If you’re looking for an authentic Zanzibar experience away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town, consider a trip to the game reserves near the eastern coast. Here you can explore vast, untouched ecosystems. 

Zanzibar is famously flat and covered in sand, while Pemba Island is nearby and famous for its mangoes, cloves, and hillocks covered in fruit and spice trees. These differences in geography provide a unique and interesting contrast, which makes each island a unique destination in its own right.

The Zanzibar Archipelago is a great place to snorkel, so you can enjoy that activity if you want. As you explore the coastline and region of Pemba, you will see traditional dhows dotting the landscape. These boats are integral to Pemba’s culture and economy, as the majority of the region’s food comes from fishing.

Additionally, the reliance on fishing is an important part of Pemba culture, and the locals are very proud of their traditions and heritage. The culture of the island of Pemba and the Arab traders from Oman are both products of their respective interactions with other islands in the archipelago.

Travel to the ruins of the earliest known Muslim settlement in Africa and learn about the religion’s origins and history. There are several well-preserved ruins in Pemba, notably Qanbalu (a Muslim settlement from as early as the eighth century), which is located in the Ngezi Forest. Travel to the Ngezi Forest to explore its rich biodiversity and geological features.

The Ngezi Woods are a great place to go on short and extended hikes. There are no hotels or resorts on some of the island’s beaches, which makes them a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Pemba is known as the “Green Island” for its fertile soil, which yields goods like coconuts, bananas, and cassava.

For centuries, Pemba’s inhabitants have relied on agriculture to support their families. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn by its natural beauty and the many activities available to enjoy, like hiking and cycling. The island is surrounded by warm, subtropical waters that are some of the best for diving and snorkeling in the entire archipelago. This is because of its sheer drop-offs, undisturbed marine life, and spectacular coral reefs.