Pemba Island, a verdant jewel within the Zanzibar Archipelago, remains one of East Africa’s most unspoiled marine and cultural destinations. Often overlooked in favor of its larger sister island, Unguja (Zanzibar), Pemba has preserved a rare sense of authenticity, defined by rolling green hills, aromatic spice plantations, quiet fishing villages, and some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.

At Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, we celebrate Pemba as a destination for travelers who seek depth rather than crowds. This is an island where nature and culture move at a gentler pace, where Swahili traditions remain deeply rooted, and where the ocean and land offer extraordinary opportunities for exploration, photography, and connection.

Quick Facts About Pemba Island

• Total Area: Approximately 988 square kilometers
• Main Towns: Chake-Chake, Wete, Mkoani
• Population: Around 400,000 residents
• Airport: Karume Airport (domestic flights)
• Climate: Tropical maritime; wetter months from November to April and drier conditions from May to October

Cultural & Historical Heritage

For centuries, Pemba Island played a vital role in the Indian Ocean trading world. Renowned for its high-quality cloves and spices, the island attracted Arab, Persian, and African traders who left a lasting imprint on its culture. These influences blended with early Swahili traditions to create a distinctive island identity still visible today in architecture, dress, music, and daily life.

Clove plantations, many established in the 19th century, continue to shape Pemba’s landscape and economy, perfuming the air during harvest seasons. The island’s communities remain strongly connected to Swahili-Muslim customs, preserving ancestral knowledge, craftsmanship, and agricultural practices passed down through generations.

Geography & Natural Setting

Pemba’s terrain is remarkably diverse and dramatically different from many Indian Ocean islands. Fertile hills, deep valleys, mangrove-lined creeks, coral-rag outcrops, and offshore reefs form a rich ecological mosaic.

Key Natural Highlights

• Ngezi Forest Reserve: A rare evergreen coastal forest teeming with endemic wildlife
• Misali Island: A pristine marine reserve with exceptional coral ecosystems
• Mangrove Channels & Estuaries: Crucial nurseries for marine life
• Inland Farms & Spice Groves: Fertile landscapes producing cloves, coconuts, and tropical fruits

This variety makes Pemba a haven for naturalists, photographers, and conservation-minded travelers.

Getting to Pemba Island

By Air

Daily domestic flights connect Pemba with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, offering quick and convenient access.

By Sea

Ferries and private boat transfers operate between Unguja and Pemba, with journey times depending on sea conditions.

On the Island

Main towns are connected by paved roads, while rural areas and forest reserves often require a 4×4 vehicle. Boat transfers are essential for reaching offshore islands such as Misali.

Advance planning is strongly recommended, especially during peak travel periods.

Wildlife & Ecology

Marine Life

Pemba’s coral reefs are among the healthiest in East Africa. Clear waters, deep channels, and nutrient-rich currents support an extraordinary diversity of marine species, including reef fish, rays, turtles, and seasonal pelagic visitors.

The Misali Island Marine Reserve is Pemba’s conservation centerpiece, protecting vital coral habitats and fish breeding grounds through community-led management.

Terrestrial Species

• Pemba Flying Fox: A large fruit bat found nowhere else on Earth
• Endemic birds, reptiles, and insects, particularly within Ngezi Forest
• Mangrove and seagrass ecosystems supporting juvenile marine species

Community-based conservation plays a central role in protecting these fragile environments.

Highlights & Places of Interest

Misali Island Marine Reserve

A world-class destination for diving and snorkeling, known for coral walls, reef gardens, and exceptional underwater visibility.

Ngezi Forest Reserve

One of the last remaining indigenous coastal forests in the region, ideal for birdwatching, guided walks, and ecological exploration.

Clove Plantations & Village Life

Experience the heart of Pemba’s spice heritage and gain insight into traditional farming, cuisine, and daily village life.

Chake-Chake & Wete

Lively island towns offering local markets, waterfront views, historical remnants, and opportunities to engage with artisans and traders.

Ras Mkumbuu & Historical Ruins

Ancient Swahili settlement remains and coastal viewpoints that speak to Pemba’s long maritime history.

Experiences on Pemba Island

With Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, experiences are designed to be immersive, respectful, and enriching:

• Scuba diving and snorkeling on pristine reefs
• Forest walks and birding in Ngezi Reserve
• Spice tours and cultural village visits
• Boat excursions to sandbanks and remote islets
• Sustainable fishing experiences with local communities
• Photography-focused explorations of landscapes and daily life

Best Time to Visit

• May–October: Ideal for forest walks, cultural touring, and outdoor exploration
• October–March: Excellent underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling
• November–April: Lush scenery and quieter travel, with occasional weather-related disruptions

Accommodation Options

Pemba offers a range of accommodations, from eco-lodges and boutique beach resorts to simple guesthouses in island towns. Many properties emphasize sustainability and community engagement. In more remote areas, travelers should expect limited internet access and occasional power fluctuations, part of Pemba’s peaceful, off-grid charm.

Culture & Responsible Travel

Pemba’s strong cultural identity makes respectful travel essential. Modest dress is encouraged in villages, and photography should always be done with permission. Supporting local guides, cooperatives, and conservation initiatives ensures tourism benefits island communities directly.

Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris works closely with trusted local partners to create experiences that honor Pemba’s heritage while protecting its natural environments.

Practical Travel Tips

• Follow standard tropical health precautions
• Use licensed boats and aviation services
• Carry cash for local markets and small businesses
• Hire qualified local guides for forest and marine activities

Why Visit Pemba Island with Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris

Pemba Island is for travelers who value authenticity, biodiversity, and cultural depth over mass tourism. Its forests, reefs, spice traditions, and welcoming communities offer a rare and rewarding journey into a quieter side of East Africa’s coast.

With Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, your experience is guided by local knowledge, ethical travel principles, and a passion for storytelling through nature and culture. Pemba is not just a destination, it is an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and connect deeply with the rhythms of island life.