Beaches and coast
Island
Pemba Island
Zanzibar's green island of cloves, forests and deep reefs.
- Zanzibar
- Best: Jul–Oct, Dec–Feb
Overview
- Main town
- Chake Chake
- Known for
- Cloves, wall diving, Ngezi forest
- From Zanzibar
- About 30 minutes by air
Pemba is the second island of the Zanzibar archipelago, hillier and greener than Unguja and far less visited. It has long been the heart of Zanzibar's clove industry.
Ngezi Forest Reserve protects some of the island's last natural forest, home to the endemic Pemba flying fox. Offshore, Misali Island and the Pemba Channel's steep reef walls draw experienced divers.
Chake Chake is the main town, with ruins and mangrove creeks nearby.
- Pemba Channel diving
Steep walls and strong currents for experienced divers.
- Misali Island
Snorkelling, beaches and nature trails.
- Ngezi Forest
Native forest and the Pemba flying fox.
Things to do
- Diving
With licensed dive centres.
- Clove farm tours
Especially at harvest time.
- Forest walks
Ngezi Forest Reserve with a guide.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Best June to October and December to February; diving is calmest October to March.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Costs
Forest reserves and marine areas charge their own small fees, usually included by guides and dive centres. The Zanzibar government does not publish these rates online.
Getting there
- By airFrom Zanzibar (Unguja)About 30 minutes
Scheduled flights to Pemba (Karume) airport.
- By boatFrom Zanzibar (Unguja)Several hours
Ferries to Mkoani.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Facilities are simpler than on Unguja; book diving and lodging in advance.
- Dress modestly in towns and villages.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pemba worth visiting?
For divers and travellers who want quiet, unspoilt islands, yes. It is much less developed than Unguja.
Does Zanzibar's travel insurance cover Pemba?
Yes. Pemba is part of Zanzibar, and one Tanzania inbound policy covers it.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
Report a mistake on this pageCombine your trip
Places to pair with Pemba Island
Beaches and coast
Historic town