Pemba
Island lies approximately 80 km northeast of Zanzibar Island (Unguja)
and is more close to the coastline of the mainland of Tanzania , facing
directly east of the of the port of Tanga.
Pemba being the second largest island of the Spice Archipelago, known
its excellent natural vegitations,it is sometimes referred to "the
Green Island" by the Arabic mariners in reverence of the profusion of
lush fertility they encountered after their journey south along the arid
coastline. Delighted by their welcome, these same mariners founded a
city at Ras Mkumbuu, possibly the oldest permanent settlement south of
Lamu.
Pemba rises from the Indian Ocean on its own granite pedestal, a
continental landmass in itself, topped with verdant hills capes that
tumble through clove plantations to the signatory, pristine white
beaches.
The reefs and channels make for East Africa’s finest diving and highly
rated game fishing, whilst the Pembans themselves embody the coastal
Swahili in their dignity of manner and refinement of welcome.
Pemba Towns
CHAKE CHAKE
This is the largest town on Pemba situated about half-way down the the
western side of the island. Chake Chake is also the administrative
capital of the island and the centre through the which all the buses and
dala-dala's travel. Although it was occupied for many centuries, little
architectural evidence remains other than the ruins of an 18th century
fort and some 12th century ruins near Ras Mkumbuu. The town is set on a
ridge overlooking Chake Chake Bay and there is a small dhow port and
fish market along the waters edge.
MKOANI
Situated on the south-western edge of the island, Mkoani is the
smallest of Pemba's main 3 towns. However, as all passenger boat traffic
from Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and the mainland arrive here, the port is
also the busiest and most important on the island.
WETE
Wete is the second largest town on Pemba, situated on the north-western
part of the island. Wete is a pleasant town, quieter than Chake Chake,
and is a good base for exploring the northern part of the island. It has
the island's second most important port through which most of the clove
production is exported.
