Top Hotels in Pemba Island
10 Top-Rated Hotels in Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
Discover the best hotels in Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago including Pemba Lodge, Gecko Nature Lodge, The Aiyana Resort & Spa, Pemba Lodge, Emerald Bay Resort, Pemba Paradise, Fundu Lagoon, Lala Lodge Pemba Zanzibar, Hotel Archipelago, Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge.
Things to do in Pemba Island
1. Pemba Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Pemba Lodge, situated on the remote and beautiful Shamiani Island off Pemba, Zanzibar’s sister island.It is Pemba’s first true eco-lodge
Peaceful
Reviewed By josien744A peaceful place away from the world, perfect to relax. Stunning beach just for you. Beautiful eco cottages. The fish is excellent. They do anything to make the guests happy. Thanks for a beautiful stay.
2. Gecko Nature Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Kervan Saray Beach Lodge is now the newly upgraded Gecko Nature Lodge a series of large airy bungalows. Started as simple accommodation for divers , the Gecko Nature Lodge has evolved into a comfortable lodge for scuba divers, birders, sea kayakers, adventurous souls, as well as yoga retreat and a place to relax and unwind. An upgraded bar, pool, restaurant and expanded deck, allow our guests to really relax. new secret hideaways with Hammocks and DayBeds have been created providing privacy and serenity for our guests. The Hotel is also home to SWAHILI DIVERS, Pemba’s first dive center. Offering NITROX, day and night dives, Teck Dives, side mount, twin back mount, stage tanks and other specialities. Gecko Nature Lodge is owner managed 100% of the time. The hotel offers many excursions both on water and on the island Sandbank tour, Kayaking the mangroves and picking delicious oysters, Sunset Cruises, Deep Sea fishing, Ngezi Forest Tour to name a few. On land we arrange visits to ruins and museum, spice farm tours, flying fox reserve Chake Chake Market tour Essential Oils distillery tours etc. We are the only providers of kayaks rentals on the island, let us plan a day for you
Super diving (tech if you want it) on a way out island. I'll return!
Reviewed By G4364JOadammMy sole motivation for visiting Swahili Divers was to get back into scuba after a 2.5 year covid pause. I’ve done a bunch to tech diving, and was very attracted to the NITROX fills this resort offers. Mike was very accommodating with my many questions and changing schedule, and ultimately I brought only the minimum gear I use for backmount. The diving is really good. I was surprised to see vast, intact coral reefs. Mike explained that these reefs were destroyed in the tsunami in 2005, but have regenerated. There is basically zero trash in the water, and no damage from boat anchors. As you would expect there was a lot of variability from day-to-day and site-to-site but the viz was always >25m. In common with many regions fishing has reduced the fish populations; there are a few places which teem with activity. Wall dives were a special feature—there are lots of them. One dive gave us lots of hang time with two Napoleon wrasses, the best I’ve seen. Of course there was plenty of macro. Currents ranged from calm to shifting, but Mike read these accurately and adjusted the dive profile to match. The dive boat followed our bubbles. After a couple of days I wanted to switch to sidemount. Mike had sidemount rigs to rent. So I enjoyed two long (60-75 min) nitrox dives with a surface interval before a late lunch, and thus had the afternoons free for other diversions. A civil engineer by profession, Mike blends his nitrox and maintains all of his equipment to high standards. There is a real commitment to safety. He is very pragmatic and resourceful, and has a well-equipped workshop. I opted to stay at the resort which offers great value and made it easy to dive, especially at night. The bungalows are simple concrete/cinder block construction, rustic and comfortable. Nothing fancy. The a/c units were new and kept things comfy at night. Staff were friendly and helpful. Given the remote location, I was delighted with the kitchen—there was a great selection of conventional, and vege/vegan options. Cecilia has trained the staff well—one evening we enjoyed sashimi, and dim sum on another. A simple bar completes the resort, and I usually had a passion fruit smoothie cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean. Perfecto. After five days I was sorry to depart. Summary: Swahili Divers/Gecko is an unfussy place, which offers great diving and accommodation in a tough operating environment. Nitrox is always an advantage.
