
Pemba Island, a small gem in the shadow of Zanzibar, is known as the Green Island and offers a unique alternative to the typical Zanzibar Beaches, it is unlike its other sandy, flat neighbours. In comparison to other islands, Pemba is a place to unwind by the sea with a verdant, mountainous terrain teeming with life. The majority of islands have palm-lined beaches and blue waters. Despite its thickly wooded hills and densely inhabited agricultural village, Pemba remains mostly unknown to visitors. If you want to experience a genuine island, Pemba offers not only a verdant landscape begging to be explored but also an undersea habitat that offers some of the world's greatest diving and snorkelling.
One of the less well-known islands, Pemba, is northeast of Zanzibar. It has a coastline that hasn't been built up, small fishing towns, and old ruins. With water temperatures between 77°F and 84°F (25–28°C) and incredible visibility between 66 and 40 metres, it is easy to understand why Pemba is regarded as one of the world's best diving destinations (20–40 meters). The island is ideal for a secluded and intimate romantic break.
This beach getaway also offers day tours to mangrove forests, where you can enjoy a range of water sports, sunset dhow cruises, traditional kayaking, and peaceful spa treatments.
The fact that Pemba has so few hotels adds to its appeal as a real slice of paradise off the beaten path. Pemba Island was an integral part of the Swahili Coastal Trade Route as early as 600 A.D. The island's excellent soil continues to play a vital role in global agriculture. It is also a significant contributor to the world's clove production.
The clove fields that flourish on the island contribute to its verdant splendor. The island's variety is stunning, with everything from thickly wooded hills and deep mangrove forests to sandy beaches and secluded coves. It is difficult to imagine a more productive island, yet unlike Unguja, the population of Pemba Island is more dependent on agriculture than tourists. The island's undulating hills are also home to the cultivation of other fruits, such as coconut and mango.
Pemba's ancient meadows and forests are also teeming with life. The island's population of red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and unusual bird species appeal to wildlife aficionados. In addition, the indigenous Pemba scops owl is highly coveted.
Visit the Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary, which is home to 4,000 Pemba flying foxes. With a wing span of 1.6 metres, these fruit bats soar beyond the forest canopy and are visible to hikers in Ngezi Forest.
Due to a dense mangrove forest belt, the beaches on Pemba Island are less accessible than those on Zanzibar, which makes the voyage there all the more rewarding. You can go on trips to the island's remote beaches and coves at any time of day, so you can enjoy them without the usual crowds.
The most popular beach on Pemba is Vumawimbi Beach, which is nestled away in the island's northwest corner. To the east of the Kigomasha Peninsula and to the north of the Ngezi Forest, there are more beautiful oceans and white beaches. Misali Island, a paradise island off the coast of Pemba that has no people living on it, is easy to get to by boat. At the island's northernmost tip, there is a lighthouse with the greatest views of the ocean. The remoteness of these places will not let you down if you want to relax on empty beaches or swim in the shallow reefs by yourself.
Pemba Island was formerly primarily known as a site for commerce, but it is now recognised as one of the world's top diving and snorkelling destinations. Divers and deep-sea anglers will discover a fascinating world under the island's mild seas. The seclusion of Pemba Island takes you back in time and provides a glimpse of how marine life flourished prior to human meddling. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, but to the west, the terrain descends into the ocean, making it an ideal diving location.
Turtles, game fish, reef sharks, and Napoleon wrasse are able to enter the region via the Pemba Channel. Additionally, the deep oceans are ideal for fisherman seeking to capture famous billfish. Several of the island's charters offer one-day or longer deep-sea fishing excursions, per The Ultimate Guide to an Undiscovered African Treasure.
Arab traders have had a big impact on Pemba Island's culture over the years, which is one reason why the island looks so old. The island's forest growth has absorbed numerous ruin sites.
Those interested in archaeology are drawn to the sites that date as far back as the 14th century. For instance, the Ras Mkumbuu ruins include a mosque, tombs from the 14th century, and houses. Before seeing the sites, it is highly recommended to visit the Pemba Museum at Chake-Chake to gain a better understanding of the island's history. Pemba Island: The Comprehensive Guide to an Unknown African Treasure
There are more possibilities to learn about the culture of the island. Through village visits, you may get a personal look at the way of life in Pemba's rural villages, from fishing and cooking to farming and inter-island commerce.
Zanzibar, the more well-known neighbour of Pemba Island, has long since surpassed it. Given that Pemba is home to more than one million inhabitants, it may seem unusual that the enticing island is so devoid of tourists.
But Pemba's allure derives directly from the absence of visitors. When visitors travel through the remote settlements, the whole community comes to life because they are eager to tell others about the secret island. When you visit Pemba, you may discover the uncharted territory, which retains all of its unique characteristics, such as its steep landscape and alluring waters.
The weather on Pemba Island stays the same all year because it is close to the equator. The average temperature may be much higher than 26.5°C or 80°F. Not the island's temperature, but the difference between the wet and dry seasons is what defines the most significant differences.
The nicest weather occurs from June through October during the dry season.
Numerous travellers prefer the cold, dry season over the humid, rainy summer months. If you want to escape the humidity, plan your vacation during the dry season before September, when the humidity starts to rise. During the dry season, there are also fewer mosquitoes and a reduced likelihood of developing malaria. August and September are often the best months for scuba divers and snorkelers since the water is the cleanest. You should attempt to go fishing between September and March if you want to catch a legendary billfish.
Rainy season (November–May). During the rainy season, the arid landscapes of Tanzania turn green and lush. During this season, temperatures near the shore exceed 30 °C (86 °F).
From November through December, it is usually forecast that afternoon thunderstorms may occur. Therefore, it is still advisable to plan a trip to Pemba Island during the short rainy season.
December's first two weeks are regarded as one of the best times to travel. Since many people go to East Africa for the holidays, the reduced demand at the beginning of December may result in favourable off-peak pricing and special deals. The landscape will be quite verdant following the November rains, and beach trips may be planned to escape the normal afternoon showers.
March and April are the wettest months of the year due to the extensive rainfall. Depending on the weather that year and the amount of precipitation, Pemba Island may still be a beautiful destination for tourists. There are several advantages to visiting at this time if you are eager for an adventure. Since there are fewer people, you'll have beaches to yourself and thrilling animal encounters at much reduced prices.
Discover the Stunning Beaches of East Africa with a vacation customized to your tastes. Enjoy the serene sands of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island or dive into the vibrant coral reefs of Kenya’s marine sanctuaries.