- Why book with us?
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Best Guaranteed Rate
Welcome to
Pemba Lodge
Situated on the remote and beautiful Shamiani Island, Pemba Lodge is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. A short boat ride south of the main island, this is Pemba’s first true eco-lodge and offers an authentic holiday experience in a natural setting.
With a total of five cottages, the emphasis at Pemba Lodge is on simplicity, relaxation and being at one with the environment. Each of our cottages has been carefully constructed to provide maximum comfort in the tropical climes. Raised on stilts, all cottages are well ventilated, spacious and constructed from local, natural and traditional African materials – providing our guests with a comfortable yet authentic experience in a beautiful secluded setting.
Stay
Beach Bungalow
- Mosquito Net
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Hot Water
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Fan
- WIFI
- En-suite
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Room Safe
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up to 3 people
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Double Bed
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Single bed (optional)
Johazi Family Bungalow
- Mosquito Net
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Hot Water
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Fan
- WIFI
- En-suite
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Room Safe
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up to 8 people
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4 double beds
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2 floors
Site Map
Key Information
11+ years are considered adults
Getting There
There are multiple airlines that operate between Pemba, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Upon your arrival, take a transfer from Pemba airport to the local port of Mpene on the south-east – approximately 45 mins through beautiful countryside. Here you will be greeted by a member of our team where you will take a 15 – 30 minute boat transfer to Shamiani Island. Depending on the tides you will either disembark the boat on the beautiful beach infront the lodge, or during low tide take a 10-20 minute walk through beautiful scenery to the lodge.
Alternatively for guests on Zanzibar, a catamaran can be charted from the town of Nungwi on the north of the island directly across to the lodge. This service is subject availability.
Special Offer
Lodge Highlights
- Eco-friendly lodge committed to conservation
- Beachfront lodge
- Secluded location
- Hot Water (Solar Energy)
- WIFI
Dine
Restaurant
The ‘Heart’ of the lodge is the combined restaurant, bar and lounge area which overlooks the scenic bay. The restaurant serves Swahili inspired meals with vegetarian options available. Meals are prepared using organic fruit, vegetables and freshly caught seafood. All produce is sourced from local farmers and fishermen, and the fresh herbs, spices and vegetables are harvested directly from local gardens and spices prepared on Pemba Island.
Experience
Relaxing and doing nothing is a popular pastime at Pemba Lodge. However, when you’ve had your fill of leisure, there are a variety of activities, excursions and places to visit on the island and within walking distance of the lodge. Here you’ll be able to get close and personal with Shamiani’s natural treasures and the archipelago’s Swahili culture.
Local Reef
During low tide the reef off Shamiani Island is teeming with life. Our staff will be delighted to accompany you on a reef walk and explain everything you need to know about the ecosystem around the island. Here you will see the local villagers tending the seaweed farms and the amazing sight of the sand bank at low tide – which resembles a desert scene.
Kayaking
Using our provided kayaks to explore the island’s shoreline and mangrove creeks is a great way to see all the island has to offer. A guide will be on hand to highlight various birds and points of interest, making this a delightful, quiet, and unobtrusive approach to explore nature.
Snorkelling & Fishing Excursions
Organise a boat trip out to neighbouring reefs and explore the underwater world of the Indian Ocean. We provide complimentary snorkelling equipment for you to use.
Fancy trying your hand at fishing? We have the option of traditional line fishing, commonly used by local fishermen, and deep sea fishing. Upon success of your catch, you can opt to have it prepared for you on a barbecue for a delicious dinner.
Bush Walks & Bird Watching
There are numerous walks you may take to discover the island’s relatively untouched nature. With woodland pathways crisscrossing the island, bush walks are a great way to learn about the local flora, fauna and wildlife.
Various types of birds and Pemba’s flying foxes all reside on the island and are likely to be encountered during hikes and throughout your stay at the lodge. The black and white hornbill, paradise fly catcher, rollers, kwarara, red-eyed pigeon, pied kingfisher, sunbird, mnana, common tern, tiny tern, and many other species have been spotted by our guests.
Eco Tourism
At Pemba Lodge we strive to create a holistic and positive experience for our guests, who in turn support the conservation of this unique island and provide the opportunity for local people to learn new skills and earn a living.
A percentage of our revenue fund future marine and environmental projects around the Island. We are fortunate to have both endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles using the beach at Pemba Lodge for their nesting sites. As part of our commitment to conservation on the island, Pemba Lodge has entered into a campaign in conjunction with the local community to help protect the turtle population, which is fast declining around both Unguja (Zanzibar) and Pemba. For each turtle found we pay a cash fee, and in return the turtle is left alone to nest and go back to the sea, and the eggs are left to hatch without disturbance.
Testimonials
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Pemba Lodge
9Pemba Lodge Booking.com Score
“A pleasant stay in an exceptional site” – February 2023
The isolation on a beach at the end of the world of the island of Shamiani, the calm and the quality of the bungalows constructed with wood, mats and roofs of makuti. We really appreciated the kindness and thoughtfulness of Omar, who accompanied us to the village and organized a snorkeling trip.
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Pemba Lodge
4.5Pemba Lodge Google Score
“…stay a minimum of two nights…” – February 2023
We went as a group of 3 people; I would love to say the white sandy beach is untouched; very quiet, secluded, and peaceful. It’s good for older couples who are on their anniversary. I recommend you stay a minimum of two nights and enjoy what mother nature can offer. The hotel uses the solar system to power up lights, charge your phone and water is limited per use due to being on an island and environmentally friendly. WiFi available at the restaurant. 😀
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Pemba Lodge
9Pemba Lodge Booking.com Score
“Total immersion in lush nature…” – February 2023
Total immersion in lush nature and human warmth. Management very attentive to the needs of both guests and nature.
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Pemba Lodge
9Pemba Lodge Booking.com Score
“Paradise of tranquility” – February 2023
Paradisaical place, away from crowds. Very friendly and attentive staff, with quality local food with products purchased daily. In summary; 100% recommended!
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Pemba Lodge
9Pemba Lodge Booking.com Score
“A small setting away from it all” – February 2023
A dream place, a beautiful beach, a staff attentive to everything that goes well and adaptable to requests, a site of snorkeling sublime
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