Most of the island, which is regarded to be hillier and more fertile than Zanzibar, is dominated by small scale farming. There is large scale farming of cash crops such as cloves — there are over 3 million clove trees. The island is seldom visited, although it is a center for traditional medicine and witchcraft. People come from as far away as Zaire to seek spiritual and physical healers.

The most important towns in Pemba are Chake Chake, Mkoani, and Wete.

The island of Pemba, known as 'Al Kuh Dra' (the green island), is situated 20 miles north-east of Zanzibar and is the most important growing area for cloves. The landscape of this island is marked by hills and some 4 million clove trees. The Portuguese introduced bullfights in the 17th century, which are still held in the ancient tradition, during which the animals are neither to be hurt nor killed. Pemba is also starting to get known for its dive sites, with vertiginous drop-offs, untouched coral and very abundant marine life.

Chake Chake is located on a hill with a view on the bay where the tides determine when a dhow can enter the harbour. East of this place, on a peninsula, you can find the Ras Mkumbu that houses the oldest ruins of the island (14th century). Pemba is also famous for its rich fishing grounds. Between the island and the mainland there is the 20 miles wide Pemba channel, which is one of the most profitable fishing grounds for game fishing on the East African coast.

External links

• Audio interview with Pemba Island resident about life on Pemba Island

Islands of Tanzania

Pemba | Isola di Pemba | פמבה | Pemba (kisiwa) | ペンバ | Pemba (wyspa) | Пемба | Pemba (saari)