About Pemba Island

The northernmost island of the archipelago, Pemba is hillier and lusher than Unguja, with far fewer visitors. Friendly locals, fruit trees, and tropical vegetation create a peaceful escape among ancient clove trees — some over 100 years old.

Why Visit Pemba?

Pemba enjoys far less attention than world-famous Zanzibar and is often overlooked — which helps it maintain a quiet, relaxed atmosphere among spice plantations and lush tropical scenery.

The coastline features irregular bays and dense mangrove forests sloping gently into the sea. The Pemba Channel — between Pemba and the mainland — is considered one of the last great unspoiled areas for diving and deep-sea fishing.

Despite primeval forests, picturesque ruins, deserted beaches, and beautiful offshore islands, there are rarely more than a few dozen travellers on the island at once — ideal for individualists, honeymooners, and divers.

What to Do on Pemba

Visit the Pujini Ruins south-east of Chake Chake, Pemba’s largest town — overgrown remains of a 13th-century Swahili town ruled by a despotic king. Opposite lie the well-preserved Ras Mkumbuu ruins at the tip of a long peninsula.

Natural Wonders

• Ngezi Forest in the north — a protected rainforest home to the endemic Pemba flying fox.
• Misali Island off the western shore — part of the Misali Island Conservation Area, world-famous for corals, beaches, and green and hawksbill turtle breeding.