Pemba remains largely ‘undiscovered’ by travellers, and this is part of the island’s appeal. Pemba is often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Unguja, even though Pemba is hillier and more verdant. Pemba is a hidden masterpiece filled with forests, mangrove swamps, hidden beaches, lagoons, and tidal sandbanks. It is littered with the ruins of mosques and tombs, reminders of the Arab domination of the island in the 17th century.
Pemba’s pristine beauty has been preserved so well due to a lack of awareness about the island. There are few towns and hotels on Pemba, making this destination one for the intrepid traveller. Known as ‘clove island’ due to being the world’s main exporter of cloves (70% of all the world’s cloves are grown in Pemba) the island is also the centre for ju ju traditions of medicine, giving it a reputation as the world’s ‘magic’ island.
Pemba only has one main tarred road which runs through the middle of the island, and many sights are inaccessible. As such, one of the most popular modes of transport is the bicycle, and bikes can be rented from your hotel. For travellers who cannot cycle, there are also buses and dala dalas (simple buses that only leave when they are full and do not have a set timetable). Both options cover the main routes between the towns and villages, although neither have much space for luggage. Renting a car is unusual in Pemba due to the small size of the island. Most travellers hire a driver at a taxi rank or book a tour through their hotel. You can hire a car and driver for the day, and tours are often led by a tour guide who will drive you to the sights that you choose. Motorbikes can also be hired through Coral Tours in Chake Chake. Most activities at Pemba are organised through your hotel, and the hotel will take care of your transport. Various cultural and environmental experiences are scattered around Pemba island.
The heavy rain season runs from April to May, during which many of the resorts are closed. These monsoons give the island its mangrove forests and swamps. The smaller rainy season lies between November and December. Visibility for diving during these seasons is much lower, although there are also fewer malaria-carrying mosquitos. Pemba sits on the equator, so the average temperature is a balmy 26°C year-round.
Pemba Island has a long and complex history, shaped by its position as a major hub for trade in the Indian Ocean. The island was a center for the ivory and slave trade and was later colonized by various European powers. Today, Pemba Island is a culturally rich and diverse region that celebrates its unique heritage and traditions. Many of the current residents on Pemba are descendants of ancient Omani immigrants (the indifenous Swahili people) from centuries ago, others identify as “Shirazi”, who, according to legend, are descendants of Persian royalty. The people of Pemba follow traditional customs for dress, speak in formal Swahili and hold their religious beliefs very close. Pemba was known for practicing traditional medicine and mysterious traditions, and some say it is still possible to find such knowledge and skills within the local villages. Local Pemba guides can share intriguing legends and inspiring histories.
Pemba has very few lodges and nearly all of the beaches are deserted. Offshore, coral islands have sugar white sand and nesting turtles at night. The deep Pemba Channel is rich with coral reefs and offers some of the best diving in East Africa. The most popular activity in Pemba is diving - and for good reason! Pemba offers excellent diving opportunities, and the chance to see active, vibrant marine life. Adventurous travelers can visit Pemba Channel to spot hammerhead sharks as they are known to swim in groups in this area (but don’t worry, these sharks never venture to shallow waters near Pemba’s beaches). Diving experts have acclaimed Pemba as the best diving experience in all of East Africa, with great options for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Pemba Island is the land of cloves and mangoes and hillocks lush with fruit and spice trees. Traditional dhows lie scattered across most of the coastline and fishing is a large part of Pemba’s culture. Like many of the islands in the archipelago, Pemba’s culture has been influenced by Arab traders from Oman and the original inhabitants who have lived on the island for centuries. Well-preserved ruins can be found on Pemba such as Qanbalu (a Muslim settlement from as early as the eighth century), while remnants of old voodoo rituals are practiced by the traditional witchdoctors who call the island home. Pemba has long been known as the ‘Green Island’ thanks to its fertile soil that produces crops such as coconut, bananas, and cassava. The island is surrounded with warm, sub-tropical waters renowned for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the whole archipelago because of its steep drop-offs, undisturbed marine life, and colourful coral reefs.
