Known as 'Al Jazeera al Khadra' (The Green Island), Pemba is cloaked in clove plantations, mangrove channels, and ancient ruins. Its underwater world is the real draw: vertical coral walls dropping into deep channels, pelagic fish, and some of the best diving in the western Indian Ocean. Only a handful of lodges operate here, making Pemba a true hideaway for divers, honeymooners, and explorers seeking Zanzibar before the crowds found it.
Pemba Island is Zanzibar's secret sister — wilder, greener, and almost entirely untouched by mass tourism.
Discover the wild heart of Pemba Island
Explore Safaris →Best Time to Visit
June to October for the best diving visibility (30+ metres) and driest weather. November to February is warmer but rainier. March to May is the heavy rainy season — some lodges close. Whale sharks appear October to February.
What You'll See
Pemba's underwater world is exceptional: pristine hard and soft coral walls, Napoleon wrasse, giant groupers, barracuda schools, eagle rays, green turtles, and occasional whale sharks. On land, the Pemba flying fox (endemic fruit bat) roosts in forest remnants. The Ngezi Forest Reserve protects endemic birds and butterflies.
Getting There
30-minute flight from Zanzibar Airport to Pemba Airport (Chake Chake), or 3-hour fast ferry from Stone Town. Auric Air and Coastal Aviation operate scheduled flights. Lodge transfers from Pemba Airport are typically included.
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Where to Go in Pemba Island
Misali Island
Marine conservation area — pristine reefs & nesting turtles
A tiny, uninhabited coral island off Pemba's west coast with some of the best snorkeling and diving in East Africa. The surrounding marine conservation area protects over 40 species of coral and 350 fish species.
Chake Chake
Pemba's main town — historic ruins & local markets
Pemba's largest town and administrative centre. Visit the ruins of Mkama Ndume palace, browse the local market, and experience authentic Pemba island life far from tourist zones.
Pemba Island Safari Tours
Other Tanzania Destinations
Volcanoes National Park
Africa's first national park — 604 mountain gorillas across the Virunga volcanoes where Dian Fossey made history.
Read Guide →Serengeti
The Serengeti — 14,763 km² of Africa's most iconic savannah and the heartbeat of the Great Migration.
Read Guide →Stone Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site — Swahili architecture, spice markets & rooftop dining
Read Guide →Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Trek to meet mountain gorilla families in 25,000-year-old UNESCO forest — Africa's ultimate wildlife encounter.
Read Guide →Ready to Explore Pemba Island?
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