Exploring the island of Pemba near Zanzibar

1. Pristine Beaches and Secluded Coasts

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Pemba is known for its untouched, idyllic beaches. Unlike Zanzibar, which can get quite busy with tourists, Pemba offers more peaceful shores where you can relax, swim, and snorkel without the crowds. The island’s beaches, such as Vumawimbi Beach and Wambaa Beach, are perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
• What to Do: Spend your days lounging on the sand, swimming in the turquoise waters, or enjoying a peaceful sunset. The coastline is dotted with secluded coves that allow for private beach experiences.

2. Explore the Majestic Forests and Hills

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Pemba Island’s interior is filled with lush green hills, spice farms, and dense forests. Unlike the flatter landscape of Zanzibar, Pemba is hilly and rugged, offering great hiking opportunities and spectacular views.
• What to Do: Take a walk or a hike through the island’s forests and enjoy the rich biodiversity. The Pemba Forest Reserve is home to unique flora and fauna, including rare species of monkeys and birds. The higher points of the island offer panoramic views of the surrounding Indian Ocean and Zanzibar in the distance.

3. Visit the Ngezi Forest Reserve

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: The Ngezi Forest Reserve is one of the island’s most important natural sites. It’s a haven for nature lovers, with towering trees, endemic plants, and unique wildlife. The forest is part of a conservation area, and walking through it gives visitors a rare chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of Pemba.
• What to Do: Enjoy guided walking tours to learn about the diverse ecosystems and the island’s conservation efforts. The reserve is also home to the Pemba flying fox, a rare bat species, and various bird species that make it a great spot for birdwatching.

4. Explore Pemba’s Traditional Villages

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Pemba is still largely untouched by mass tourism, and its traditional villages offer an authentic glimpse into island life. The locals are friendly, and you’ll get a sense of the island’s culture and history by exploring the villages.
• What to Do: Take a walk through the villages and visit the local markets. You can experience daily life, including fishing, farming, and the island’s rich spice culture. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts, such as weaving and pottery.

5. Dive into the Marine Life

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Pemba is a diver’s paradise, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs that are far less crowded than Zanzibar’s dive sites. The island offers some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences in East Africa.
• What to Do: Explore the Pemba Channel and its surrounding reefs, which are home to diverse marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Popular dive spots such as Manta Reef and Funzi Island are ideal for underwater photography and spotting the famous Manta rays. Many local dive operators offer guided tours to these sites.

6. Visit the Pemba Spice Farms

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Similar to Zanzibar, Pemba has a thriving spice trade, and visiting a spice farm on the island is an essential experience. The island’s lush environment is perfect for growing spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, which have long been a part of the island’s economy.
• What to Do: Take a guided tour through the spice farms to learn about the different spices grown on the island and their uses in cooking and traditional medicine. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste and smell the spices, making it a sensory experience.

7. Visit the Pemba Island Ruins and Fort

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Pemba is steeped in history, and a visit to its ancient ruins will give you insight into the island’s rich past. The Chake Chake Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, offers a glimpse of the island’s colonial era. The fort’s views over the surrounding landscape are also impressive.
• What to Do: Explore the fort and other ruins on the island to learn more about Pemba’s history. While not as developed as the ruins on Zanzibar, these historical sites are peaceful and provide an interesting contrast to the island’s natural beauty.

8. Experience Local Fishing and Seafood

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Pemba is an island with a strong fishing heritage, and experiencing local fishing is a great way to connect with the island’s culture. You can also sample some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.
• What to Do: Go on a local fishing trip with one of the island’s fishermen or enjoy a meal at a seafood restaurant that serves freshly caught fish, prawns, and lobster. Many of the local hotels and guesthouses offer seafood dishes that feature the island’s rich fishing culture.

9. Take a Boat Tour around Pemba

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: Exploring Pemba by boat is an unforgettable experience. The island has a rugged coastline with hidden coves, uninhabited islands, and coral reefs that are best accessed by boat.
• What to Do: Book a boat tour to explore the islands surrounding Pemba, such as Mwana Island or Misali Island. These trips offer opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on secluded beaches.

10. Relax and Unwind in Pemba’s Luxury Resorts

• Why It’s Worth Visiting: After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Pemba’s boutique resorts, which offer luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean views. Many resorts offer a blend of relaxation, wellness, and adventure, with spa treatments and beachfront villas.
• What to Do: Take time to relax on your resort’s private beach, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy a sunset cocktail as you watch the colors change over the Indian Ocean.