World-Class Diving
Dramatic coral walls and drop-offs in the Pemba Channel attract experienced divers from around the world.
Tanzania Islands
Pemba Island
Lush, hilly and far less visited than Zanzibar, Pemba is known as the Green Island, with clove plantations, quiet beaches and spectacular coral walls for diving.
- Location
- North of Zanzibar
- Known For
- Diving & cloves
- Character
- Green & unspoilt
- Best Time
- July – March
Discover Pemba
Zanzibar's quiet, green sister.
Pemba Island lies about 50 km north of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean and forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago. Known as Al Jazeera Al Khadra, the Green Island, it is hillier and more fertile than Zanzibar, covered in clove plantations, forests and rice paddies.
Pemba receives far fewer visitors than its famous neighbour, making it ideal for travellers who want deserted beaches, authentic village life and some of the best diving in East Africa. It is a lovely extension to a Tanzania safari or a Zanzibar holiday.
Why Pemba
An authentic island escape.
Pemba rewards those who seek nature, diving and peace far from the crowds.
Clove Plantations
Pemba produces much of Zanzibar's famous cloves, and the scent fills the air at harvest time.
Ngezi Forest
A protected forest home to the Pemba flying fox, a giant fruit bat found nowhere else.
Deserted Beaches
Quiet beaches and sandbanks where you may have the sand to yourself.
Location
Where is Pemba Island?
Pemba lies in the Indian Ocean about 50 km north of Zanzibar and around 50 km off the Tanzanian mainland near Tanga. Short flights connect Pemba with Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and Tanga, and ferries run from Zanzibar.
The deep Pemba Channel separates the island from the mainland, creating the clear water and dramatic underwater walls that make Pemba so special for divers.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Pemba story.
Pemba's climate is similar to Zanzibar's, with dry seasons best for diving and beaches.
Dry Season
Sunny weather and good diving conditions, with clove harvests often underway.
Hot Season
Warm water and excellent visibility, especially for diving.
Long Rains
The wettest period; some lodges close and dive conditions are less reliable.
What is the best month to visit Pemba?
July to March is generally best, with excellent diving through the hot season.
Hot and clear, excellent diving.
Superb visibility and calm seas.
Warm, with good diving before the rains.
Long rains; some lodges close.
Wet season continues.
Rains ease late in the month.
Dry season begins.
Dry and pleasant, good for exploring.
Sunny, with clove harvests in many areas.
Excellent diving and beach weather.
Warm with occasional short showers.
Hot, sunny and great for diving.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Pemba.
Forests, reefs, ruins and villages across a green island.
NorthNgezi ForestProtected indigenous forest, home to the Pemba flying fox and many birds.
West coastPemba Channel ReefsCoral walls and drop-offs offering some of East Africa's best diving.
Island-wideClove PlantationsFragrant plantations that have shaped Pemba's economy for centuries.
SouthRas Mkumbuu RuinsRuins of an ancient Swahili settlement with mosques and tombs.
Wildlife
Island life above and below the water.
Pemba's Ngezi Forest shelters the Pemba flying fox, a giant fruit bat found nowhere else, as well as birds such as the Pemba scops owl and Pemba white-eye.
Underwater, the reefs teem with turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful fish, while dolphins are often seen in the channel.
6 animals to look for
Pemba flying fox
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Ngezi Forest and village trees
A giant fruit bat found only on Pemba.
1 / 6
Green turtle
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Reefs around the island
Often seen by divers and snorkellers.
2 / 6
Reef shark
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Pemba Channel walls
Seen by divers on the deeper reefs.
3 / 6
Dolphin
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Pemba Channel
Pods are sometimes seen from boats.
4 / 6
Pemba scops owl
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Forests
An endemic owl of the island.
5 / 6
Tropical reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Coral reefs
Abundant on every dive and snorkel.
6 / 6
Diving the Pemba Channel
Walls, drop-offs and big fish.
The deep waters of the Pemba Channel create dramatic coral walls and strong currents, attracting experienced divers looking for pristine reefs and big marine life.
Snorkellers can enjoy shallow reefs and sandbanks, while beginners can learn to dive in calm lagoons.
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Pemba.
Pemba has been settled for over a thousand years, and ruins such as Ras Mkumbuu reveal ancient Swahili trading towns. The island was later part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and became a major producer of cloves.
Today Pemba remains less developed than Zanzibar, preserving its traditional way of life, green landscapes and pristine reefs.
How do I get to Pemba?
By short flight from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam or Tanga, or by ferry from Zanzibar.
Is Pemba good for diving?
Yes. Pemba is considered one of the best diving destinations in East Africa.
How is Pemba different from Zanzibar?
It is greener, hillier and much less visited, with a more traditional atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit?
July to March; many lodges close during the long rains from April to June.
Can I combine Pemba with a safari?
Yes, as an island extension after a Tanzania safari.
What else can I do on Pemba?
Forest walks in Ngezi, clove plantation visits, ruins and village tours.
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