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Pemba is a remote island off the east coast of Africa, and probably as far away from civilisation you might ever find yourself in.
The Manta Resort offers something different from most tropical islands — it’s a true and real experience. If it’s serenity, close encounters with nature and a family of staff you crave, Manta is the place for you.
Switch off the noisy, polluted electronic world and enter a completely different one, not as a tourist, but as a guest with simple needs: sunshine, fresh air, natural food, a comfortable bed and friendly company.
THREE LEVELS
The landing deck, which is at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility.
From there, steps lead up to the roof which also has a lounging area perfect for sun worshipping by day and stargazing by night. Sleep under the stars to the soft murmuring of the sea.
Downstairs – the magical feeling of lying on a soft double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing – watching the shoals of reef fish visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which affords them some protection from predation. For example, three bat fish and a trumpet fish, called Nick, is always swimming around and seemingly looking in!
UNDERWATER SPOTLIGHTS
By night, the underwater spotlights beneath each window around the room attract the shyer and more unusual species, for instance squid. Coral is already establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopus and even spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes.
HOW IT WORKS
Your journey will start by boarding a traditionally crafted wooden boat to take you out to the underwater room. The room lies approximately 250m from the shore, about a 2min boat ride over the crystal clear waters of the Manta house reef. On arrival at the room, along with your service fundi and boat captain, you will get shown the ins and outs of your private floating island.
We will then leave you alone to enjoy your new surroundings. Once settled in, a light tropical lunch with cold drinks will be ready for you to enjoy at your leisure. A kayak, snorkel and fins will be provided. The underwater room lies in what we call the blue hole, which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine life.
After having sundowners on your preferred deck, dinner will be served at a pre-arranged time decided by you and your fundi. After dinner you will be left to yourselves. Breakfast will be served at a pre-arranged time. When arranging your meal times your dietary requirements and meal options can be discussed too. Check out time from the room is at 11:00.
FACILITIES
A mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything. The bathroom facilities include an open-air fresh water shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is eco-friendly, and a small hand-wash basin. We will provide all necessary environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products. A fully-stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience.
The Seafront Villas boast a spacious and private open-plan design, with a centered king size bed and large en-suite bathroom.
The villas feature a perfect blend of traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition, our newly installed state of the art EveningBreeze cooling system provides comfort without noise or drafts. After selecting your preferred sleeping climate, cool clean air will gently circulate over the surface of your bed—carrying with it the promise of a good night’s sleep.
The Seafront Family Villa boast two spacious and private open-plan rooms, each centered with a king sized bed and large en-suite bathroom. The two rooms are joint together by a patio with a plunge pool, overlooking the turquoise water of our Marine Protected Area. In addition, each room has its own outdoor shower situated in a small private garden.
The Superior Garden Rooms boast a spacious and private open-plan design, with a four-posted king size bed, a large en-suite bathroom and a private garden with outdoor shower.
Created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition a large Swahili baraza lounge provides the perfect place to relax in the peacefulness of the garden.
The Standard Garden Rooms have a private open-plan design, with a four-posted king size bed, en-suite bathroom and private garden with outdoor shower.
Created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition a small balcony allows our guests a shady spot to relax in the garden.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Shower, Smoking Rooms, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Garden Tours, Kayaking, Massages, Natural History Tours, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Walks (Guided), Whale Watching, Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Beach, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Wildlife Tours
This is a once in a lifetime experience! Our Coral Reef Safari (CRS) uses the concept of a terrestrial safari, but applies it under water.
Each guest will be equipped with an underwater earpiece, whilst a qualified guide will be able to communicate with the guest using a small microphone. This allows the guide to explain certain behaviour, relationships and interesting facts about marine life whilst on the dive.
Only two guests are allowed on a CRS, which makes the experience even more intimate.
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!
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.
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.
We also offer a program called "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.
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.
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.
This walk takes approx 20 mins. You will be accompanied by your service-fundi. No charge except for a $5 dollar entrance if you wish to climb the lighthouse and get the tour by the operator in charge.
Dining at Manta
Our dishes provide culinary delights of Pemban cuisine with a modern twist.
Meals can be enjoyed at our Seafront terrace, main area, the beach lounge, or a private dinner on the beach can be arranged.
Our a la carte menu looks as follows:
* Breakfast (fruit, English breakfast, granola, yogurt, pastries, Eggs Benedict, etc.)
* Lunch (choice of two appetisers, choice of three main courses, desert)
* Dinner (choice of two appetisers, choice of three main courses, desert)
All courses include a vegetarian, seafood or meat option.
We cater for guests with any specific dietary needs.
