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

How to get there

Getting to Pemba

However you're arriving — from overseas, from another part of Tanzania, or just moving around once you're here.

Flying in from abroad

International visitors

There are no long-haul flights to Pemba; foreigners route via Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) and connect to Pemba Airport (PMA, also called Karume Airport) near Chake Chake, or take the Azam Marine ferry to Mkoani.

From elsewhere in Tanzania

Upcountry & other cities

Coastal, Auric and ZanAir fly the short hop from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam into Pemba Airport (PMA); Azam Marine also runs ferries from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Mkoani port.

Getting around locally

Once you're in the region

Taxis and shared daladalas connect Chake Chake, Wete and Mkoani; lodges arrange private transfers, and dhows or boats handle trips to Misali and other offshore sites.

Want the door-to-door leg handled? Travel with a driver who knows the roads.

Book a driver