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 zone and check-in desks. No duty-free shops or extensive places to eat are present. Small kiosks might sell drinks or snacks.
No train services run on Pemba. No long-distance bus 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 mostly asphalted but can have holes in the road. Secondary roads are often dirt tracks. Hazards include livestock, pedestrians, and erratic area driving behaviors. 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 international visitors. 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 very basic 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 each of the two locations.
Consult 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 travelers 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 precautions 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-responsible tourists 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 big global companies. Area tour 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 bike-share programs. Some hotels or local people shops rent basic bikes for short distances.
Walking is feasible within the major towns of Chake Chake, Wete, and Mkoani, especially within market areas. Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent, so watch your step. Many beaches are suitable for walking, offering serene strolls by the coast. 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. Exercise extreme caution. Traffic can be unpredictable.
No formal tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services operate on Pemba. Tours are typically arranged with private vehicles (taxis or vans) and a driver/guide, or through 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 getting to secluded beach resorts. Arrange through resorts, dive centers, or local fishermen. Negotiate prices for private charters.
If renting a vehicle, conduct a thorough check of its condition and capture photos before operating a vehicle off. This protects you from disputes about pre-existing damage.
