About our Pemba Eco Lodge
Pemba Lodge was built in 2008 -2010 on the untouched Shamiani Island off Pemba’s main island. Highlighted as the latest up-and-coming eco-lodge in East Africa by the respected Bradt Travel Guide to the Zanzibar archipelago, it opened in September 2010. It was inspired by Nassor’s enthusiasm to establish a true eco-lodge on his homeland of Pemba.
As Nassor traveled the world, he experienced a variety of tourism concepts. He used his expertise well: his first hotel, Mnarani Beach Cottages, which is on Zanzibar island, matured over 20 years into one of the most successful locally owned and managed hotels in Zanzibar. So, when designing his property on Pemba Island, he decided to follow a responsible tourism philosophy that conserves the natural environment, provides opportunities to local people, and facilitates a satisfying and authentic experience for visitors.
Five Spacious, Rustic & Comfortable Bungalows
Pemba Lodge consists of only five spacious, rustic and comfortable bungalows, set along a picture perfect Indian Ocean beach. Despite its remoteness, our guests are treated to all the essential luxuries: rainwater showers, big, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, solar powered lighting, wholesome and tasty Swahili fusion meals, a well-stocked bar, warm and personal service – and all of that amidst a stunning, unspoilt environment.
Shamiani Island is located in the South East of Pemba, reachable in 15-30 minutes on a traditional sailing boat with outboard engine. Before the arrival of Pemba Lodge, it was home only to the inhabitants of Shamiani village, along with an abundance of tropical flora and fauna, including the rare and endangered green sea turtle.
Although the main road is good from the airport to the point where visitors to Shamiani Island will embark on their boat, Pemba’s infrastructure is not well developed, and logistics can be difficult, particularly to obtain supplies. It is no coincidence that over the last fifteen years there have only been three other successfully operating tourism resorts on the island of Pemba, though many have tried.
Fresh Seafood & Organic Vegetables
This, however, doesn’t affect Pemba Lodge in the same way as 5- star resorts, since the concept of low impact and sustainability means that most of what we need is locally sourced. We might not be able to offer you ice cream or satellite TV, but our seafood is bought freshly from the village fishermen, our fruit and vegetables are grown organically, and in our team, you will find the natural, easy friendliness and hospitality of the Swahili people.
Nassor has employed staff for Pemba Lodge from both Unguja and Pemba, provided proper training for them and thus gives them career opportunities in the growing tourism sector. Their English may not always be perfect, but their smiles are genuine!
Ever since Pemba Lodge opened its doors for guests, we hosted specialists from the fields of marine biology, flora and fauna to stay at special rates and contribute to our local knowledge of the natural environment. If you are an expert in those fields and would like to conduct research or studies and share your knowledge with us, please send us a proposal for an extended working holiday at Pemba Lodge!
What do you want to do?
At Pemba Lodge, we understand the different expectations of visitors. We feel elated when you come back for the second time!
Our Packages:
Special Offer 2023
6 Days, 5 Nights
Mnarani Beach Cottages and Pemba Eco Lodge Package – 2 People
DAY 1: Arrival day
Pick up from the Airport/Seaport, and drive from the airport to Mnarani Beach Cottages for check in and rest on BB meal pension on a sea view room.
DAY 2
After breakfast a trip to spice farm and Stone town. Spice farm tours – while there, you will see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Our tour guide will describe how the crops can be used, and later on you will eat fruits and test the spices and then the Historical stone town – visit slave market slave chamber at the Anglican church, Marikiti old market, the house of wonders ,old forte, the museums, Freddy’s mercury house etc.
DAY 3: Departure to Pemba Lodge
Pick up at the hotel after breakfast or early morning (the departure time will be advised one day before departure as it will depend on the weather) for the trip to Pemba Lodge with our Luxury Catamaran boat where you will have one of your best sailing Adventure and you can go Fishing on the way on the way and get yourself a catch for the day for Lunch!!
Arrive at Pemba Lodge around 4pm and overnight on HB meal pension.
DAY 4
After breakfast you can walk to the village to have a view or real Pemba life or you can take one of our kayaks out for a paddle trip around the island and through the mangrove creeks. It’s a fun and low-key way to explore your surroundings, as the waters are very calm. A guide will be present to show you the various birds and points of interest.
DAY 5
Relaxing at the Lodge in the morning hours and in the afternoon you take a short walk from Pemba Lodge to Kichanga Kasa beach; the perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set at the end of another lazy day in this tropical paradise. Sunset is best experienced from Turtle bay with a visit to the rescue turtle pond nearby.
DAY 6
Pick up after breakfast and driver to the airport / seaport for departure to Zanzibar.
Package is prior to changes as per the client request.
Total Cost is USD 1,960.00
- NOTE:
Accommodation at:
Mnarani Beach Cottages and Pemba First Eco Lodge
Accommodation on BB 2 Nights and 3 Nights HB.
All transfers from and to hotel, and airport.Entrance fees to all entry points during excursions/tours.
English speaking guide.
PRICES EXCLUDE:
Tips for staff
Alcoholic beverages during your stay at the hotel
Laundry and items of personal nature
Return flight tickets.
