A stay on the smaller islands of Pemba and Mnemba means underwater treasures and onshore pampering in small, exclusive lodges away from the crowds.
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The Zanzibar Islands of Pemba Island and Mnemba Island are perhaps most famous for their fantastic diving and snorkelling. But the gorgeous beaches and easy travel connections to Zanzibar make them ideal for relaxing beach holiday after a Tanzania safari. Whether it’s diving through coral gardens, drifting above turquoise lagoons, or waking to the sound of waves against the reef, a stay here feels both restorative and quietly exclusive.
Pemba Island lies to the north of Zanzibar, only a 30-minute flight away. This is the largest of the satellite Zanzibar islands. It's known for its lush, green hills and clove plantations. Plus it's a favourite haunt for scuba divers with some notable dive sites. The Pemba Channel, with its coral reefs and abundant marine life, separates Pemba island from mainland Tanzania.But it deserves to be on the “must see” list for other savvy travellers too, as the beaches are pristine.
The 800m deep channel which divides Pemba from the Tanzania mainland. also makes Pemba Island one of Africa's greatest deep sea fishing destinations. The rich and alluring smell of cloves hangs in the air through much of Pemba Island. Did you know that Pemba produces over 70% of Zanzibar’s cloves? This is indicative of the centuries of spice trade wealth that these islands produced. The locals remain friendly and interested in conversation with overseas visitors. Here we would recommend staying at Fundu Lagoon amongst the (few) lodges.
If Pemba is lush and untamed, Mnemba Island is pure serenity. Mnemba Island is the most serenely private, untouched and tropical of all the Zanzibar islands. Yet it is only 20-minutes from Zanzibar by boat. A “therapy for the spirit” is how some people describe Mnemba Island. Pristine beaches wrap around the island's small 1km circumference, which takes less than one hour to walk). Whilst an outer protection zone conserves magnificent coral reefs. Here giant turtles, ghost crabs and spectacular tropical fish drift through the lagoons.
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