Masai, Serengetti and Pemba

Game drives are offered twice daily one in the morning at 06h30 and one in the late afternoon at 16h30. The game drives are done in the conservancy. In the conservancy, off-road driving is permitted – this gives you the liberty to explore every hidden valley and secret corner.

Night Game drives are offered in the conservancy as well as the adjoining Maasai Mara Reserve. In the conservancy, off-road driving is permitted – this gives you the liberty to explore every hidden valley and secret corners and also gives the opportunity to spot some of Kenya’s famous ‘nightlife’.

The majority of Encounter Mara’s guides are drawn from the local Maasai communities and are landowners in the conservancy. They are always eager to share their culture and way of life with interested guests, and visits to nearby villages and homesteads are easily arranged. (at an additional cost)

This is a romantic and evocative way to experience the wilderness of East Africa. Nothing can beat the feeling of gliding silently over the game-filled plains on a balloon safari, as the early-morning sun rises over the horizon. (at an additional cost)

Calling all passionate photographers! Join us for a photographic safari experience in our specialised photography vehicles. The vehicles have drop-down sides for photographers to capture low, eye-level photographs. Beanbags, foam camera rests, power points, fridges and 360º swivel seats promise to make your wildlife photography experience a dream! (at an additional cost)

The Pemba Coral Reef Safari takes place on the far northwestern tip of Pemba Island in Tanzania, overlooking the warm, clear waters of the western Indian Ocean and the vibrant Pemba Channel — Each safari comprises three guided dives, with the option of a night dive for qualified divers.

Our scuba safaris are led by a passionate naturalist and dive professional, providing an immersive experience through the marine ecosystems of Pemba Island and the Pemba Channel. Our guided experience aims to foster a deeper connection and understanding of marine wildlife, coral reefs, and the critical importance of Marine Protected Areas.

Designed with a low diver-to-guide ratio (maximum 2 divers per guide), these adventures ensure a gentler impact on the aquatic ecosystem — Small dive groups offer a more enriching personal journey for divers and create the opportunity for more intimate wildlife experiences that are impossible with larger groups.

Get certified with our Coral Reef Safari Distinctive Specialty. Guided by your Ocean Journal and knowledgeable naturalist, learn about coral reef ecosystems, and the role of MPAs in conserving them. By the end of your safari, you’ll be ready to answer a few questions, and receive your Distinctive Specialty Certification.

Diving Credit: Manta

Marine Credit: Manta

The diving around Pemba Island is nothing else but breathtaking.
The untouched coral reefs surrounding the entire island makes Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world.

Pemba, Tanzania is the perfect place to start your dive adventure with one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. The water temperature averages at 26ºC, with visibility of 30-40 meters almost every day!

All our dives occur within our Marine Protected Areas!

Diving - Getting ready Credit: Samy Ghannam

Marine 1 Credit: Manta

Marine 2 Credit: Manta

At low tide, a sandbank protrudes to offer a walk on the purest white coral sand. The perfect beach to relax on, surrounded by azure blue waters.

The excursion relies heavily on the tides, currents, and weather conditions and is not always possible.

A cooler box of fruits and refreshments is brought along. This is a 15 minute boat ride from the resort on the most northern point of Pemba Island.

Sandbank Aerial Credit: Samy Ghannam

Sandbank Breakfast Credit: Franz Thiel

Sandbank Alone Credit: Manta

Sandbank Clear Water Credit: Manta

Sandbank Walk Credit: Franz Thiel

Every morning at 7am, we have "Snorkelling for Conservation", where one of our trained guides will take you for a snorkel. A 100% the proceeds of this activity goes directly to the Blue Alliance, our conservation partner, to protect the reefs around Pemba.

Venture into our pristine Marine Protected Area (MPA) right in front of Manta! Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world through snorkelling and encounter an abundance of marine life amidst the crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sands.

It's a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers alike, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of the Indian Ocean.

Manta House Reef Credit: Samy Ghannam

Manta House Reef 1 Credit: Samy Ghannam

Guest Snorkel Credit: Manta

Starfish Credit: Manta

Marine Credit: Manta

Coral Credit: Manta

A Ngalawa is the traditional Pemban sailing vessel used by fishermen on the island.

Leaving from the beach at
around 5:00 pm, you will cruise along the shoreline over the reefs enjoying the sunset. Refreshments are provided.

Ngalawa Manta Credit: Samy Ghannam

Ngalawa at Manta Credit: Samy Ghannam

Ngalawa Kwanini Credit: Samy Ghannam

The Zanzibar islands are known as the ‘spice islands’, with 70% of the world’s cloves coming from Pemba.

A visit to the spice farm will have you experiencing the true tastes and smells of Pemba Island. This is followed by a walk through the Ngezi Rainforest for about 45 minutes. A protected reserve home to endemic bird species, vervet and black colobus monkeys.

Ngezi Forest Credit: Samy Ghannam

Pemba White-Eye Credit: Manta

Ngezi Credit: Samy Ghannam

Located at the northern tip of the island, the lighthouse offers incredible panoramic views of Pemba.

Just a 20-minute walk from Manta, your service fundi will accompany you.

There’s no charge, except for a $5 entrance fee if you choose to climb the lighthouse and take a tour with the operator, who proudly shares his knowledge in nine languages, continuing a family tradition passed down for generations.

Pemba Northern Tip Credit: Samy Ghannam

Lighthouse Pemba Credit: Manta