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Pemba Island

Tanzania · Island · TZS · -5.000000, 39.750000
Family friendly 5.8/10 · Rank 1740 of 2 709
Best season: June-October (dry and cool)

Best for

Suitable for lovers of secluded beaches, diving, ecotourism and authentic experience seekers.

Best season

June-October (dry and cool)

Daily budget
$131.00 (≈ 10 994 ₽)
For 7 days
$917.00 (≈ 76 955 ₽)
Pemba Island is the second-largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, located north of Unguja. The island is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and extensive clove plantations. This is an ideal place for diving, snorkelling, and relaxing away from the tourist crowds, where you can discover the authentic culture and traditions of the islanders.
Summer
29.0°C
Winter
23.0°C
Sea
28.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Hospitable, traditional, living off fishing and farming.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Untouched reefs
  • Fewer tourists than Zanzibar
  • Unique underwater hotel
  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Authentic culture

Cons

  • Remoteness
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Expensive accommodation
  • Fewer entertainment options
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
29.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
31.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
28.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
March-May (long rains), November-December (short rains)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Vembe Beach — secluded white sand beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
No
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Sea urchins and corals on reefs. Water shoes recommended.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found in shallow water and reefs

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, possible cuts

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish occasionally present in warm months

Sharks — details

  • Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks and silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) inhabit Pemba waters. The Pemba Channel is an important breeding area for two shark species. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Attractions

Pemba Island

Zanzibar Archipelago's second-largest island with untouched reefs and coral gardens.

The Manta Resort Underwater Room

Famous hotel with an underwater room offering marine life viewing.

Ngezi

Forest reserve with endemic plant and bird species.

Pemba Mosque

Ancient 13th-century mosque with carved columns.

Fishing Villages

Traditional villages with authentic culture and boat-building workshops.

Best areas

Chake Chake

Main town with markets and basic amenities.

Vembe

Coastal area with secluded beaches.

Must-try food

Fresh Fish

Indian Ocean fish, grilled.

Coconut Curry

Curry with coconut milk and seafood.

Where to go next

Zanzibar (Unguja)

Main island of the archipelago with Stone Town and beaches, ~100 km.

Mafia Island

Island with a marine park, ~200 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
none
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Пемба (PMA).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (visa on arrival 50 USD or online)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-October (dry and cool)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$1 008.00
≈ 84 591 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Pemba Island Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Pemba Island: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-October (dry and cool). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Pemba Island: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +29.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Pemba Island: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Pemba Island: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +28.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Pemba Island: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on March-May (long rains), November-December (short rains). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Pemba Island: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Vembe Beach — secluded white sand beach.
Pemba Island: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Pemba Island: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish. Sea urchins and corals on reefs. Water shoes recommended.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Pemba Island: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $131.00 (≈ 10 994 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Pemba Island: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $30.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $200.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $1 008.00 per night, an apartment — $100.00 per night, a villa — $250.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Pemba Island: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Pemba Island: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Pemba Island: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Pemba Island — Zanzibar Archipelago's second-largest island with untouched reefs and coral gardens.; The Manta Resort Underwater Room — Famous hotel with an underwater room offering marine life viewing.; Ngezi — Forest reserve with endemic plant and bird species.; Pemba Mosque — Ancient 13th-century mosque with carved columns.; Fishing Villages — Traditional villages with authentic culture and boat-building workshops.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Pemba Island: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fresh Fish — Indian Ocean fish, grilled.; Coconut Curry — Curry with coconut milk and seafood.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Pemba Island: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Chake Chake — Main town with markets and basic amenities.; Vembe — Coastal area with secluded beaches.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Pemba Island: is a visa required?
Visa: required (visa on arrival 50 USD or online). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Pemba Island: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Пемба (code PMA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Pemba Island: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — TZS. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $131.00 (≈ 10 994 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Pemba Island: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Pemba Island: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Zanzibar (Unguja) — Main island of the archipelago with Stone Town and beaches, ~100 km.; Mafia Island — Island with a marine park, ~200 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.8/10
Overall rank: 1740 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1052

Best season

June-October (dry and cool)

Useful information

Currency: TZS
Coordinates: -5.000000, 39.750000