A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IN THE ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO
Pemba Island, or more simply Pemba, is one of the two largest islands in theZanzibar Archipelago, and is located about 50 kilometers from the main island Unduja, commonly known as Zanzibar. Pemba Island is also called Green Island, or Al Kuh Dra in the original language, and being located about 50 kilometers from the coast it is wilder and less populated than the main island of the archipelago.
Along with Unduja and Mafia, Pemba is part of the Spice Islands, which is a series of islands that during colonial times were stages part of the Spice Route, which saw a worldwide trade in this most precious commodity.
Territory
Pemba possesses a charm all its own, with the soft hills and lush vegetation reaching down to the sea. The island’s coastline is mostly covered with mangroves, but there are also striking stretches of sand and some dreamy islets off the coast.
The northern end of the island is occupied by the Kigomasha Peninsula with beautiful beaches that are impossible to reach without your own vehicle.
What to see in Pemba
The most popular places for diving in Pemba are: Manta Point, the top of a 400-meter-high underwater mountain with coral formations and a chance to spot manta rays with a little luck (the best time for sightings is between December and March), andMisali Island, a marine park with sheer walls and lots of coral. [Caution: because of the sometimes very strong currents, diving at Misali is recommended only for experienced divers.]
Mkoani is the most important center in the south of the island and the place where ferries from Stone Town and Dar Es Salaam dock. From here one can reach the small town of Kangeja where, during the clove harvesting period (December-February), bullfighting shows are held reminiscent of the period of Portuguese influence on the East African coast, although here bulls are not killed but only challenged by bullfighters in a contest of skill.
In the north of the island are several areas of Shirazi-era ruins, as well as the Ngezi Forest, the only surviving area of primary forest that covered much of the island before the introduction of clove cultivation. A special feature of the forest is the presence of popo, bats endemic to Pemba also called flying foxes.
Ngezi Forest Reserve
The Ngezi Forest Reserve, or Ngezi Forest Reserve in English, is one of the few areas in the Zanzibar archipelago that has not been contaminated by man, which is why it is still covered by dense tropical forest. This splendid glimpse of Pemba is a complete immersion in the wildest and most lush greenery, within which you will find numerous animal species, typical of Tanzanian fauna, such as the green guenon, the Blue Duiker, a peculiar African antelope of more modest size, and the Pemba Flying Fox. The Ngezi Forest Reserve is also a wonderful destination for those who are looking for safaris in which to engage in birdwatching, thanks to the wide variety of birds present.
Misali Island
Located within the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, there is one of the most beautiful marine parks in the whole of Tanzania, namely Misali Island, a small gem in the Indian Ocean.
Located within the Pemba Canal Conservation Area is one of the most beautiful marine parks in Tanzania, Misali Island, a small pearl in the Indian Ocean.
Misali Island is a popular destination for thousands of turtles who come here every year to breed. The small island is surrounded by some even smaller and unexplored islets, and also has a famous legend about it. It is said that a pirate who was known as Captain Kidd landed with his crew on the island, where he allegedly hid an enormous treasure which no one has found to this day.
The beaches of Pemba
One of the most beautiful sights on Pemba Island are for sure the beaches, which make it one of the most beautiful seaside resorts not only in Tanzania, but in all of Africa. Pemba also has another feature that makes its beaches particularly interesting, which is that during low tide it allows swimmers to easily reach the coral reef, an unforgettable experience for those who love snorkeling.
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Pemba are: the Fundu Lagoon beach, the white sand beach of Misali island, and the Vumawimbi beach.
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