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Quick answer: The best things to do in Pemba Island include diving the Pemba Channel’s coral walls, snorkelling and turtle-spotting at Misali Island, hiking Ngezi Forest to see the endemic Pemba flying fox, visiting a clove plantation, exploring Swahili ruins such as Ras Mkumbuu and Pujini, kayaking through mangroves, and relaxing on quiet beaches like Vumawimbi. Pemba is the northernmost island of the Zanzibar archipelago, reached by a short flight or ferry from Unguja (Zanzibar Island).
If you want an island holiday without the crowds, Pemba Island Zanzibar is the answer. Known as the “Green Island” for its hilly interior, clove farms and dense forest, Pemba lies roughly 50 km north of Unguja. It is quieter, wilder and far less developed than its famous sister island, which is exactly why divers, nature lovers and slow travellers love it.
This Pemba Island travel guide covers the top attractions, the best activities, how to get there, when to go and practical tips, so you can plan your visiting Pemba Island trip with confidence.
Pemba Island at a glance
Whether you are planning a diving trip or a cultural getaway, these are the things to do in Pemba Island that visitors rate most highly. Together they make up the best Pemba Island activities and Pemba Island experiences on offer.
Pemba is widely regarded as one of the best diving destinations in East Africa. The deep Pemba Channel separates the island from the mainland, and the currents bring nutrient-rich water to steep coral walls, drop-offs and pinnacles. Divers can expect healthy hard and soft corals, reef sharks, rays, barracuda, big schools of fish and, in season, pelagic visitors.
Most dive sites are suited to intermediate and advanced divers because of currents, although some sheltered sites work for beginners. Dive centres operate from resorts around Chake Chake, Wete and Mkoani.
Misali Island is a small, protected island off Chake Chake and one of Pemba’s most popular Pemba Island excursions. The surrounding reef is part of a marine conservation area with clear water, colourful coral gardens and green turtles. Snorkelling here is excellent even for beginners, and the island has a quiet beach perfect for a picnic lunch.
Local legend also links Misali with pirate treasure, which adds a fun story to the day trip.
In the north of the island, Ngezi Forest Reserve protects one of the last patches of indigenous rainforest in the Zanzibar archipelago. It is a highlight for nature lovers and one of the top places to visit in Pemba Island.
Guided walks reveal towering trees, butterflies and wildlife found nowhere else. Look out for the Pemba flying fox, a large endemic fruit bat, and for endemic birds such as the Pemba green pigeon, Pemba sunbird and Pemba scops owl. Hire a local guide at the reserve for the best chance of sightings.
Pemba is the heart of Zanzibar’s clove industry, and a farm visit is one of the most authentic Pemba Island experiences. Local farmers show how cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, black pepper and lemongrass are grown, and you can taste fresh fruit and spices straight from the tree.
The clove harvest, which usually takes place in the second half of the year, is the best time to see the island’s fragrant spice economy in action.
Pemba’s history stretches back to the medieval Swahili coast, and its ruins are some of the most atmospheric Pemba tourist attractions:
Pemba is not about packed beach clubs. It is about empty sand, turquoise water and silence. Vumawimbi Beach in the north is a long, wild stretch that is popular for beachcombing and sunset walks. Around Wete, Chake Chake and the east coast you will also find calm bays and small resort beaches with almost no crowds.
Because Pemba has strong tides in places, check swimming conditions with your hotel or guide before entering the water.
Pemba’s mangrove forests are a peaceful way to see local wildlife and fishing life. Guided kayak or boat trips glide through tidal channels, with chances to see birds, crabs and mudskippers. Tours are timed with the tide, so ask your operator for the best schedule.
The Pemba Channel is a well-known fishing ground. Charter boats offer deep-sea fishing for big game species such as marlin, sailfish, tuna and wahoo, depending on the season. Local fishermen also offer traditional dhow trips for a simpler, cultural experience.
At the northern tip of the island, the Ras Kigomasha lighthouse offers wide views over the Indian Ocean and the channel. Combine it with a visit to Ngezi Forest and Vumawimbi Beach for a full day in the north.
Pemba’s culture is warm, traditional and deeply Swahili. Wander the markets in Chake Chake and Wete, watch fishermen land their catch, try freshly cooked seafood, coconut dishes and spiced Swahili rice, and meet local artisans who work with wood, raffia and cloth. A community-led tour is the best way to learn about daily life while supporting local families.
3 days: Day 1 for Chake Chake town, fort and Ras Mkumbuu. Day 2 for Misali Island snorkelling. Day 3 for Ngezi Forest, Vumawimbi Beach and the lighthouse.
5 days: Add a clove plantation visit, a mangrove kayak trip and a full day of diving or fishing.
7 days: Add a second dive day, cultural visits around Wete and a rest day on the beach. This pace suits a relaxed Pemba Island holiday.
The drier months, roughly June to October and December to February, are generally the most comfortable for diving, beaches and forest walks. The long rains usually fall from March to May, when some lodges close and seas can be rougher. Water temperatures and visibility vary through the year, so match your dates to your main activity.
These practical Pemba Island travel tips will help your trip run smoothly:
Pemba has a small, characterful range of accommodation, from remote eco-lodges and dive resorts to simple guesthouses and boutique beach hotels. Choose by activity: stay near Chake Chake or Mkoani for Misali and easy transfers, in the north for Ngezi Forest and wild beaches, or in a dive-focused lodge if the underwater world is your priority.
Pemba Island is known for world-class diving, clove production, lush green hills, Swahili ruins and quiet beaches. It is the northernmost island of the Zanzibar archipelago.
Yes. If you prefer wild, uncrowded and authentic destinations over busy resorts, Pemba is well worth visiting, especially for diving, nature and culture.
Three to five days is enough to see the main attractions, and seven days gives you time to dive, explore and relax.
The dry months, from about June to October and December to February, are generally best. The long rains in March to May can limit boat trips and close some lodges.
Fly from Zanzibar Island to Pemba in about 30 minutes, or take a ferry to Mkoani port, which takes longer.
Pemba is quieter, greener and less developed than Unguja (Zanzibar). It has fewer tourists, better diving and a stronger focus on farming and local life, while Unguja has Stone Town, more resorts and busier beaches.
Pemba is generally regarded as welcoming and safe. Follow normal travel precautions, respect local customs and use reputable guides and operators.
Pemba rewards travellers who plan well. WeGuide African Safaris can arrange tailor-made itineraries that combine Pemba with Zanzibar Island, Tanzania safaris and Kilimanjaro, including flights, transfers, local guides and accommodation. Contact our team to design your perfect island escape.
