Zanzibar Archipelago · Northern Islands

Pemba Island

Known as the Green Island, Pemba pairs lush hills and clove-growing landscapes with quiet beaches, mangrove channels and rich marine life.

Plan a Pemba visit Explore activities

SettingNorth of Unguja in the Indian Ocean

Island groupZanzibar Archipelago

Known forGreen hills, forests & clove farms

Great forQuiet stays & ocean adventures

A quieter side of the archipelago

Discover Pemba’s green landscapes

Pemba lies north of Unguja within the Zanzibar Archipelago. Often called the Green Island, it is known for fertile hills, thick vegetation, small farms and extensive clove-growing areas.

Its pace is quieter than Zanzibar Island’s, with a more rural feel, fishing communities and a coastline of beaches, mangroves and channels. Offshore, the Pemba Channel and surrounding reefs draw divers and snorkelers seeking underwater landscapes and marine life.

Make time to explore: Pemba’s character is both inland and coastal. Combine a guided village or plantation visit with time on the water, while following local guidance and respecting community privacy.

Coastline and lush tropical landscape on Pemba Island

A closer look

What makes Pemba special?

From its green interior to its deep blue channel, Pemba offers a distinctive mix of nature, culture and island calm.

The Green Island

Fertile land, rolling hills and dense vegetation give Pemba a lush feel. Rural roads pass farms, villages and tropical greenery.

Tropical beach and clear water in the Zanzibar Archipelago

Reefs and the Pemba Channel

Reef sites and open water offer rewarding possibilities for divers and snorkelers. Conditions vary by site, season and sea state.

Spice-growing landscape in the Zanzibar Archipelago

Cloves and island heritage

Cloves and other crops have long been part of Pemba’s landscape and livelihoods. Arrange a local guide for context and ask before taking photographs.

Explore your way

Things to do on Pemba Island

Choose from ocean excursions, cultural visits and relaxed time among the island’s green landscapes. Availability depends on season, weather and local operators.

Snorkeling

Scuba Diving

Mangrove Kayaking

Boat Excursions

Village Visits

Clove & Spice Farms

Sunset Sailing

Wildlife Watching

Land and sea

Nature, history and local life

Pemba is more than a diving destination. Explore with local knowledge and give wildlife, historic places and everyday community life the care and respect they deserve.

Green interior

Farms, forest patches and tropical vegetation shape the island’s inland scenery.

Marine habitats

Reefs, channels and mangroves support varied marine life. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed.

Island heritage

Learn about local traditions, farming and historic places through knowledgeable local guides.

Travel thoughtfully: Ask permission before photographing people, follow guidance at historic or cultural sites, and choose operators who respect marine habitats.

Before you go

Plan a smooth Pemba visit

Pemba is quieter and more rural than Unguja, so planning transport and activities ahead makes it easier to enjoy your time on the island.

Getting there

Pemba is served by air connections from other islands and mainland Tanzania. Routes and schedules can change; confirm current flights and baggage rules for your dates.

Getting around

Distances, road conditions and transfer times vary across the island. Arrange local transport in advance, especially when visiting beaches, villages or boat departure points.

Choose your activities

Ask dive and excursion operators about equipment, guides, experience requirements, inclusions and marine conditions before confirming a trip.

Allow time to slow down

Build in unhurried time for the island’s landscape, coast and community visits. A multi-night stay can make connections and excursions easier to arrange.

Combine islands: Pemba can be paired with Unguja or a mainland safari. Coordinate flights and transfers with enough buffer for schedule changes and sea or weather conditions.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where is Pemba Island?

Pemba is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, north of Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and off mainland Tanzania’s coast.

Why is Pemba called the Green Island?

The name reflects its fertile landscape, green hills and dense tropical vegetation, including areas cultivated for cloves and other crops.

What can I do on Pemba Island?

Options may include scuba diving, snorkeling, mangrove kayaking, boat trips, village walks and visits to farms or historical sites. Availability depends on location, season and local operators.

Can I combine Pemba with Zanzibar Island?

Yes. Both are in the Zanzibar Archipelago, and travelers can plan a multi-island trip. Check current flight or boat connections and allow transfer time between stays.

Continue exploring

Nearby island destinations

Pair Pemba with another island or a mainland safari for a varied Tanzania itinerary.

Unguja · Zanzibar Archipelago

Zanzibar Island

Discover Stone Town, spice farms, reefs and beach stays.

Off northeast Unguja

Mnemba Island

Explore a protected reef area known for snorkeling and diving trips.