Pemba Island Tanzania Travel Guide
Karume Airport (PMA) near Chake Chake is Pemba Island’s main and only airport. It handles propeller aircraft for domestic flights. Several regional airlines operate flights, including Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Precision Air.
Karume Airport (PMA) is a very small airport with few facilities. It offers a basic waiting area and check-in desks. No duty-free shops or extensive dining options are present. Small kiosks might sell drinks or snacks.
No train services run on Pemba. No long-coach services travel directly to Pemba (it's an island). Buses operate extensively on mainland Tanzania, connecting major cities.
Self-driving is possible but not as common for visitors. Roads can be unpaved or rough. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Main roads are usually paved but can have holes in the road. Secondary roads are often dirt tracks. Hazards include livestock, pedestrians, and erratic local driving habits. Limited street lighting makes driving after dark hazardous.
Currently, no specific "exit fees" or departure taxes are levied separately at Pemba's airport or port for foreign tourists. These costs are typically included in airline ticket prices or fees for a visa.
For airport departures (PMA), arrive at least 1-1.5 hours before your domestic flight. For the ferry departures (Mkoani), arrive at the port at least 1 hour before scheduled departure. Have your ticket and passport ready for check-in and security.
Karume Airport (PMA) has extremely simple facilities with limited seating and no extensive shops or food options. Mkoani Port is also basic, with small kiosks for snacks and drinks. Plan to minimize your waiting time at every of the two locations.
See your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is for all visitors arriving from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Pemba is a malaria-risk area. Take prescribed anti-malarial medication. Use a Mosquito net for bed if your accommodation does not provide one. Apply DEET-based insect repellent to exposed skin.
Healthcare facilities on Pemba are extremely simple, especially outside of Chake Chake. A regional hospital operates in Chake Chake, but for serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, or further abroad, would be necessary.
Pemba is generally considered safer and more relaxed than Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania, with lower crime rates. However, practicing common sense safety measures remains wise. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs in crowded market areas. Keep valuables safe in an inn safe.
Pemba has no metro, tram, or formal city bus system. The main form of public transport for locals and budget-conscious travelers is the daladala. These are not publicly owned minibuses that serve as the backbone of local transportation.
Taxis offer a more comfortable and direct way to journey on Pemba Island. They are generally readily available in towns and at the airport/port. Taxis are usually unmetered. Drivers will approach you, or you can find them at designated stands.
Car rental is limited; no large global companies. Local operators offer older models. An IDP and home license are needed. Road conditions can be challenging.
Some guesthouses rent these. A driving license is technically needed. Safety concerns exist due to poor road conditions and lack of helmets.
No formal bicycle sharing programs. Some accommodations or local people shops rent basic bicycles for short distances.
Walking is feasible within the main towns of Chake Chake, Wete, and Mkoani, especially within market areas. Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent, so watch your step. Numerous beaches are suitable for walking, offering serene strolls along the shore. Be aware of tidal changes.
Limited to no dedicated bicycle infrastructure exists on Pemba. Cycling occurs on shared roads with vehicles, daladalas, and boda-bodas. Be extremely careful. Traffic can be unpredictable.
No formal tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services run on Pemba. Tours are typically arranged with private vehicles (taxis or vans) and a driver/guide, or via hotel transfers.
None on Pemba. The island's topography does not present steep inclines that would necessitate such transport. Unique local transport includes daladalas and boda-bodas.
Dhows and speedboats are essential for reaching offshore isles such as Misali Island for underwater exploration, or for reaching secluded beach resorts. Arrange through resorts, dive centers, or local fishermen. Negotiate prices for private rentals.
If renting a vehicle, conduct a thorough check of its condition and take photos prior to driving off. This protects you from disputes about pre-existing damage.