3. The Aiyana Resort & Spa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 266 reviews
Honeymoon Paradise
Reviewed By JustK65We searched and searched for a unique beach resort to end our honeymoon, and The Aiyana far exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff couldn’t be friendlier and happier to help. The rooms are spectacular, and have direct access to the beach and super comfortable beds. Our room had an outdoor (private) shower too, which was a great bonus. The beach is excellent, and the tides vary quite significantly. Highly recommended the galala (local sailboat) cruise at sunset and the 3-hour snorkeling outing to the sandbar- all arranged by the hotel at reasonable prices, too. There are no hawkers anywhere to be seen, and you can truly unplug and relax. All of our meals were at the hotel but the chefs really knew how to work magic with their fresh seafood. I don’t think there was one thing in 4 days that we didn’t enjoy. Be sure to get pre-order their mambo crab ($15USD / 500g) supplement. It was so good, we had it twice! For dinners, they come up with a different theme each night, which kept things exciting and fresh. Our favorites were the beach bbq and the Indian/Mauritius night. The service was particularly warm and friendly at mealtimes- special shout-out to Ashiru, Ebifania, and Doris who really looked out for us. We also got massages which were great and used their complimentary kayaks one evening at sunset. Their GM, Philippe and asst. GM Prakash, also went above and beyond to make sure all our requests were taken care of as well. The only room for improvement is that it often took at least 20-30 minutes for cocktails to arrive, so plan accordingly. We can’t wait to return!!!
4. Pemba Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Pemba Lodge, situated on the remote and beautiful Shamiani Island off Pemba, Zanzibar’s sister island.It is Pemba’s first true eco-lodge
Peaceful
Reviewed By josien744A peaceful place away from the world, perfect to relax. Stunning beach just for you. Beautiful eco cottages. The fish is excellent. They do anything to make the guests happy. Thanks for a beautiful stay.
5. Emerald Bay Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Simply Incredible
Reviewed By 848alvinmSpent three nights at this Resort with a group of people. If you are looking for peace and quiet, coupled together with a spectacular environment, look no further. The resort itself is surrounded by lush tropical greenery with incredible views of the ocean. It's designed with authentic Pemba in mind, you'll get the sense of seclusion with amazing service to match. The food and service is excellent and staff are extremely attentive. There is no direct beach access, but they organize daily trips (weather dependent) to a near by sandbank and will set up complimentary tent, chairs and coolers for you to enjoy the bluest and clearest water you will ever swim in. Even though we went as a group, there was still enough space for everyone to do their own thing then come together again for meals. If you want an island party on the beach, go to Zanzibar, but if you're looking to unplug and relax, then you cannot go wrong here. Highly recommend.
6. Pemba Paradise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Inhospitable in so so many ways
Reviewed By LisaSontheRoadGranted, we were there in the off season but still.... No power (which meant suffocating in the rooms - no AC and one can't open the windows without swarms of mosquitoes coming in), and no wifi (and we were there on a business trip) made part of the reason for a really unpleasant stay. The low point was the incredibly inhospitable greeting from the apparent assistant manager (who acted entirely disgruntled and that we were a bother to even be there). From the moment we arrived, she had her hands in her pockets, dragging her feet and not a single smile, word of welcome or anything. It was a shocker. Her colleagues in the bar / restaurant were really kidn and went out of their way to make it up, but it was too late. Of grave concern to us was that it was reported to us that the construction of the hotel has cut off access for fishermen and seaweed collectors in the area too, so don't expect a warm reception from the locals. We were shunned completely when we extended a greeting, only to discover why later on.... You can hardly blame them when their means of survival is displaced by upmarket, exclusive developments... Working with (not against) local residents to find solutions and reasonable access arrangements is something that I hope this place takes seriously going forward. Potential conflict and an unpleasant experience for guests is the only other option.
