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Pemba Island
Pemba is a paradise island with a landscape consisting of tropical aces, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, flawless nature, coral reefs, and the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. It is the second largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, which consists of a series of smaller islets off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean. The island is inhabited by about 500 000 people. The majority of the population speaks Swahili, but it is not a hassle to find people who speak English. Pemba is also known as “The Green Island” for a reason. The diversity of plant and animal species is delightful. Pemba is an ideal place for lovers of sunshine, the average temperature in the year is 25,5℃, and it is usually 30℃ during the day.
Tourist attractions
You will find many tourist attractions in Pemba.
It is a paradise for those seeking peace and those who love recreational activities.
Paradise beaches, vacant sandbanks, and preserved islands
The incredible beauty of the island is, among other things, its blue waters. Discover pristine beaches, shallows, peninsulas, and many islets. All intertwined in nature and a unique atmosphere.
The most beautiful beaches of Pemba Island are Wambaa beach, Vumawimbi beach, Kangani beach, and the Kigomasha peninsula with its historic lighthouse. A must-visit site is the world-famous Misali Island. Cruises are available on the traditional Ngalawa fishing boat and modern motorboats.
A paradise for diving enthusiasts
Pemba is well-known worldwide as the Mecca of diving and snorkeling. Immerse yourself in the waters of the ocean surrounding the island and discover the magical world of coral reefs. The area around the island is inhabited by many marine creatures, including turtles, whales, dolphins, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and hundreds of species of fish. The best diving spots are on the island’s west coast, where Cocco Lagoon is being developed. Afro Divers Diving Center will provide you with unforgettable diving experiences. Other amazing diving spots are Misali Island and the areas off Kigomasha Peninsula, Fundu Pass and Njao Pass, which are part of the Pemba Canal Protected Area.
Fishing
Pemba’s proximity to the Pemba Canal means that there is a huge variety of fish and you can catch really great specimens, as well as enjoy delicious fresh fish and seafood in the local restaurants. Deep sea fishing is a popular half-day or full-day activity. It is possible to catch marlin, golden mackerel, yellowfin tuna, and solander. The main fishing season is from mid-July to mid-April.
The magical island of Cloves
Pemba is known as the clove island because it is the main world exporter of this spice – 70% of the world’s crops are located on Pemba. Expressing the beauty of cloves is not possible, as is the warm scent of cloves wafting from the clay huts where they are dried using traditional methods. You can visit a spice farm to see clove trees and learn how cloves are transformed into essential oils. The spice farms on Pemba Island also produce cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, lemongrass, vanilla, and nutmeg.
The island is also the center of traditional Juju medicine, which earned it a reputation as magical Pemba island.
Ngezi Forest Reserve
Ngezi Forest is the largest tropical forest, located on the northwestern tip of Pemba. It is home to many endemic animal species, and visiting it is an amazing experience. While taking a Safari in the reserve, we can observe several species of monkeys, fruit bats, all kinds of exotic birds, flowers, butterflies, spices, tropical trees, and natural lakes.
Flying fox sanctuary
Pemba is home to a colony of 4000 of a variety of endemic species of large bats, called Pemba’s Flying Fox. Bats can be observed from the viewing platform. In addition, during the day – they hang upside down and often rise into the air.
Friendly and Welcoming Local People
The first word you will learn when landing on Pemba is KARIBU, which means WELCOME.
WELCOME – and for good reasons, because its inhabitants are famous for their hospitality and their love for tourists. For all those who want to know the true features of Pemba and the life of its inhabitants, we recommend a visit to the local villages where you feel as if time has stopped. The warm-hearted inhabitants are happy to show their everyday life with friendship, peace, and mutual respect. If you are looking for a break from reality, you will most likely relax while making clay pottery or during traditional cooking workshops.
For history fanatics
For local history and culture, visit the Pemba Museum in Chake Chake, where you will learn about the history and customs of the island. The main town of the island, Chake Chake, is the ruins of an old fort. There are several archaeological sites that travelers interested in history should not and cannot miss. These include Ras Mkumbuu, home to a Mosque, ancient tombs and houses dating back to the XIV century, and Chakawa, home to the ruins of a city dating from the XI to XV centuries. Mkama Nduma ruins are one of the most interesting places. This XV century palace is the only known fortification on the Swahili coast.
