Pemba is a hilly island off of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, about 30 miles across the water from its better-known neighbor, Zanzibar. The island is mostly covered with clove plantations and has a relatively undeveloped tourism industry. The absence of tourists, however, is a major attraction for anyone seeking a remote retreat. A
limited range of accommodations and other amenities are available on Pemba, mostly targeted toward divers .In Zanzibar Unguja and Pemba Islands, one can hardly get a list of areas out of Zanzibar Town having a functioning network of taxis. Kengeja is one exception! It has a fleet of working taxis kept alive by a dedicated group of mechanics with a solution for any kind of car failures. Pieces of fabric, wooden sticks, stones and scrap metals are common spare parts in Kengeja Taxis. Passengers often times do play a role in making a 15 km trip from Mtambile to Kengeja and vice versa a hassle-free and memorable. Ingenuity and hard work by the Mtambile's Auto Community have made this growing urban centre a rising star in Pemba Island. Apart from its fame with Kengeja Taxis,
Mtambile is an important transport hub for the neighbouring villages. Mtambile - is an emerging urban centre strategically located about 10 km from Mkoani along the Mkoani - Chake Chake road. Two roads, one heading to Kengeja and the other leading to Kangani (Fufuni in old maps), branch off from Mtambile. It has one of the oldest schools in Zanzibar with a small church that was built during the early colonial days of British rule. Its popularity is boosted by the presence of special make-shift buses, locally known as "Kengeja Taxis". The buses, are essentially old saloon cars, probably from 1950s, capable of carrying up to 9 passengers on the Mtambile - Kengeja route. To be a passenger in such a car is a real adventure!
From Kengeja there is a small beach from which you can sail across to Shamiani. ... interesting excursions including the tiny fishing islands offshore from Tumbe ... Reaching Pemba by air requires multiple flights. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after arrival in Zanzibar, and you need to get a tourist visa when you arrive at Karume International Airport. Transfer to the airport o, then take another 30-minute flight to Karume Airport on Pemba. The island has a bus network that connects the three main towns: Chake-Chake, Mkoani and Wete. The main towns are connected by paved roads, but all other roads are unpaved. Bicycle rentals are available, and distances anywhere on Pemba are short. There is no regular taxi service but you can hire a private driver. The town of Mtambile offers Kengeja Taxis, ramshackle 1950s-era autos that carry up to nine passengers.
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