Pemba Island
The "Green Island" ÔÇö vertiginous clove plantations, world-class diving, and an untouched Swahili culture beyond the tourist trail.
Pemba Island is Zanzibar's quieter, wilder, and arguably more beautiful sister island. Known as "Al Jazeera Al Khadra" (The Green Island) for its lush, hilly terrain of clove plantations, tropical forest, and mangrove channels, Pemba offers an experience that Zanzibar's main island increasingly cannot ÔÇö genuine, unspoilt island life.
Pemba's underwater world is its greatest treasure. The Pemba Channel ÔÇö a 50-kilometre-wide, 800-metre-deep strait between the island and the mainland ÔÇö creates conditions that support some of the most spectacular diving in the Indian Ocean. The channel's deep waters bring nutrient-rich currents that feed pristine coral walls, attracting pelagic species rarely seen on shallower reefs.
On land, Pemba moves at its own pace. The island produces over 70% of Zanzibar's cloves, and the scent of drying cloves permeates villages and forests. The Ngezi Forest Reserve protects one of the last remnants of indigenous coastal forest, home to the endemic Pemba flying fox ÔÇö one of the world's largest fruit bats.
Pemba is not for everyone ÔÇö infrastructure is basic, roads are rough, and nightlife is nonexistent. But for divers, nature lovers, and travellers who prefer authenticity over amenities, Pemba is an island revelation.
Safari Tours in Pemba Island
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Pemba's marine environment is outstanding. The deep Pemba Channel supports pelagic species including manta rays, eagle rays, hammerhead sharks, and barracuda. Napoleon wrasse, giant groupers, and diverse reef fish populate the walls and drop-offs. Coral cover is excellent, with both hard and soft corals in vibrant condition.
On land, the endemic Pemba flying fox (a large fruit bat with a 1.5-metre wingspan) roosts in the Ngezi and Msitu Mkuu forests. The Pemba white-eye, Pemba scops owl, and Pemba sunbird are endemic bird species. Green turtles nest on the island's western beaches. The mangrove channels support diverse marine and bird life.
How to Get There
Pemba is reached by scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam (1 hour) or Zanzibar (20 minutes) via Pemba's Karume Airport. A fast ferry from Zanzibar takes approximately 2.5 hours. Flights are the most practical option. Internal island transport is by car or motorcycle ÔÇö roads are improving but remain rough in places.
Park Fees & Regulations
There are no blanket tourist entry fees for Pemba. Ngezi Forest Reserve entry is approximately $10 per adult. Dive operators charge separately for equipment and guided dives. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to a handful of luxury lodges. Pemba remains one of East Africa's most affordable island destinations.