Pemba is the northernmost of the two Spice Islands lying off the East African coast and is the world's major clove producer, however Pemba has now slipped into its more traditional role of being an island paradise with small inter-island trade.
Infrastructure on the island is poor to non existent and the island is a contrast to Zanzibar with lush valleys studded with paddy fields, twisting roads meandering up and down the hills and the smell of cloves lingering in the air. The pace of life is slow, the island has a bewitching desert island atmosphere and the diving is out of this world.

Diving
Pemba is now listed as one of the top dive spots in the world and diving is still the major attraction for visitors.
The warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding Pemba Island are home to thousands of species of tropical fish and exotic marine life. The shallows around the numerous islands of Pemba offer stunning snorkelling in aquamarine waters lush coral gardens which stretch far ahead and then suddenly plunge into the dark blue depths of Pemba's incredible drop offs. Not only is Pemba renowned for its pristine and unspoilt coral reefs but also for its vertical coral cliffs which plummet to depths of more than 800 metres. Underwater visibility often reaches 40 meters or more.

Mesali Island
The jewel of Pemba, Mesali Island is a highlight of everyone's stay. As Pemba's only marine sanctuary, its protected reefs provide a home to an exceptional range of sea life. Pristine corals attract vast numbers of reef fish and animals coming in from deeper waters including manta and eagle rays, barracuda and other game fish and reef sharks. For sun-lovers and dry land-lovers, the Mesali beaches are superb and you can go for nature trails with trained wardens through the island including a walk on turtle nesting beaches

Ngezi Forest
Ngezi forest in the North of Pemba is a beautiful area of natural rain forest populated by large numbers of birdlife, the vervet monkey and full of spectacular trees. At the forest a local guide will help you follow a nature trail

Getting There:

By air: The best method of reaching Pemba is to fly.
There are daily scheduled flights between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba.
Other flights include Pemba-Selous, Pemba-Arusha and Pemba-Lake Manyara or Seronera.
There are also daily scheduled flights from/to Pemba and Tanga, making connections by road possible to Saadani and Arusha.

By ferry: Take a ferry via Zanzibar. Ferry from Dar to Zanzibar takes roughly 90 mins. The ferry from Zanzibar-Pemba takes about 3 hours depending on weather conditions and runs 5 times/week. Make sure you take a supply of blue plastic bags and tissues – it can be a rough crossing. If you have the option – fly!

When to Visit:
Best time to visit is June-January

Where to stay:
Fundu Lagoon offers the most exclusive accommodation on Pemba.
Pemba Manta Reef on the north coast has stylish and more affordable accommodation
For a cheaper alternative The Old Mission in Chake Chake is good value and offers diving services.
Alternatively try a live aboard boat based in Njao inlet.

Please ask for full fact sheet on Pemba island, further details on accommodation and diving options and suggested itineraries including Pemba.

See our special diving itineraries including Pemba.