Pemba Island lies approximately
80 km Northeast of Unguja
Island (Zanzibar) and is more
close 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 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.