Pemba Island — Cloves, Coral Gardens & Untouched Coastlines

Pemba is called "The Green Island" for good reason. Unlike Zanzibar's flat, sandy landscape, Pemba is lush, hilly, and covered in tropical forest. Cloves — which made the Zanzibar Archipelago famous in the 19th century — still grow in plantations across the island. The air smells of spice.

Located 50 km north of Zanzibar, Pemba is smaller, poorer, and far less developed. Tourism infrastructure is minimal. There are no all-inclusive resorts, no beach bars, and almost no other tourists. For adventurous travelers, this is the appeal.

• Clove plantations — Pemba produces most of Tanzania's cloves. Walk through hillside plantations and see the drying process firsthand.
• Diving & snorkeling — The Pemba Channel drops to 800 meters, creating dramatic walls and excellent visibility. Fundu Lagoon and Misali Island are top spots.
• Misali Island — A pristine marine reserve with nesting green turtles, pristine coral, and a Robinson Crusoe vibe.
• Ngezi Forest — One of the last remaining patches of indigenous forest in the archipelago. Home to the Pemba flying fox (a giant fruit bat) and the Pemba scops owl.
• Ras Mkumbuu — 14th-century ruins of a Shirazi settlement. A haunting, atmospheric site reached by a 45-minute walk through villages and forest.
• Chake Chake — The island's sleepy capital. Visit the old fort, the market, and the dhow harbor.

Pemba's diving is among the best in East Africa — and it is virtually undiscovered. The Pemba Channel separates the island from the mainland, with depths reaching 800 meters. This deep water brings nutrient upwellings, attracting pelagic species rarely seen on Zanzibar's reefs.

Top sites: Fundu Lagoon (wall diving with hammerheads), Njao Gap (coral gardens and turtles), and Shimba Hills (drift diving with barracuda). Visibility is typically 20-40 meters.

Getting there: Flights from Zanzibar (20 minutes), Dar es Salaam (30 minutes), and Tanga. Small ferries exist but are unreliable.

Best time: June to October for dry weather. December to February is also good but more humid. Avoid April-May (heavy rains).

Where to stay: Very limited. Fundu Lagoon is the top property. Manta Resort (on nearby islands) offers underwater rooms. Otherwise, simple guesthouses in Chake Chake and Wete.

Who it is for: Divers, adventurous travelers, and those seeking genuine solitude. Not recommended for travelers wanting luxury resorts or nightlife.

Pemba is not for everyone. The roads are rough, accommodation is limited, and there is little to do beyond diving, walking, and relaxing. But if you want to experience the Zanzibar Archipelago as it was before tourism — green, quiet, and completely authentic — Pemba is the answer.

Read our Zanzibar guide or compare with Mafia Island.