Pemba Island Safari Tours
Zanzibar is characterized by its flat, sandy terrain, although adjacent Pemba Island is renowned for its cloves, mangoes, and verdant hillocks abundant with fruit and spice trees. Traditional dhows are dispersed along the coastline, and fishing is a significant aspect of Pemba’s culture.
Pemba’s culture, akin to that of many islands in the archipelago, has been shaped by Arab traders from Oman and the indigenous populations residing on the island for generations. Intact remains are located on Pemba, including Qanbalu, a Muslim village dating back to the eighth century, alongside remnants of ancient voodoo rites done by the island’s traditional witchdoctors.
Pemba has historically been referred to as the ‘Green Island’ because to its fertile soil, which yields products including coconut, bananas, and cassava. The island is encircled by warm, subtropical waters celebrated for exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities due to its sheer drop-offs, pristine marine life, and vibrant coral reefs. Pemba Island provides a more genuine island experience, featuring a less developed tourism sector compared to Zanzibar, ideal for individuals seeking to explore the unspoiled beauty of the archipelago.
Pemba Island Tours and Safaris
Hotels and Lodges in Pemba Island
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How to get to Zanzibar Archipelago?
The most convenient method to reach the Zanzibar Archipelago is by air, arriving at Stone Town on the principal island of Unguja or at Pemba Island. The predominant flights to Zanzibar originate from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and former capital. The flights are efficient and last approximately 15 minutes.
Nairobi, like Dar es Salaam, serves as a significant travel center in East Africa, connecting numerous international airline routes from the UK, Europe, and the USA. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi offers frequent flights to Zanzibar, with a duration of just under two hours.
An further alternative—an excellent choice for anyone seeking to merge a safari experience with a tropical beach vacation—is to take the one-hour daily flights from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar, located in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
Drawing upon your preferences for selection, duration, and expense, our Travel Experts will readily provide guidance on the optimal route to Zanzibar or its neighboring islands.
What is the optimal period for visiting the Zanzibar Archipelago?
The Zanzibar Archipelago experiences a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and warmth throughout the year, featuring two distinct rainy seasons known as the “long rains” and “short rains.” It is an excellent year-round location; nevertheless, some periods of the year are more favored by travelers.
March to May – the “prolonged precipitation” period
March, April, and May constitute the primary rainy season. Clouds typically develop in the early afternoon, and the storms are generally brief and intense. Showers seldom persist for several consecutive days. The humidity is elevated, and daytime temperatures may attain the low to mid-30°C range. Notwithstanding frequent precipitation, this season might nevertheless experience several excellent days. Anticipate warm sea temperatures (28°C), reduced crowds, and clear, fresh mornings.
June to October – the extended arid season
June signifies the commencement of Zanzibar’s extended dry season and is frequently the sunniest and driest month of the year. Winds intensify modestly as July approaches, potentially making beach relaxation rather turbulent, although providing optimal conditions for kitesurfing and other wind-related activities.
As July transitions into August, the winds gradually diminish, and the adjacent oceans cool to approximately 25°C. The period from August to October is arguably the most agreeable time on the archipelago, characterized by moderate temperatures and diminishing southern winds.
November to December – the “brief precipitation” period
November signifies the onset of the ‘short rains’ in Zanzibar, a transient phase characterized by intermittent storms that often subside by December. These are somewhat less intense than the primary rainy season; still, continuous overcast days may be anticipated.
January to February — the brief arid season
The brief dry season is characterized by progressively warm, humid conditions that emerge from late December to February. January is among the hottest months in Zanzibar, with typical daytime temperatures reaching 35°C. The beginning of the new year in Zanzibar, while predominantly sunny, may nonetheless have sporadic afternoon thunderstorms that dissipate rapidly.
What are the premier attractions and activities in Zanzibar?
Stone town
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage City, served as a pivotal hub for traders throughout Africa. It boasts numerous cultural and architectural treasures, including The House of Wonders, Arab Fort, and once rich palaces. It presents a confluence of cultures that have coexisted throughout history.
