Pemba Island

Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania, is a less-visited but beautiful island known for its lush greenery, spice farms, and stunning coral reefs. It offers a more secluded experience compared to Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja. Here’s a glimpse into what makes Pemba special:

1. Natural Beauty and Landscape

• Forests and Hills: Pemba is more mountainous and forested than its neighboring islands. Ngezi Forest, a protected area in the north, is home to rare species of birds, trees, and animals, including the endangered Pemba Flying Fox, a large bat unique to the island.
• Mangrove Forests: The coastlines feature dense mangrove forests and sheltered inlets, giving the island a unique landscape.

2. Diving and Marine Life

• Pemba’s coral reefs are some of the healthiest in the region, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. There are several world-class dive sites like Misali Island and Shamiani Island, teeming with marine life, including reef sharks, rays, turtles, and diverse coral species.

3. Cultural Experience

• Known for its traditional Swahili culture, Pemba has preserved customs, music, and Swahili architecture. Villages like Chake Chake and Wete give travelers a sense of local life.
• Spice Farms: Pemba is famous for its cloves, and visitors can tour spice farms to see cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper growing firsthand.

4. Historic Sites

• There are remnants of early Islamic and Portuguese settlements, with ruins like Mkama Ndume near Pujini, a fort dating back to the 14th century.

5. Quiet and Authentic

• Pemba offers a much quieter, slower-paced experience than Zanzibar’s main island, making it ideal for travelers seeking peace, nature, and cultural immersion.

Pemba is accessible via flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, and it can be a memorable addition to a Tanzania adventure, especially for nature lovers and those interested in cultural tourism.

Highlights

• Great tropical ambience
• A secluded vacation
• Diving
• Spa Treatments

Cons

• The internet is slow.
• There are only a few day trips to complete.
• No themed bars or restaurants, only those at the hotel.