Destination

Pemba Island

Untouched diving paradise — vertical coral walls, whale sharks & clove-scented forests

About Pemba Island

Pemba Island is Zanzibar's secret sister — wilder, greener, and almost entirely untouched by mass tourism. Known as 'Al Jazeera al Khadra' (The Green Island), Pemba is cloaked in clove plantations, mangrove channels, and ancient ruins. Its underwater world is the real draw: vertical coral walls dropping into deep channels, pelagic fish, and some of the best diving in the western Indian Ocean. Only a handful of lodges operate here, making Pemba a true hideaway for divers, honeymooners, and explorers seeking Zanzibar before the crowds found it.

Best time to visit: June to October for the best diving visibility (30+ metres) and driest weather. November to February is warmer but rainier. March to May is the heavy rainy season — some lodges close. Whale sharks appear October to February.

Key Wildlife

Pemba's underwater world is exceptional: pristine hard and soft coral wallsNapoleon wrassegiant groupersbarracuda schoolseagle raysgreen turtlesand occasional whale sharks. On landthe Pemba flying fox (endemic fruit bat) roosts in forest remnants. The Ngezi Forest Reserve protects endemic birds and butterflies.

Areas & Highlights

Misali Island

A tiny, uninhabited coral island off Pemba's west coast with some of the best snorkeling and diving in East Africa. The surrounding marine conservation area protects over 40 species of coral and 350 fish species.

Chake Chake

Pemba's largest town and administrative centre. Visit the ruins of Mkama Ndume palace, browse the local market, and experience authentic Pemba island life far from tourist zones.