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Weathered rock formations scattered along a white-sand beach beside the clear waters of Pemba Island.

Pemba Island

Whether you dream of exploring colourful coral reefs or unwinding on a secluded beach after your safari, head to Pemba Island. In this paradise, lush nature, peaceful hideaways and a slower pace take centre stage!

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice

Just north of Zanzibar’s main island lies Pemba Island, one of Tanzania’s most peaceful coastal escapes. Often called the Green Island, Pemba is a place of rolling hills, fragrant clove plantations, secluded beaches and out-of-this-world marine life.

Whether you dream of scuba diving, snorkelling over colourful reefs or simply slowing down, Pemba welcomes you to a wonderfully different side of Tanzania. It’s the perfect place for you if your heart beats for nature, a more secluded island stay or some time with your loved one.

Trees overlooking a white-sand beach with rippled sand and shallow turquoise water on Pemba Island.
Wooden outrigger fishing boat resting in shallow turquoise water beside a sandy beach on Pemba Island.
Weathered rock formations scattered along a white-sand beach beside the clear waters of Pemba Island.
Large baobab trees rising above tropical vegetation along Pemba Island’s rocky shoreline.

Discover Pemba Island in Tanzania

Pemba belongs to the Zanzibar Archipelago, but it feels quite different from the island most travellers simply call Zanzibar. It’s greener, hillier, and much less developed for tourism. Small villages, fishing boats, farmland and winding coastal roads make the island so charming.

The island’s natural beauty is ideal if you want to switch off a little after a Tanzania safari. You can spend a morning exploring the countryside, an afternoon relaxing by the sea and an evening watching the sun set over the water. It’s the epitome of an unhurried pace and an island life beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Discover Pemba Island

A peaceful island of lush forests, beautiful coral reefs and quiet beaches.

What Pemba Island is all about

  • Tropical & mangrove forests
  • Beautiful marine life & dolphins
  • Various monkey species
  • Historical ruins & hilly landscapes
  • White sandy beaches, palm trees and azure blue ocean
  • Tropical climate
  • Friendly people
  • Good service
  • Delicious food

Pemba Island Facts

  • Pemba is about: 67 km (42 mi) long and 22 km (14 mi) wide
  • Total surface: 988 km2 (613 sq mi)
  • Surrounded by: several smaller islands

Pemba Island beaches, diving, and marine life

Pemba is particularly well known for its underwater world. The Pemba Channel separates the island from mainland Tanzania and is home to dramatic reef walls, coral gardens and a rich variety of tropical fish. Scuba divers are blown away by the impressive underwater landscapes, while snorkellers can discover colourful marine life in safe and sheltered locations.

One of the best-known places for snorkelling is Misali Island, a protected marine area off Pemba’s west coast, with reefs and clear shallow water. Visits, however, depend on local conservation rules, tides and sea conditions. Some dive sites around Pemba have strong currents, so choosing a qualified local operator and a site suited to your experience is important. Of course, we’re happy to help you with that.

White-sand beach on Pemba Island
Scuba diving off Pemba Island

Above the water, Pemba’s coast offers secluded coves, palm-fringed stretches of sand and lovely views over the Indian Ocean. An absolute highlight you don’t want to miss is Vumawimbi Beach in the north, whose beauty is beyond all words. Unlike Zanzibar’s livelier beaches, many places here have few facilities and feel wonderfully untouched. Since tides can be strong, check the conditions before jumping into the sea.

Forests, cloves, and local life

The Green Island

Pemba’s nickname, the Green Island, makes perfect sense once you see its lush hills and dense vegetation. Cloves have long played an important role in local life, and plantations are scattered across the island alongside coconut palms, banana plants and other crops.

During a visit to the countryside, you can catch a glimpse of this agricultural heritage and the people who keep it alive.

Ngezi Forest Reserve

In the north, Ngezi Forest Reserve protects one of Pemba’s remaining areas of indigenous forest, which also teems with life. On the Joshi Trail, you can spot birds, blue duikers, and red colobus monkeys. If you want to head out after dark, join a night walk and, with a little luck, you might see elusive bushbabies or the endemic Pemba scops owl.

The island is also home to the remarkable Pemba flying fox, a large fruit bat found naturally here. Sightings in the wild are never guaranteed, but its presence is one of the things that makes Pemba’s nature so distinctive.

Things to do on Pemba Island

There is plenty to discover on Pemba, even if doing very little is part of the appeal. The island is a wonderful place to snorkel or scuba dive, with reefs and dive sites that range from sheltered areas to more challenging underwater walls. On boat trips you can discover a different view of the coastline, and a dhow sunset cruise is a great way to experience the Indian Ocean in an authentic way.

On land, explore clove plantations, wander through local markets in towns such as Chake Chake or Wete, and get to know the island’s Swahili culture. The historic sites at Ras Mkumbuu and Pujini show you a part of Pemba’s past, while a guided walk in Ngezi Forest introduces you to its greener side. For a slower day, find a quiet beach, enjoy fresh seafood or simply settle into the rhythm of island life.

How to get to Pemba Island

The easiest way to reach Pemba Island is usually by domestic flight. Flights connect Pemba Airport, near Chake Chake, with Zanzibar (Unguja) and other Tanzanian gateways, depending on the airline and current schedule. The flight from Zanzibar takes approximately 30 minutes.

It is also possible to travel by ferry from Zanzibar or the Tanzanian mainland, although sea journeys take longer and are more dependent on weather, sea conditions and changing timetables. If you are combining Pemba with a mainland safari, travel connections are an important part of planning your route. Of course, we’re happy to help you with this.

Best time to visit Pemba Island

The best time to visit Pemba Island is during the drier months from June to September, when conditions are often pleasant for beaches, walks and exploring the island. January and February are hot and relatively dry, making them attractive for an island holiday as well.

Pemba Island weather and climate

Pemba has a warm tropical climate throughout the year, with distinct wetter and drier periods:

  • January–February: Hot and relatively dry, often with sunny days.
  • March–May: The main rainy season, bringing heavier and more frequent showers.
  • June–September: Generally drier and a little cooler, a popular period for visiting.
  • October–December: Warmer conditions with the shorter rainy season, especially later in the period.

The weather can change quickly here, and the sea may behave differently from the weather on land. So, always allow some flexibility for boat-based plans.

View our accommodations at Pemba Island

From relaxed eco-lodges to cosy beachfront retreats and luxury hideaways, Pemba offers peaceful places to stay. Choose a romantic escape by the sea, a convenient base for diving or a retreat surrounded by greenery.

Frequently asked questions about Pemba Island

You might still have some questions about how many days you should spend on Pemba or whether you can combine it with a safari in Tanzania. We’ve answered the most common questions below.

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