Pemba Island is part of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago‚ off the coast of East Africa. It is known for its lush‚ green hills and clove plantations. The Pemba Channel‚ with its coral reefs and abundant marine life‚ separates the island from mainland Tanzania.

1. Pemba’s prehistory remains veiled in mystery but it is likely that its first inhabitants arrived from the African mainland several thousand years ago. As early as 600 AD the island became a key stop on the Swahili Coast trade route. Traders from Arabia‚ India and China used its deep waters for safe anchorage when they stopped to stock up on spices‚ gold‚ ivory and eventually slaves‚ all transported to the archipelago from the continent’s interior.

2. Pemba’s proximity to the equator means that temperatures are relatively consistent year-round‚ however‚ the best time to travel is during the driest season (June to October). The visibility is best for diving‚ humidity is at its lowest and malaria-carrying mosquitoes are less numerous.