Pemba Island is known as the Green Island and it's as lush as it's name suggests, with a stunning landscape of jungle, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, coral reefs and smaller islets offshore.
Largely overlooked in favour of its big brother Zanzibar (only 130 kilometres away), Pemba Island has escaped mass tourism. There are only a handful of lodges and you can often find idyllic corners of the island with no one else around.
However, the beaches are not as naturally pristine and maintained as on Zanzibar, so it’s not recommended for a lengthy beach holiday. Some secluded beaches can be found, although they often require a bit of hiking through the mangroves (perfect for intrepid explorers who like a challenge!).
The few visitors who do come to Pemba Island are rewarded with excellent snorkelling in the gorgeous coral reefs which encircle the entire island. There are also fantastic dive spots with depths of more than 2,000 metres off the edge of the Pemba Channel shelves.
Here you’re likely to come across big game fish such as barracuda, sharks, tuna and even humpback whales which migrate through the ocean around Zanzibar. Visibility is usually good but the current can be strong, so diving is more suited to experienced divers. Other amazing activities include deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and sunset cruises on traditional dhow boats.
Pemba’s picturesque hills are blanketed in mango and clove trees which were an important source of produce during the region’s historic role in the spice trade. A visit to the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) Clove Oil Distillery is a fascinating and fragrant experience where you can learn how the cloves are turned into essential oils.
If you’re looking for a private and remote island getaway, Pemba Island is the perfect choice. With limited accommodation and few visitors, Pemba is a place where you can truly relax and immerse in breathtaking nature.
The best time to visit Pemba Island is during the dry season, between July and October. These months bring warm, sunny days and blue skies, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and lounging by the beach. The best time for the islands is January and February bringing dry warm weather.
There is a small wet season in November and December, bringing short downpours which don't great affect the island's activities. You'll generally find most days are still hot and sunny, interspersed with refreshing showers. Pemba Island should be avoided during the long rainy season between March and May, as the heavy rains make snorkelling and diving difficult and the lodges also close during this period.
Pemba Island is a truly remote and off the beaten track location, therefore it does not feature explicitly on our suggested east Africa, Tanzania or Zanzibar itineraries, however it can be added to any luxury holiday upon request.
If you'd like to add time on Pemba Island to your tailor made Zanzibar or east Africa holiday, speak with our friendly Africa Team and they will be happy to arrange this for you. If you're not sure whether Pemba Island is the right addition for your luxury holiday, our Africa specialists will listen to your needs and desires and give you expert recommendations to decide on the best destinations for your perfect holiday.
For a blissful overnight stay on Pemba Island, we recommend the Fundu Lagoon, a gorgeous beachfront boutique hotel. It's only accessible by boat which adds another layer of intimacy and privacy to an already exclusive location. There are a range of luxury facilities inlcluding an cocktail bar, spa and an infinity swimming pool. The menu at the hotel's on-site restaurant features a delicious fusion of Swahili and international cuisine, and all ingredients are locally sourced.
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