DestinationsBeach destination · Pemba
Pemba
Pemba is Zanzibar's green and secret sister: hillier, wilder and far less travelled than Unguja.
- Recommended nights
- 4 nights
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Jun +5
- Airstrip
- Fly-in possible
About
About Pemba.
Pemba is Zanzibar's green and secret sister: hillier, wilder and far less travelled than Unguja. Clove plantations scent the air across its ridges, the Ngezi rainforest hides flying foxes and rare birds, and mangrove channels thread between tiny islets. There are no crowds here, and that is precisely the point.
Beneath the surface, Pemba is one of the great diving destinations of the Indian Ocean. The Pemba Channel drops away into dramatic walls and coral gardens of astonishing health and colour, drawing serious divers and anyone in search of reefs the rest of the world hasn't found yet. Above the water the pace is gentle and restorative: a place for wellness, seclusion and genuine quiet.
For travellers who want the archipelago at its most private and unspoiled, Pemba is the answer.
When to go
Best time to visit Pemba.
- January: best
- February: best
- March: not a best month
- April: not a best month
- May: not a best month
- June: best
- July: best
- August: best
- September: best
- October: best
- November: not a best month
- December: best
Pemba, north of Zanzibar, is greener, hillier and far less visited than its famous neighbour, which is exactly its appeal. It is one of the finest dive destinations in the Indian Ocean, with steep walls and clear water, and the diving is at its best in the dry months from June to October and again from December to March.
Pemba suits travellers looking for seclusion and exclusive lodges rather than a lively beach scene. Access is by a short flight from Zanzibar or the mainland.
Gallery
A closer look.
On the map
Pemba and its neighbours.
5.100° S, 39.750° E
Government fees
Fees at Pemba.
Pass-through to the Tanzanian government, paid directly to the authority on top of accommodation. We always itemise every line on our quotes.
| Fee | Amount | Peak | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pemba Infrastructure Tax | $2.00 | No peak rate | Per person / night |
Where to stay
Lodges and camps here.
Properties we work with directly. Each links to a dedicated lodge page with rooms, amenities, and best months.
Pemba Paradise Beach Resort
Twenty one rooms in a garden above the sand at the northern tip of Pemba, with the reef a few minutes offshore.
- Diving
- Families
- Beach After Safari
Waterfall Retreat
A small oceanfront retreat on the quiet coast of Pemba, minutes from Mkoani and a boat ride from the reef at Misali Island.
- Couples
- Families
- Groups
Common questions
Questions, answered.
What is Pemba Island known for?
World class diving. Pemba has steep coral walls, clear water and abundant marine life, and it is far quieter and greener than Zanzibar, with a handful of exclusive lodges rather than crowds.
When is the best time to dive Pemba?
The dry months of June to October and December to March offer the clearest water and calmest conditions. Diving is possible year round outside the heaviest rains of April and May.
How do I get to Pemba?
By a short domestic flight from Zanzibar or the mainland. We handle the connections as part of the wider trip, whether Pemba is your main beach or a secluded add on.
Who is Pemba best suited to?
Divers and travellers seeking seclusion and quiet, design led lodges. If you want a lively beach with lots of choice, Zanzibar suits better; Pemba is about privacy and the reef.
Make it part of your trip
Plan a safari that includes Pemba.
Tell us how long you have and what you most want to see. We'll build a custom itinerary around Pemba with transparent pricing throughout.
Build & price your trip