Tanzania : Pemba
Pemba is Zanzibar's forgotten island, a lush, tropical oasis with pristine beaches at the top of the Spice Island archipelago. An island of contrasts with clove plantations - its main trade - rice fields, hilly terrain and palm-fringed beaches, it is much less developed than Zanzibar and offers an authentic Swahili coast experience. It is ideal for those craving a simple barefoot break away from the main tourist areas. The Pemba Channel has excellent fishing and is becoming world-renowned for its diving, with vertiginous drop offs, untouched coral and colourful marine life. Bird watchers will enjoy Pemba, and honeymooners will find seclusion and relaxation at its luxury lodges.
move over the photos for a larger version
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
|
Fundu Lagoon
Fundu Lagoon is a unique lodge set on the secluded Wambaa Peninsular on the southern side of Pemba Island. With 20 tented bungalows spread out over 18 acres and 4.5km of sandy coastline, there is plenty of space for privacy but you can also be more social in the bars and two restaurants. When staying there you meet new people, thinking they must just have arrived but find out they have been there for days and you have just not bumped into each other. There is lots to do with a fully equipped PADI dive centre with excellent diving and snorkelling around the Pemba Channel and Mesali Island, canoeing in the mangroves and relaxing by the amazing infinity pool set high up on the hill beside the spa. The lodge is ideal for couples or groups of friends looking to escape the usual holiday crowds, as well as watersports-lovers seeking a combination of activity and luxury.
"The whole experience was amazing. We absolutely loved it from start to finish. There is so much to do here, and all the staff were cheerful, happy and very attentive."
Tom and Jessica, Birmingham
move over the photos for a larger version
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
|
back to top
The Manta Resort
The Manta Resort is in the most spectacular setting on a small cliff overlooking a huge stretch of white sandy beach along the Kigomasha Peninsula, on the northern tip of Pemba. It's a simple lodge and the service is rather sleepy, but it's very good value for money and it's in a remote and beautiful part of the world. The lodge has been recently upgraded (July 08), and we haven't visited since but there have been a lot of changes with the training of staff and food and new dive equipment. There are six spacious sea front cottages set on stilts, which are open-fronted with lovely views of the sea, as well as four garden cottages which are ideal for families. The 'Divers Village' has 10 cottages set in the gardens, which are rustic but comfortable with open-plan rooms, en-suite bathrooms and a veranda. Further down on the beach is the dive centre and beach bar, a great spot to relax on a sun lounger between dives, and with crystal clear waters, the diving and snorkelling here is some of the best on the East African Coast.
move over the photos for a larger version
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
|
