Pemba Island

Pemba Island lies approximately 80 km Northeast of Unguja Island (Zanzibar) and is moreclose to the coastline of the mainland of Tanzania, facing directly East of the port of Tanga. Pemba being the second largest island of the Spice Archipelago, is known for its excellent natural vegetation. It is sometimes referred to “the Green Island”. Pemba rises from Indian Ocean on its own granite pedestal, a continental landmass in itself, topped with verdant hill capes that tumble through clove plantations to the signatory, pristine white beaches. Pemba has three main towns, Chake Chake, Wete and Mkoani.

CHAKE CHAKE This is the largest town in Pemba, situated about half way down the Western side of the island. Chake chake is also the administrative capital of the island and the centre through which all buses and dala-dalas travel. Little architectural evidence remains other than the ruins of an 18th century fort and some 12th century ruins near Ras Mkumbuu. The town is set on a ridge overlooking Chake Chake Bay and there is a small dhow port and fish market along the water’s edge.

WETE is the second largest town in Pemba, situated on the North Western part of the Island. Wete is a pleasant town, quieter than Chake Chake, and is a good base for exploring the Northern part of the island. It has the island’s second most important port through which most of the clove production is exported.

MKOANI Situated in the South Western edge of the island, Mkoani is the smallest of Pemba’s main 3 towns. However, all passengers’ boat traffic from Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and the mainland arrive here. The port is also the busiest and the most important on the island.