Itinerary

8:30 AM – Hotel Pickup and Brief Introduction Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel. As you drive toward your first historical stop, your guide will give you an overview of Pemba’s layered history, from early Swahili settlements to colonial encounters.
9:30 AM – Visit to Ras Mkumbuu Ruins Start your journey at Ras Mkumbuu, home to the remnants of one of Pemba’s oldest settlements. Walk among the ruins of an ancient mosque and trading town believed to date back to the 9th century. This once-thriving Swahili port town was a hub of trade and Islamic culture, now beautifully overgrown by nature.
11:00 AM – Explore the Ruins of Chwaka Continue to Chwaka, where you’ll find the remains of another important Islamic settlement. Here, stone walls and coral block structures whisper tales of a flourishing medieval community. Your guide will bring these silent ruins to life with stories of merchants, scholars, and travelers who once lived here.
12:30 PM – Traditional Swahili Lunch (Optional) Enjoy a break with an optional Swahili-style lunch at a local eatery or homestay, where you can savor dishes like pilau rice, chapati, and fresh seafood. It's a cultural experience in itself.
2:00 PM – Visit to Old Fort and Colonial Landmarks in Chake Chake Head to Chake Chake, the island’s capital, to explore remnants of colonial architecture and an old Arab fort. These structures tell of Pemba’s time under Omani and later British influence. The town’s layout and surviving buildings give a fascinating glimpse into administrative life in the past.
3:30 PM – Visit to the Mazrui Tombs (Optional) If time allows, stop by the Mazrui Tombs—sacred burial sites of a ruling Arab family in Pemba. This lesser-known gem offers a peaceful and spiritual end to your historical tour.
4:30 PM – Return to Hotel After a full day of time travel through Pemba’s historic soul, you’ll be driven back to your hotel with a new appreciation for the island’s depth and legacy.