about pemba
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 hillscapes 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 th 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 southwestern 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 northwestern 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.