Pemba Island

Pemba is sometimes described as what Zanzibar was like forty years ago before its tourism development took off. If you're looking for a laid back authentic island experience, Pemba can't be beat. With about a third of the population, and vastly less developed, Pemba is the slower, calmer, and more rustic sister of Zanzibar. Come here to relax, enjoy the beaches and beautiful landscapes, and meet the amazing people that call this island home.

Tour Itinerary

Travel to Pemba

On our first day we will take a flight from Dar es Salaam to Pemba-Karume Airport on Zanair. Travelling by ferry from Dar es Salaam is possible via Zanzibar, but the combination of the two ferries makes for a long trip. However if you are already in Zanzibar, a ferry might be the right option and will modestly reduce the price of the trip. Please note that the planes used are small and therefore have strict luggage allowances – we can safely hold on to excess luggage for you in Dar es Salaam.

Gecko Nature Lodge

On arrival, we will head to our accommodation at Gecko Nature Lodge on the northern tip of Pemba Island. The remote hotel is on a beautiful stretch of beach, far from major towns. After checking in, we will head to the restaurant for lunch to discuss the planned itinerary for our stay. In the afternoon, we will take bicycles from the hotel for a tour around the local village and surrounding roads.

Scuba Diving

For those new to scuba diving, we will start off the next day with an introductory dive course with training. After this completed, you will move on to a beginner ocean diving. The diving around the hotel is incredible and visitors fly from all over the world to this destination for its diving quality. For those with some or a lot of diving experience, we can tailor the dive package to your individual skills and interests.

Coconut Crab Tours

Our last activity before heading home will be the Coconut Crab Tour. Coconut Crabs are land based grabs that can weigh as much as 4.5 kg. As their name suggests, they love eating coconuts and will climb palm trees to cut them down and slowly cut their way into them. The hotel owners are working to try and advance efforts to protect land crabs which are endangered, and organize tours for interested guests.

Trip Cost - $1199

As part of our planning process, we help customize the sample trip itinerary to suit your respective interests and needs.

Mkalimu's trip cost estimates are inclusive of accommodation, transportation, entrance fees, and guiding services. They do not include food costs and gratuities. We price our trips based on the use of public transport or private taxis, and modest but well-maintained hotels with AC rooms and mosquito nets. We are more than happy to quote prices on request for trip options that involve higher end accommodation and private vehicles.