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Pemba Island
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Island
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Pemba Island, known as the 'Green Island' (Al Jazeera Al Khadra), is located about 50 kilometers north of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean. Unlike its flatter neighbor, Pemba is characterized by hilly terrain and fertile volcanic soils that are well-suited for agriculture. The island is the world's leading center for clove production, which has formed the backbone of the local economy since the 19th century. Ecologically, Pemba is famous for its steep coral walls that drop to great depths in the Pemba Channel, offering divers visibility often exceeding 40 meters. Historically, the island was a significant center of Swahili culture and overseas trade, as seen in ruins like Ras Mkumbuu. Today, the island maintains an authentic charm away from mass tourism and protects valuable marine ecosystems through the Misali Island Marine Conservation Area.
- Location: Tanzania
- Nearby: Mkoani (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 31 | 23 | 73 | 173 | 213 | 50 | 21 | 18 | 24 | 70 | 81 | 64 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
This remarkably lush, spirited island is absolutely most commonly reached by taking regular, reliable domestic flights from the mainland or by utilizing scheduled, highly comfortable passenger ferry services that routinely and safely navigate the highly scenic coastal waters.
Best season
The distinct, highly reliable dry seasons, generally occurring dependably from June to October and January to February, provide the absolute most stable weather patterns for deep scuba diving and effortlessly traversing the incredibly dense, breathtakingly beautiful tropical landscape.
Terrain & paths
The absolutely unique geography of the entire island is strongly characterized by gently rolling verdant hills, incredibly dense, almost impenetrable jungle vegetation, sprawling, intensely aromatic spice plantations, and highly complex mangrove forests constantly bordering the pristine coastline.
What to bring
Travelers must absolutely pack extremely lightweight, highly breathable tropical clothing, fiercely effective insect repellent explicitly for the often oppressively humid inland areas, and strictly their own entirely high-quality snorkeling gear to deeply explore the highly remote outer reefs.
Parking
On-island transportation heavily and strictly relies on highly available local taxis or pre-arranged, completely reliable lodge transfers. Therefore, parking is strictly relevant only if renting a vehicle, which is typically accommodated highly securely directly at your chosen boutique guesthouse.
Safety
Visitors are frequently and highly strongly advised to immediately consider entirely reliable malaria precautions for this specific region. Additionally, swimmers absolutely must heavily exercise extreme, unyielding caution regarding potentially immensely strong ocean currents entirely outside the protected lagoons.
Time needed
To thoroughly and completely appreciate the wonderfully unhurried local pace of life, the incredibly aromatic, deeply historical spice farms, and the entirely spectacular, absolutely world-class diving opportunities, most travelers strictly plan a fully dedicated stay of well over three to five full days.
Geography
Facts
- The island covers a total land area of approximately 988 square kilometers.
- About 70% of the world's traded cloves are sourced from Pemba.
- The Pemba Channel reaches a maximum depth of around 1,000 meters.
- More than 400,000 people reside on the island of Pemba.
- The Ngazi Forest is the last remaining primary forest on the island.
- Scientists discovered the endemic Pemba flying fox species here.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pemba Island (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How does Pemba differ from Zanzibar?
Pemba is significantly greener, quieter, and less touristy.
Is the island suitable for diving?
Absolutely, the reefs are among the best and most untouched in the region.
What is the best way to travel there?
By short flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.
Are there beaches there?
Yes, there are hidden, beautiful bays, often completely deserted.
What can one do besides diving?
Visit spice plantations or explore the ruins of Chake Chake.
Pemba Island: where is it located?
Pemba Island is located in Tanzania.
Pemba Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Pemba Island: why is it worth visiting?
Pemba Island, known as the 'Green Island' (Al Jazeera Al Khadra), is located about 50 kilometers north of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Old Dispensary
A magnificently decorated building in Stone Town that reflects Zanzibar's multicultural architecture.
Malindi Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Stone Town, known for its unusual minaret.
Christ Church Cathedral
A historical Anglican church in Stone Town, built on the site of the former slave market.
Hamamni Persian Baths
Historical public baths in Zanzibar, built in the late 19th century for the elite.
Forodhani Bandstand
A historic pavilion in the Forodhani Gardens, where the famous night market takes place in the evening.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani)
A significant museum in a circular building documenting the history of Zanzibar.
More places
Stone Town of Zanzibar
The historical center of Zanzibar City, renowned for its rich Swahili culture and unique coral stone architecture.
Mangapwani Slave Caves
Natural and artificial caves on Zanzibar that served as a secret hiding place for slaves in the 19th century after the open slave trade w…
Unguja
The main island of Zanzibar.
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Mtoni Palace Ruins
The oldest palace ruins in Zanzibar, built in the 1820s for Sultan Seyyid Said and described in the memoirs of his daughter, Princess Salme.
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Maruhubi Palace Ruins
The remains of a large palace in Zanzibar, built for the concubines of Sultan Barghash bin Said in the 19th century.
Malindi Port (Zanzibar)
The main port of Stone Town, managing passenger and freight traffic to the island of Zanzibar (Unguja).
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
A former sultan's palace in Zanzibar, known as the tallest building in Stone Town and the first in East Africa to have electricity and an…
Old Fort of Zanzibar
The oldest surviving structure in Stone Town, built by Omani Arabs to defend against the Portuguese.