Pemba Island lies approximately 80 km northeast of Zanzibar Island (Unguja) 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, known its excellent natural vegetations, it is sometimes referred to  "the Green Island"  by the Arabic mariners in reverence of the profusion of lush fertility they encountered after their journey south along the arid coastline. Delighted by their welcome, these same mariners founded a city at Ras Mkumbuu, possibly the oldest permanent settlement south of Lamu.

Pemba rises from the Indian Ocean on its own granite pedestal, a continental landmass in itself, topped with verdant hills capes that tumble through clove plantations to the signatory, pristine white beaches.

The reefs and channels make for East Africa finest diving and highly rated game fishing, whilst the Pembans themselves embody the coastal Swahili in their dignity of manner and refinement of welcome.

Pemba Towns
CHAKE CHAKE

 

This is the largest town on 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 the which all the buses and dala-dala's travel. Although it was occupied for many centuries, 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 waters edge.

MKOANI

Situated on the south western edge of the island, Mkoani is the smallest of Pemba's main 3 towns. However, as all passenger boat traffic from Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and the mainland arrive here, the port is also the busiest and most important on the island.

WETE

Wete is the second largest town on 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.