Pemba Island
Renowned as the ‘Green Island‘, the lush, tropical island of Pemba is charming and enchanting. Clove plantations, rice fields, hilly terrain, green valleys and pristine palm fringed beaches make it a land of variety and contrasts. The Pemba Channel offers excellent opportunities for fishing and scuba diving. A real nature lovers paradise, bird watchers will be well rewarded
Where to go in Pemba Island.
1. Misali Island
This island is world famous for its corals and nature
Visit Misali Island at Pemba coast. Some of the most breathtaking coral reefs of East Africa and an amazing protected island. Depending on the time of the year you can also find turtles nesting on the island.
Spend a day in Misali Island
Snorkel the amazing coral reefs
You can include diving with separate cost
Explore the protected island
Find green and hawksbill turtles nesting (depending on season)
See vervet monkeys, coconut crabs and other animals
Full information about Misali Island Tour
You start the excursion by taking a boat to this most famous diving and snorkeling place in Zanzibar. Misali Island is less than an hour boat trip away from a coast near to Chake Chake. The island offers idyllic beaches and nature trails.
Misali’s treasure is its rich ecosystem, which boasts 42 types of corals, over 300 species of fish, a rare subspecies of vervet monkeys, rarely seen coconut crabs and a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles.
Snorkeling here is breath-taking! Even close to the beach it’s possible to see bigger fishes. The beach is really steep, the sand changes into a vibrant color.
There are also vervet monkeys, coconut crabs and a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles.
2. Mjini Ole Village
Be a guest in a historical village
This is a full day in the middle of Pemba Island with Kidike Environmental Conservation Club at the village of Mjini Ole. The villagers will show their traditions, customs and every day life.
See the endemic Pemba fruit bats
Learn how to cook local dish called ponde
Visit 1000 years old ruins
Fish in local style
Learn about the village life
See how to make local handicrafts
Full information about Mjini Ole Village Tour
You can have a cooking lesson for traditional foods, see how handicrafts are made and join the fishermen for fishing. These are just a few examples.
Pemba flying foxes (world’s biggest fruit bats) are conserved here, and you can always see them. The population in Mjini Ole has grown from 300 to 6000.
There are 11th century ruins of an old town near to the village. Mjini Ole used to be the capital city of Pemba. Pieces of Persian and Chinese keramics can still be found on the ground, along with pieces of human and animal bones.
There is also a mangrove forest, which can be seen by foot of by boat. The Kidike project is planting more forest to prevent erosion.
You can choose which of these activities you want to experience. This will be one of the best memories of your stay in Zanzibar! The trip includes a lunch in a local home.
3. The biggest national park in Pemba.
This is the biggest patch of tropical forest located on the northwestern corner of Pemba. It is the home for many endemic species, and an amazing jungle experience.
What you can find:
Monkeys
Bush babies
Pemba fruit bats
Birds
Flowers
Butterflies
Spice plants
A natural fresh water lake
Owls at night time (ask specifically for this)
Full information about Ngezi Forest
In Ngezi Forest there are monkeys, bush babies, fruit bats, all different kinds of birds, flowers, spices and natural lakes. Remnants of an old timber business can also be found in the forest. The forest is an experience for all the senses.
You can also request for a night walk to see the owls. Another special option is a full day hike in the forest – approx. 8 hours.
