Most people have heard of Zanzibar, but there is much more to this archipelago of beautiful islands – namely the islands of Pemba and Mafia.
Pemba is a wonderful destination in its own right, with numerous smaller islands spread all the way along its coast. With excellent diving and fishing, and less tourism than Zanzibar itself, Pemba lies approximately 80 km northeast of Zanzibar Island - about the same distance of the Tanzanian mainland. Pemba is hilly, fertile and heavily vegetated, and is known for its voodoo and traditional healers.
Just a short twenty-minute flight from Dar es Salaam, close to the great Rufiji River Delta, lies Mafia Island. Its large, flat, sandy landscape is very different to the fertile hills of Pemba. The Mafia Island Marine Reserve, especially rich in small fish species and with some of the finest coral in the Indian Ocean, is the largest and most significant such reserve in East Africa. Planet Africa would take great pleasure in sending you to these magical islands.
ACCOMMODATION ON PEMBA
Fundu Lagoon is a secluded and peaceful resort, only accessible by boat. This boutique lodge is set on a beautiful beach in the south west of Pemba Island, near some of the world’s top dive sites and surrounded by a mangrove which can also be explored by canoe. Wooden walkways and sandy paths lead to eighteen Makuti thatched tented rooms and suites – all with 180 degree views of the Indian Ocean. Fundu Lagoons’ main areas are open sided with thatch roofing. There are three bars, an excellent restaurant, a beautiful infinity pool and a calming fusion spa.
Pole Pole Resort comprises seven bungalow suites set in a lush tropical garden and overlooking Chole Bay, the core of Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania. The position gives Pole Pole a secluded, ‘paradise island’ feel. Pole Pole has a reputation for great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere, and warm but discrete hospitality. Balancing luxury and respect for local culture and environment, it is the perfect place to relax after a safari and the ideal base for exploring the underwater wonders of Mafia Island.
