Pemba, the mystique beauty of Tanzania’s clove island

Dhows coming back home, Nungwi Village, Tanzania. Photo: flickr member id_germain

Pemba Island has been separated from the mainland 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 Isalnd 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.

Eco Rustic ~ The Manta Resort & Spa, Pemba Island, Tanzania

By Dian Hasan | October 7, 2009

Elevated and crafted along an idyllic island beach, The Manta Resort & Spa offers privacy, romance, adventure, and water sports on East Africa’s finest island sanctuary. And experience some of the world’s best diving sites, untouched coral reef surrounding the entire island. Crystal clear water and powdery sand beaches.

The smell of cloves in the air add to the allure of Pemba Island, still the world’s leading producer of cloves. The Manta Resort & Spa places you in the pulse of this idyllic paradise island. As an all-inclusive resort, it leaves you worry-free and ready to enjoy the island.

Eco Rustic ~ Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Island, Tanzania

By Dian Hasan | October, 2009

Fundu Lagoon is located north of Zanzibar, just right on Pemba Island. This a secluded tropical paradise is an ideal place to disconnect from every day stress and routines and to start practice outdoor activities, such as boating and snorkeling, swimming and diving.

A stay at Fundu Lagoon gives you access to spectacular virgin beaches and the turquoise waters of the West Indian Ocean.

Exploring Zanzibar’s rich spice trading past

By Dian Hasan | September 30, 2009

Nutmeg

Some places – just by their mere names – exude exotica. A combination of real and imaginary place that captures the imagination of history, trade, far away corners of the world, traders from across the world, unique food and cultures, strange tongues, garments, traditions…. You’ll find all these in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, where you’ll still be able to re-live her busy days as a hub for spice trading.

Zanzibar’s fame as the spice island, saw it exporting cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom across the world. The spices were brought over from Asia and South America and flourished in the tropical climes.