Pemba Tanzania

Tanzania's Forgotten Spice Island

Pemba Island known as 'Al Jazeera Al Khadra' (the green island, in Arabic) is an island forming part of the Zanzibar archipelago. It lies off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. In the 1960s Zanzibar was united with the former colony of Tanganyika to form Tanzania.

Traditionally part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba is fast becoming a unique destination in its own right. For centuries, Pemba’s clove plantations and spice fields provided the Omani sultanate in Zanzibar with money for trade and military dominance over the surrounding areas.

To this day, the island is still a major spice producer in the archipelago. Visitors head to Pemba’s shores, dotted with desert islands and throngs of coconut palms, for some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean.

The Pemba Channel drops off steeply just off the west coast and the diverse species of marine life and coral are truly exceptional. Because tourism is still in its early stages, a trip to Pemba’s unspoiled shores and pristine waters is the underwater adventure of a lifetime.

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Pemba Island's Attractions

Things to see on Pemba Island include ruins of a fortified palace which dates back to the 15th century. It was the seat of the renowned Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman who ruled Pemba around the time, before the Portuguese arrived. You can also see the Ras Mkumbuu ruins, a site of a Swahili settlement which dates back to the 11th century. The remains of a large mosque can still be seen as well as a number of tombs. 

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Diving on Pemba Island

Pemba Island is renowned for its fantastic diving opportunities. From Fundu Reef which is shallow and good for a first dive to Manta Point, one of the best dive sites for close encounters with the giant manta rays, the opportunities are endless. You can spot several types of fish including kingfish, triggerfish and wrasse, as well as turtles and manta rays.

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Highlights of Pemba Island

1	Spot large groups of manta rays whilst diving at Manta Point.
2	Discover the small island of Mtambwe, joined to Pemba Island only at low tide.
3	Visit Ngezi Forest at the northernmost point of Pemba for nature trails.