Unlike Zanzibar Island Pemba Island is hillier and more fertile, which is the reason why it is also named the “Green Island”. With its rubber, clove and rice plantations, mango and papaya trees Pemba shows much more the picture of productive farming land. With about 4 million clove trees Pemba is the world´s largest producer of cloves and during the harvest season almost everyone who lives on Pemba gets involved.
Pemba displays an intriguing mix of landscape. Although large areas are used for farming, Pemba still features untouched coastal rain forest, pristine swamps, dense mangrove forest, and lonely sand beaches. There are many unknown areas to discover, but visitors mostly like to explore the mystic ruins of mosques and tombs all across the island. Some of the ruins are dating back to the 14th century when Pemba Island was firstly ruled by the Sultan of Oman.
Although similar in size to Zanzibar Island, Pemba is far less developed which means that it is much less crowded by foreign visitors. Especially in terms of eco-tourism Pemba is treated as an insider tip, but in recent years the island has become increasingly popular especially for its world class diving spots. Pemba is also famous for its rich deep sea fishing grounds, which are among the most rewarding territories along the entire East African coast.
The wildlife of Pemba is similar to that of neighboring Zanzibar Island. In Ngezi Forest Reserve covering 3,600 acres (1.440 hectares) of protected forest in the northwest of Pemba many endemic species still find an intact refugee. Some of old trees reach up to 50 meters and monkeys are relatively easy to spot beneath the light canopy of this tropical moist lowland forest. One of the most famous Pemba residents is the endemic Pemba flying fox. With a wingspan of 5.5 ft (1.6 meters) it is the largest subspecies of the fruit bat. Colonies of the Pemba flying fox roost during the day in large trees, emerging at dusk to forage for figs, mangoes, or breadfruits. Other exceptional animal species found on Pemba are Vervet monkeys, Mozambique cobras, coconut crabs, red eyed doves and a lot of beautiful birds such as crowned hornbills, palm-nut vultures, and mangrove kingfishers.
The wildlife of Pemba is similar to that of neighboring Zanzibar Island. In Ngezi Forest Reserve covering 1,440 hectares (3,600 acres) of protected forest in the northwest of Pemba many endemic species still find an intact refugee. Some of old trees reach up to 50 meters and monkeys are relatively easy to spot beneath the light canopy of this tropical moist lowland forest. One of the most famous Pemba residents is the endemic Pemba flying fox. With a wingspan of 1.6 meters (5.5 ft) it is the largest subspecies of the fruit bat. Colonies of the Pemba flying fox roost during the day in large trees, emerging at dusk to forage for figs, mangoes, or breadfruits. One of the best places to watch those impressive bats is Kidike Root Site, a nature area in the central part of Pemba. Other exceptional animal species to be found on Pemba are Vervet Monkeys, Mozambique Cobras, coconut crabs, red eyed doves and a lot of beautiful birds such as Crowned Hornbills, Palm-nut Vultures, and Mangrove Kingfishers.
A real insider tip for divers and nature lovers is Misali Island Marine Conservation Area, a small island just west of Pemba which is surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs. Founded in 1998 this maritime reserve has an impressive biodiversity with about 40 coral species and more than 350 tropical fish species. The picture-perfect island paradise also supports a variety of endemic animals including the Pemba sunbird and Pemba white-eye Flying Fox, as well as coconut crabs and sea turtles, which nest undisturbed on the island’s pristine sand beaches.
