Pemba Island
Disconnect. From everything.
Far away from civilization
Just to be clear: This is a remote island off the east coast of Africa, and probably as far away from civilisation you might ever find yourself. The Manta Resort is not a typical 5 star luxury resort and certainly different to what you might find on other tropical islands. If you’re expecting bling bling bling you will be disappointed. If you however are looking for serenity, close encounters with nature and a close knit family of people we look forward to sharing our island with you.
Switch off your noisy, pressurised, polluted electronic world and enter a completely different one – not as a tourist, but as a sentient human being with simple needs – sunshine, fresh sweet-smelling air, natural food, a pristine comfortable bed and friendly company to care for you and yours. All to be found folded into the edge of a primitive forest and set on rising land overlooking the purest, most turquoise waters that ever caught your breath – these waters hide secrets of the most exquisite kind – coral reefs unspoilt – and they are fringed by snow white, delicately soft sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
History
Separated from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, Pemba has remained untouched for centuries — a sanctuary of fertility, forest, and calm.
Its wild beauty has endured: swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches, and lagoons form a living mosaic that feels suspended in time.
History
Pemba Island has been separated from the mainland of Tanzania and Zanzibar for decades, leaving an untouched and pristine island of great beauty and fertility. The mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches and lagoons is scattered with the ruins of mosques and tombs mostly reclaimed by the forest – sites that date back to Arab domination when Pemba Island was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (Oman) in the 17th century. He loved the Spice Islands and established his court in Zanzibar and ruled Muscat from there.
The clove island
In the 17th century, the Sultan of Muscat (Oman) claimed Pemba and Zanzibar.
Enchanted by their lush spice gardens, he ruled his empire from these “Spice Islands,” weaving the aroma of clove into Pemba’s identity forever.
Scattered through the island’s greenery lie the remnants of mosques and tombs — ruins long reclaimed by the forest.
These silent stones mark centuries of shifting tides and cultural exchange.
Untouched territory
Though time has passed, the island’s rhythm remains unbroken.
Village life, spice harvests, and ancient stories still pulse through the land — a quiet continuity between past and present.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
We recommend malaria prophylaxis. Bring mosquito repellent and any personal medication. A valid travel insurance policy is strongly advised, in addition to the mandatory Tanzanian local cover.
Most guests arrive via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, then take a small aircraft to Pemba (PMA). From there, we arrange transfers to Manta — about 1.5 hours by road through spice fields and villages, ending at the island’s quiet northern tip.
Pemba Island holds a rich and layered history that stretches back more than a thousand years, making it one of the cultural and historical jewels of the Swahili Coast. Its significance comes from a blend of trade, culture, and strategic importance in the Indian Ocean.
Key aspects of Pemba’s historical significance
1. Center of the Swahili Coast trade network
From as early as the 8th–10th centuries, Pemba was part of the bustling trade routes that linked East Africa with Arabia, India, and later China. Traders exchanged gold, ivory, and slaves for spices, textiles, and ceramics. Pemba’s ports connected deeply with the broader Indian Ocean world, making the island a hub of cultural exchange.
2. The spice economy — “The Clove Island”
In the 19th century, under Omani Arab rule, Pemba became one of the world’s leading producers of cloves. Plantations transformed the island’s economy and gave Pemba its enduring nickname: “The Clove Island.” Clove cultivation shaped not only the economy but also the social and cultural landscape of the island.
3. Archaeological heritage
Pemba is dotted with ruins of ancient Swahili towns, mosques, and tombs — evidence of its long Islamic influence and mercantile wealth. Sites such as Ras Mkumbuu and Mkama Ndume ruins reveal the scale of settlement and the prosperity of its medieval cities.
4. Cultural crossroads
The island’s population and traditions reflect a fusion of African, Arab, Persian, and later European influences. This blend is still evident today in Pemba’s architecture, music, language (Swahili), and way of life.
5. Colonial and postcolonial history
Pemba, like Zanzibar, was shaped by Portuguese, Omani, and British colonial interests. It became part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, then a British protectorate, and later merged with mainland Tanganyika to form modern-day Tanzania in 1964.
Why it matters today
Pemba’s history is not just something of the past; it continues to define the island’s identity. The legacy of spice cultivation, the ruins of Swahili settlements, and the living traditions of its people all make Pemba a vital piece of East Africa’s cultural and historical heritage.
Pemba Island is known as “The Clove Island” because for centuries it has been one of the world’s leading producers of cloves.
Clove trees were first introduced to Pemba (and neighboring Zanzibar) by Arab traders in the early 19th century. The island’s fertile red soil and humid tropical climate turned out to be perfect for cultivating this highly prized spice. Very quickly, cloves became the backbone of Pemba’s economy — at one point producing over 70% of the world’s clove supply.
The nickname stuck, and even today cloves remain central to the island’s identity. Walking through Pemba, you can often smell the sweet, spicy aroma of cloves drying in the sun. Beyond their use in cooking, cloves have long been valued for their medicinal properties, their role in traditional ceremonies, and their historic significance in global trade.
So when you hear “The Clove Island,” it’s not just a name — it’s a reflection of Pemba’s heritage, culture, and enduring contribution to the world’s spice trade.
The island shifts with the winds: the Kusi (May–October) brings cooler breezes and some rain; the Kaskazi (December–March) brings warmth, calm seas and clear skies. The reef thrives year-round; tides set the rhythm each day.