Jozani Forest
This exquisite woodland provides remarkable observations, including the rare red colobus monkey and several butterfly and bird species native to the region. A boardwalk meanders through the jungle, providing an optimal vantage point of the mangrove trees and indigenous plants. Numerous trails are available for exploration.
Snorkeling
Zanzibar is known for its coral reefs and crystalline waters, making exploration of its undersea realm essential. The Menai Bay Conservation Area and Mnemba Island are great locations for snorkeling, showcasing several species.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
This intriguing organism is native to Seychelles. They currently reside in Zanzibar, having been bestowed upon a former prime minister in 1919.
Untouched Shorelines
Zanzibar is renowned for its magnificent beaches and crystalline ocean waters. For a more tranquil beach experience, consider visiting Pongwe beach. Kendwa and Nungwi beaches are more frequented.
Which languages are spoken in the Zanzibar Archipelago?
In Tanzania, KiSwahili serves as the official language, however English is commonly used, particularly among individuals who regularly interact with visitors. Swahili and KiSwahili are used synonymously to denote the local language, while Swahili often pertains to the people and KiSwahili to the language itself. The majority of hotel personnel and transfer drivers typically communicate in English and are consistently willing to offer information. Nonetheless, residents infrequently converse in English. The KiSwahili language is spoken as it is spelled, making it exceptionally easy to learn. For instance, here are few sentences to initiate your process:
Greetings – Greetings, welcome. It is my pleasure.
Health – Thank you.
Which currency is utilized in the Zanzibar Archipelago?
The currency of the Zanzibar Archipelago is the Tanzanian Shilling. Most tourism services bill in US dollars and accept credit cards at the majority of establishments. Numerous vendors do not accept American Express; therefore, it is advisable to travel with either Visa or MasterCard. Hotels and Bureau de Changes typically take traveler’s checks and cash. The United States Dollar is the favored currency.
When carrying cash, ensure you possess high denominations (e.g., $50 or $100), as they consistently yield a more favorable exchange rate for reasons that remain unclear. Avoid approaching the initial Bureau you encounter at the airport, as these establishments, along with hotels and resorts, typically offer the most unfavorable exchange rates. If you intend to take a taxi to the city, pay the fare in USD and go to a bureau in the city. Numerous entities are dispersed across the town. Attempt to negotiate a more favorable rate — the outcome is uncertain.
What is the cultural landscape of the Zanzibar Archipelago?
The Zanzibar Archipelago is a culturally varied series of islands, rich in ancient cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs. The locals are distinguished for their amicable and pleasant nature, exhibiting profound regard for their peers and, notably, their elders
Religious conviction is robust in Zanzibar, with Christianity and Islam being the predominant faiths. The majority of Muslims reside in Stone Town, and tourists should recognize the conservative character of this locale, adjusting their behavior and attire accordingly. Women ought to consistently maintain coverage of their knees and shoulders. Women may wear T-shirts that cover the shoulders and shorts, provided the shorts are not excessively short. Women ought to don and carry a shawl to conceal their legs in villages and towns, as revealing attire may cause offense, particularly in Zanzibar and Muslim regions. At the beach and in beach hotels, conventional swimwear is permitted, while nudity is prohibited.
A considerable number of residents are quite content with outsiders photographing them. It is, nonetheless, polite to get consent prior to capturing images of individuals. It is not just universally courteous, but certain ethnic groups in Zanzibar have the belief that a camera flash captures a fragment of their soul, rendering an unauthorized snapshot a rather intimidating occurrence.
Is a visa and vaccination required for the Zanzibar Archipelago?
Visas are mandatory for all visitors and can be acquired at the airport upon arrival. It is prudent to independently confirm this information with the appropriate Tanzanian embassy, high commission, or consulate prior to traveling to Zanzibar. Obtaining a visa prior to visit is advisable to prevent any complications at admission.
Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for entry into Zanzibar for travelers originating from countries where yellow fever is endemic.