Pemba Island Holidays

Beach Holiday

Pemba Island Holidays

Pemba Island Overview

Pemba Island Holidays. Pemba is the northernmost island of the archipelago and the smaller, hillier and greener “sister island” of Zanzibar. Pemba enjoys far less attention than the world-famous main island and often even gets forgotten. Therefore the island and its friendly and relaxed people can maintain a quiet and easy-going atmosphere among spice plantations, fruit trees and the lush tropical vegetation.

For those travellers who find Zanzibar too crowded, Pemba is the right island to go to. Accommodation is limited to just a few small guest house style accommodations and very nice lodges right on the beach.

Accommodations:

The Manta Resort is situated at the northern tip of the island. It is for the dedicated, the true explorers with an urge to find a home where there is heart and purpose. It is for those who will endure the extra bumpy mile to discover a haven of non-polluted serenity, of silence, solitude and inclusion. Where you are greeted as family, not as a stranger or a tourist. A different reality, closer to nature, closer to the true you. A home of friendliness, sunshine, natural food, superior service, fresh air, diving in crystal clear waters and timeless existence. A five-star retreat at the end of the road you are about to take.

Fundu Lagoon is a small privately owned boutique hotel in Pemba offering natural barefoot luxury in a unique Tanzanian setting and reached by plane or boat. There are eight tented safari style bungalows, some on the beach and some on the hillside, but all with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Fundu has some of the best diving in the World and was recently voted Best Marine Safari Property in Africa.

Pemba Eco Lodge is situated on the remote and beautiful Shamini Island surrounded by crystal clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. A short boat ride south of the main island, this is Pemba’s first true eco lodge and offers an authentic holiday experience in a natural environment.

Facts about Pemba

Pemba’s landscape boasts an irregularly shaped coastline and dense mangrove forests, which are dominated by deep valleys that gently slope into the sea. Due to its four million clove trees, some of which are over 100 years old, Pemba is also known as the clove island of the Indian Ocean.

The so-called Pemba Channel – the waters between Pemba and the mainland – is considered as one of the last great unspoilt areas for diving and deep sea fishing. Despite plenty of attractions such as primeval forests, picturesque ruins, deserted beaches and beautiful offshore islands, there are rarely more than a few dozen travellers on the island at once, making it quite a destination for individualists, honeymoon couples and divers.

What to do on Pemba?

Also well worth visiting are the Pujini Ruins situated south-east of Chake Chake, Pemba’s largest town. These overgrown ruins are the remains of a 13th century Swahili town ruled by a despotic king. Opposite the Pujini Ruins you will find the well-preserved ruins of Ras Mkumbuu, which are located at the tip of the long peninsula..

Don’t miss out on Pemba’s natural wonders, such as the Ngezi Forest in the north, a protected rain forest which is home to an endemic species of bats, known as the Pemba flying fox. Another gem just off the western shore of Pemba is Misali Island. Together with its surrounding reef it has been incorporated into the Misali Island Conservation Area and is world-famous for its beautiful corals and beaches. Furthermore, the conservation area is a breeding site for green and hawksbill turtles.