How is Pemba different from Zanzibar's main island?

Pemba is greener, hillier, far less developed and much quieter than Unguja, prized for pristine wall diving and clove farms rather than beach resorts and nightlife.

Do I need to be an experienced diver?

Pemba's walls and drift dives suit confident and advanced divers, but the lodges also run courses and gentler sites, so beginners can dive with instruction.

How do I get to Pemba?

The easiest way is a short flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam into Pemba Airport near Chake Chake; ferries also run to Mkoani but take much longer.

Is Pemba conservative?

Yes, Pemba is more traditional and devoutly Muslim than Unguja, so dress modestly away from the beach and lodges and be respectful during prayer times and Ramadan.

Destination guide

Pemba

The green clove island, hills of forest and walls of untouched coral

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Abdalla Mzee Hospital

Hospital

Mkoani, South Pemba

modern public referral hospital, the island's main facility

View details & directions

Chake Chake Hospital

Hospital

Chake Chake

public hospital in the island capital

View details & directions

Wete Hospital

Hospital

Wete, North Pemba

public hospital serving the north of the island

View details & directions

Pemba Police

Police

Chake Chake / Wete / Mkoani

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Carry travel-medical insurance with emergency air-evacuation cover, ideally including AMREF Flying Doctors membership. Abdalla Mzee Hospital in Mkoani is the island's main facility, but serious cases are usually flown to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi. Divers should confirm the policy and consider DAN dive cover.

NHIF (national) AAR Insurance Jubilee Health Strategis Insurance AMREF Flying Doctors