Beach & Coast in Tanzania
The green island of the Zanzibar archipelago
Pemba is Zanzibar's quieter sister, a hilly island of clove plantations, mangroves and untouched coral reefs. It is far less visited than Zanzibar, so the beaches are empty, the villages are traditional, and the diving is among the best in East Africa, with steep walls and healthy reefs.
The island is known as the Green Island for its fertile hills, and it has a rich history of clove farming and Swahili culture. Misali Island, a marine conservation area, offers snorkelling and beaches, and the Ngezi Forest is home to the rare Pemba flying fox and Pemba green pigeon.
Pemba suits divers and travellers who want solitude and an unspoiled island, with a few small lodges and a laid-back atmosphere.
Pemba’s reefs are rich in coral and fish, with reef sharks, turtles, rays and large pelagic species. On land, the Pemba flying fox, a large fruit bat found nowhere else, roosts in the Ngezi Forest. Vervet monkeys are common around the villages.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The island rolls in green hills covered with clove trees, with mangrove creeks, coral rag cliffs and sheltered beaches. The sea is clear and deep blue, and the sunsets are quiet.
Activities here
Pemba is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures of 28°C to 32°C. The long rains fall from March to May and short rains in November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 24 | 70 |
| Feb | 32 | 24 | 50 |
| Mar | 32 | 25 | 130 |
| Apr | 30 | 24 | 360 |
| May | 29 | 23 | 300 |
| Jun | 29 | 22 | 70 |
| Jul | 28 | 21 | 50 |
| Aug | 29 | 21 | 50 |
| Sep | 30 | 22 | 60 |
| Oct | 30 | 23 | 100 |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 200 |
| Dec | 31 | 24 | 150 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October and December to February are the best months, with clear water for diving and calm seas.
March to May is wet and humid, and many lodges close. The landscape is green, and the seas can be rough.
December to March and July to October are the best months for diving. Some lodges close in April and May.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jul to Sep
Pemba Airport has short flights from Zanzibar (about 25 minutes) and from Dar es Salaam. A ferry also links Pemba with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, but it is slower. Most guests fly in.
Pemba is part of Tanzania, so the same visa applies. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months. Marine park fees for Misali are included when you book the excursion.
Pemba is remote and the island has limited medical care. Divers should have appropriate certification and insurance. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
National ParkSerengeti National ParkThe Great Migration
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryNgorongoro Conservation AreaA day on the crater floorOur take
“Our take”
Pemba suits travellers who like diving and quiet. Give it three nights at least, and enjoy the boat to your lodge.
Safaris from
US$3,572 per person
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