7. Fundu Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Remote and peaceful, Fundu Lagoon has a distinct Robinson Crusoe air with charming rustic buildings nestling on the shore of the Indian Ocean, shaded by thatched roofs made from sundried coconut palms. While crowds flock to Zanzibar, few have heard of the Pemba island, her little sister to the north, which remains largely undeveloped. Living up to the ‘Spice Islands’ nickname, cloves form a major part of the local economy. Magic is also embedded in the culture, with ju-ju witch doctors providing medicine and social cohesion. Only accessible by boat, the resort extends along a natural beach, where the lush jungle meets the sea. Fundu Lagoon’s staff are almost all from the local villages and bush babies, vervet monkeys and dolphins also call Pemba home. Whether relaxing by the infinity pool, wandering along the shore and watching local women collect seaweed for the beauty industry, kayaking through the mangroves or admiring the pristine coral gardens around nearby Misali island, days here can be as relaxed or fun-filled as you make them. A consistent winner of the Good Safari Guide ‘Best Marine Safari’ Award, Fundu Lagoon smoothly continues the safari experience for those arriving from the bush, as well as being a standalone destination for couples seeking a romantic bolthole or families and friends seeking a place to unwind and switch off.
The ultimate relax
Reviewed By Willie EIf you are looking for a real Robinson Crusoe type of holiday, away from the modern life hustle and bustle, then this is the place. Remote, beautiful, quiet, paradise, awesome food, amazing staff is just a few of the words that come to mind. We rested, we scuba dived, we did some deep sea fishing, all in the most romantic remote location you can imagine.
8. Lala Lodge Pemba Zanzibar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
lala lodge is a quaint lodge situated in a small old fishing village at the seaport Mkoani in Pemba Zanzibar.
budget accommodation with friendly service
Reviewed By TanurSWe were warmly welcomed and greeted by Dennis who makes you feel as if you’re entering his home, rather than an impersonal guesthouse. The rooms are quite basic, but clean, we had minor issues, which were resolved. There is hot water and air-conditioner - all very fair considering 45$ a night. In other places we paid 35$ for rooms with terrible mattresses, no electricity and sparse running water. The meals are home-style and cooked by Dennis himself. Friendly ambiance and conveniently located. Would recommend.
9. Hotel Archipelago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Three star business hotel in Chake Chake, easy walk to village. All rooms with en suite bathrooms, A/C, fridge, free wifi. Conference facilities, pool, restaurant (operated by the same owners as Stone Town Cafe and B&B and Archipelago Cafe on Zanzibar's Unguja Island. Day trips to Misali Island, Ngezi Forest, beaches, snorkeling can be arranged, Book direct and save.
Hotel Archipelago
Reviewed By filamuaWhat a wonderful place to be away from home. I stayed at Hotel Archipelago for two weeks in October, the manager and staff were wonderful and gave us all the required assistance. They made our stay very comfortable and enjoyable. Thanks
10. Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Local place with welcoming staff
Reviewed By victorr5455Definitely a good choice when visiting Pemba! I've stayed at the lodge for 9 nights and had a great time. Its location is perfect to explore the beautiful northern side of the island, day trips can be arranged for a reasonable price. Rooms are clean and affordable but most of all the staff makes you feel like home. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace with sea view, dinner is optional but absolutely worth considering. Ask the kitchen ladies to prepare a traditional fish dish! I went during the ramadan which implies a certain dress code in public and few, say no real lunch possibilities in town. There's a good (new) ferry connection between Unguja (Zanzibar) and Wete, the SeaStar 1. A more expensive alternative to reach the island is by small airplane from Tanga and probably Zanzibar (Chake Chake airport). Make some time so that you will really enjoy the island, 2/3 days is too short! Even during the big rainy season :)
