Pemba Island, known as "The Green Island" in Arabic, is an island forming part of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
In ancient times, Pemba was known by Arab sailors as 'El Huthera', meaning the Green, on account of her dense and lush vegetation. There are more natural forests and plantations than on Zanzibar Island, and Pemba grows more cloves than her bigger sister.
Pemba was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (now Oman) in the 17th century. He was so enchanted by the Spice Islands that he installed himself in Zanzibar and ruled Muscat from there. When the Western Colonial powers came to East Africa the British forced the Sultanates of Muscat and Zanzibar to separate and then administered the Spice Islands in the name of the Sultan.
Pemba offers today's visitor a number of attractions including lovely beaches, world-class scuba diving and a number of historical sites. Ngezi Forest Reserve is a beautiful place to visit, as is Misali Island, which Captain Kidd is reputed to have used as a hide-out in the 17th century.
With a population of only 300,000, travelling in Pemba is like traveling in unknown territory. In the countryside, villagers are eager to talk to passers-by. In town, market stallholders call you over and sit you down to try their different fruits, laughing hysterically at your reaction.
For those seeking an adventure, Pemba is a fascinating and beautiful island to visit.
