengeti fue probablemente el más impresionante de los parques y tal vez si el tiempo hubiera sido un problema, me habría saltado el lago Manyara para ir directamente al Ngorongoro. (Aunque el alojamiento en el lago Manyara fue increíble, Escarpment Luxury Lodge). Todos los alojamientos tenían algo especial y terminar con un par de días de relax en Zanzíbar fue simplemente perfecto.
     
   Marion 
 
 
 
 
 
     Great experience at Mara River (Serengeti) So nice to see and read about sam maasai guide. He was my guide when I visited Tanzania. I also had great game driving experiences, and yes, being patient definitely paid off time after time. We experienced elephants crossing the Mara River, and Sam explained how the matriarch makes the decision to cross and how the elephants would not all cross at once, rather cross in small groups of adults, babies, and elders. We stayed and saw group after group cross and come up the bak of the river directly beside our vehicle,. We also saw a group in the river stop and surround each other and then there was trumpeting by the herd on both sides of the river. Sam explained that they must have sensed danger like crockerdiles, and that they would reteat back; that’s exactly what happened and the trumpeting continued on both sides of the river for a while. When we returned to the Mara River Camp that evening, everyone was envious of our experience and commented how much they loved to have heard the elephants communicating. Like you and your son, we had great experiences every day. Love your photos and descriptions. It’s truly the trip of a lifetime
     
   Whistler 
 
 
 
 
 
     Mikumi National park and Zanzibar island The Mikumi National Park is located in eastern Tanzania, some 100 kms south of Morogoro and 280 km west of Dar Es Salaam. It is next to the Selous Reserve and a few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The wildlife includes monkeys, lions, leopards, panthers, elephants, giraffes zebras, hipos, etc. Approximately 360 different species of birds have been spotted. The park is very popular and is easily accessible from Dar Es Salaam. It is specially equipped for bird watching. Greenery includes the miombo forest which is dominated by Brachystegia spp. The Combretum-Terminalia forest is common between the hills and the plains along the river.In this lower part dominated by Acacia spp, Adansonia digitata baobab and Sterculia appendiculata and the top of gallery forest and riparian dense scrub along rivers Mgoda, Kikobogo and Mkata. The ebony Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya caffra, Cassia abbreviata flabellifer and Hyphaene Borassus Ventricosa, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ficus spp are all very close to each other. They are common and important to elephants and baboona. A truly unforgettable experience. with weguide afrkca safaris
     
   ASHLEY P 
 
 
 
 
 
     "Zanzibar family trip excursion" "This was our first trip with WeGuide Africa Safari - I believe it's no coincidence that the Bradt Africa guides are simply the best ones on the market and that WeGuide Africa are extraordinary in the depth of their knowledge of the situation on the ground and in their capacity to coordinate and synchronise everything to make it an excellent trip for a family with young children In Zanzibar excursion .We stayed Luxury property at Zuri hotel in Zanzibar .I saw some of the most amazing sights and things in Africa, which I would not have found without the guidance of WeGuide Africa Safari . And for the unforseeable and unavoidable occasional hick ups, the team is there to help where they can.I hope WeGuide Africa Safari stays a well kept secret
     
   Wilton Backer 
 
 
 
 
 
     conquérir le Kilimandjaro" super 7 jours via machame route Bonjour mes amis de TripAdvisor.Je m'appelle Xavier.Je viens de rentrer d'une randonnée INCROYABLE sur le mont Kilimandjaro avec weguide Africa Safaris. J'y suis allé avec Erick le guide et il était IMPRESSIONNANT. Erick m'a tellement aidé à me sentir à l'aise tout au long du voyage et il m'a fait me sentir plus fort simplement en étant en sa présence.Tout d'abord, weguide Africa Safaris m'a aidé à chaque étape du processus de courrier électronique pour planifier le voyage. Ils sont tellement professionnels et organisés et m'ont fait me sentir vraiment très à l'aise et bienvenu pour voyager dans un pays étranger. (je viens de la FR)Je savais que c'était la bonne entreprise pour moi juste par la manière organisée et professionnelle de leurs e-mails. Ils vous guident à chaque étape.Si vous essayez de décider avec quelle compagnie escalader le Kilimandjaro ou avec quelle compagnie partir en safari, C'EST LA SEULE. WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS est vraiment incroyable avec de très bons prix aussi.J'ai escaladé le mont Kilimandjaro avec Erick The Guide et il était un professeur tellement spectaculaire avec qui partager le voyage. Il avait tellement de connaissances sur la montagne et il a un VRAI amour pour la nature et l'exploration. . Erick The Guide et tout l'équipage qui nous a accompagnés étaient géniaux. L'équipage de porteurs que nous avions avec nous était tellement sympathique et accueillant. Ils m'ont vraiment fait me sentir chez moi pendant tout le voyage.Je sais que beaucoup de gens ont peur de voyager à cause de COVID. Mais je ne pense pas que cela devrait vous empêcher de venir en Afrique.Si quoi que ce soit, je pense que c'est le moment le plus courageux et le plus spontané pour parcourir le monde.J'ai passé un très bon moment avec WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS et je pense que c'est le moment idéal pour explorer le monde. Allez saisir cette chance et VOYAGEZ. Cela pourrait juste changer votre vie.Erick The Guide et weuide Africa Safaris - vous étiez tous les meilleurs et je vous remercie de m'avoir donné l'opportunité d'escalader le mont Kilimandjaro.Quiconque lit ces mots - weguide Africa Safaris est super sympa, super professionnel et super organisé et ils ont des prix imbattables. N'ayez pas peur de suivre votre cœur. Le monde est fait pour être exploré.Merci Erick et toute l'équipe de weguide Africa Safaris qui ont facilité mon voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant de vous avoir trouvé.
     
   XAVIER 
 
 
 
 
 
     Tanzania wildlife familiy safari with weguide africa safaris great company in Tanzania The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater
     
   witness A