Pemba Island in the Mocambique Channel

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. All the while, the Arab dhows would ply the trade winds down from the Arabian Peninsula to East Africa.

With the winds they would take cloves to India, textiles back to the Arab lands and silver and wood to the Spice Islands. The Dhows have remained a constant throughout the history of Pemba. To this day they ply the Wete-Shimoni run, and when the winds are favourable they plough through to Northern Mozambique.

Attractions:

Pemba main attractions are the surrounding coral reefs, the islands are surrounded by unspoiled coral reefs, and are becoming famous for the spectacular sun and sea adventure scuba diving and snorkelling. For much of its history, Pemba has been overshadowed by Zanzibar Island, its larger and more politically powerful neighbour to the south.