Pemba is not as developed as some of the other islands; it is quiet and more remote. The verdant, hilly landscape is covered in clove and palm plantations dotted with enormous old mango trees. It receives far fewer visitors than Zanzibar.
The coastline attracts a huge variety of marine life with a mixture of plunging coastline, coral lagoons and a network of tiny offshore islands. It is an excellent location for diving and attracts divers from all over who come to explore these rich waters. Drift diving along the walls of the Pemba channel has a huge appeal for experienced divers while the coral reefs and lagoons offer attractive diving for the less experienced.
Just off Pemba is Mesali Island. You can take a daytrip out there and enjoy a picnic lunch and snorkel to your heart’s content. The marine reserve around the island plays host to a myriad of colourful marine life just below the surface.
Taking a break from underwater exploration, above the waterline you can explore on boat trips, dhows and kayaks. Dolphins, humpback whales and turtles have been spotted here.
A village visit will offer an interesting insight into life on the island, taking your guide with you will enhance the interaction. Combine this with a tour of a spice farm (70% of the world’s cloves come from Pemba, the heady aroma evident during drying season) and perhaps follow this with a guided walk through the Ngezi Forest home to a variety of flora and fauna including the flying fox.
It you are looking for fantastic diving and snorkelling, far from the usual tourist crowds then Pemba may be for you. It’s remote and rustic, no light pollution and a feeling of being far from anywhere.
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