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

Know before you go

Visa & travel essentials

Applies Tanzania-wide

Visa & entry

Most visitors need a visa. Apply online for an eVisa before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar (DAR) and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports.
Ordinary tourist visa is around US$50; US passport holders need the multiple-entry visa (~US$100).
Passport valid 6+ months with a blank page. A yellow-fever certificate is required only if arriving from an endemic country.

Money & currency

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Use the USD/TZS toggle at the top of the site.
US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and park gates — bring newer bills (2009 or later).
ATMs are in all major towns and cards work in cities; carry cash for rural areas and markets.

Getting connected — e-Sim & SIM

Buy a local SIM at the airport or any provider shop. Bring your passport — SIM registration is required by law.
Main networks: Vodacom, Airtel, Halotel and Yas (Tigo). Data bundles are cheap and coverage is good on the safari circuits.
Prefer to arrive online? Install a Tanzania eSIM before you fly with Airalo, Holafly or Saily — no shop visit needed.

All providers →

Getting around

Domestic flights (Precision Air, Auric Air, Coastal) cover the long hops between circuits.
The SGR train links Dar es Salaam with Dodoma and Morogoro; fast ferries connect Dar and Zanzibar.
Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) works in the cities. For parks and transfers, book a verified driver.

Staying safe: Tanzania is generally safe in tourist areas and parks. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets, avoid isolated areas at night, and use trusted transport. National emergency line: 112.