Pemba Island - exploring Pemba and Where to Stay

Pemba Island lies a full 40km north of the 'main' island of Zanzibar, (Unguja). Pemba is not much smaller, but feels much more rural and characteristically very distinct.

Unlike its southern sister, Pemba has remained virtually unknown to hordes of beach-bound tourists, and just a couple of distinct luxury lodges have opened up on its rural shores.

The island is best known by those who come to explore it's coral reefs; the extreme depths of the Pemba Channel and thriving marine life make this region a diver's paradise.

Pemba Diving

The Pemba Channel shelves off to depths of more than 2000m between the island and mainland Tanzania, and Pemba is famous for seriously large sea fish, which include barracuda, tuna, shark, and even whales cruising its perimeters.

It is a glorious playground for experienced divers. The waters around Pemba provide some of the most fantastic wall dives and drift dives, fine soft and hard coral formations and open water diving opportunities that this East African coastline has to offer.

Pemba History

Pemba was a focal destination for travellers in past years, when it was known as "Al khudra', 'the green island', and it remains today green and picturesque, coloured by the rich greens of ten types of mangoes in plenty, and many hundreds of clove trees that have traditionally supported the fortunes of this island of spice.

Although Pemba is surrounded by fine coral reef and pristine seas, its shores are also flanked with dense mangrove forests, and the best beaches take a bit of finding and getting to.

Zanzibari beaches in general are subjected to tidal extremes, and many of these around Pemba expose coral patches and sea grass at low tide. These reefs can then be explored on foot, but suitable footwear is advised!

Fundu Lagoon
We feel that Fundu Lagoon is often sadly over-rated. It is a good hotel, but will never receive a better rating than that. The beach is poor and the cost is high for the tented accommodation; both fall short in comparison with potential alternatives.

$405pp

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