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Pemba Island Travel Checklist

Pemba Island Travel Checklist

Pemba Island Tanzania Travel Guide

Chronological Planning Timeline

Follow this sequence to ensure timely completion of all tasks.

Advance Preparations

Starting early for long-term items.

3+

Months Before

Book International Flights

Reserve flights abroad to Tanzania (DAR or ZNZ).

Book Accommodation

Look up and book luxury accommodations on Pemba, especially for peak season.

Consult Health Professionals

Consult your doctor for vaccinations (Yellow Fever) and malaria prophylaxis; begin multi-dose vaccine series.

1

Month Before

Book Domestic Travel

Secure domestic flights to Pemba (PMA) or boat tickets from Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam.

Confirm Bookings

Confirm all accommodation and transfer bookings directly with hotels and tour operators.

Prepare Packing List

Develop your packing list, confirming all required clothing and gear.

1

Week Before

Final Confirmations

Reconfirm all flight, ferry, accommodation, and tour bookings.

Currency and Banking

Acquire some US dollars (new series, crisp bills) for arrival visa fees; notify your bank of travel plans.

Download Offline Resources

Download offline maps of Pemba and translation apps (Swahili pack) to your phone.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these arrangements early for a smoother journey.

Reservations

  • International flights to Tanzania.
  • Tanzanian visa (e-Visa is strongly suggested).
  • Accommodation on Pemba Island.
  • Domestic flights or ferries to Pemba.

Pre-Trip Research

Information gathering fosters a richer travel experience.

Informative Study

  • Familiarize yourself with Swahili culture and learn a few basic phrases.
  • Read about Pemba's history and unique attractions.
  • Review health and safety advisories from your government for Tanzania.
  • Grasp local etiquette and customs.

Home Preparation

Address home logistics for peace of mind during your travels.

Services and Security

  • Organize for your mail to be picked up or sent on.
  • Organize care for pets.
  • Arrange care for plants.
  • Confirm home security, lock windows and doors, and set alarms.

Emergency Contacts

  • Inform a trusted contact of your itinerary.
  • Provide your trusted contact with emergency contact information.
  • Share your expected return date.
  • Leave essential house instructions.

Financial Overview

  • Confirm credit card limits.
  • Review bank account balances.
  • Pay recurring bills in advance.
  • Organize important financial documents.

Timely Preparations

Thorough preparation minimizes last-minute stress and allows more focus on your journey.

Arrival Checklist

Your adventure begins with these immediate actions upon landing or docking.

Immigration and Connectivity

  • 1
    Clear Immigration

    Clear immigration and customs at Karume Airport (PMA) or Mkoani Port. Have your passport and visa ready.

  • 2
    Get a Local SIM

    Acquire a local SIM card (e.g., Vodacom) at the airport or in Chake Chake for immediate communication.

  • 3

Currency and Transport

  • Obtain Local Currency

    Withdraw Tanzanian Shillings from an ATM or exchange money at a bureau de change.

  • Meet Your Transfer

    Meet your pre-arranged transfer or locate a reputable taxi outside the airport or port.

Orientation and Initial Purchases

Initial Orientation

Gain familiarity with your accommodation's immediate surroundings; identify nearby restaurants, shops, or beach access.

Ask hotel staff for local tips, directions, and safe areas to explore on foot; they represent a valuable information source.

Essential Purchases

Purchase bottled water immediately and stock up on all necessities like snacks or a local SIM card if not acquired at the airport.

Exchange US Dollars to Tanzanian Shillings when necessary, avoiding excessive currency conversion at once.

Smooth Arrival

A systematic approach to process upon arrival initiates your Pemba adventure on a positive note.

Departure Preparation

This guide assists with final days at the island and your journey home.

Souvenir and Shipping Considerations

  • Acquire spices (especially cloves!) and local crafts in your final days; ensure proper packaging for travel.
  • Account for luggage weight for souvenirs; shipping from Pemba proves difficult and costly.

VAT Refund Procedures

  • VAT refunds are not common or readily open to visitors in Tanzania.
  • Assume prices displayed for goods and services already incorporate all taxes.

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

Allow ample time for your journey from Pemba.

Recommended Timing

  • For domestic flights from Karume Airport (PMA), arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.
  • For ferries from Mkoani Port, arrive at least 1 hour before scheduled departure, as schedules might exhibit delays.
  • Allow extra time for transfers to the airport or port, notably from remote resorts or if town traffic poses a concern.

Return Trip Preparation

  • Reconfirm your onward flights or ferry bookings a day or two prior to departure.
  • Ensure you possess enough local currency for departure expenses (e.g., last taxi ride, airport snacks).
  • Pack carefully, securing any fragile souvenirs; distribute heavy items across your luggage to avoid overweight fees.

Departure Readiness

Systematic preparing to leave reduces last-minute rush.

Depart Pemba laid-back and with pleasant memories.

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