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

Who runs the region

Local & official

Administration

Regional capital: Chake Chake
Districts: Wete, Micheweni, Chake Chake, Mkoani
Regional Commissioner: Office of the Regional Commissioner, North Pemba, Wete
Regional Commissioner: Office of the Regional Commissioner, South Pemba, Chake Chake

Useful contacts

Tourist Police: Zanzibar Tourist Police, Chake Chake
Zanzibar Commission for Tourism: Chake Chake, Pemba
National emergency: 112