Pemba Island - untouched, remote, and all to ourselves :)

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Excuse the pics, they don't do justice from actually being there! My wife and I travelled to one of the most remote regions of Tanzania, off the beaten path on the east coast of the Indian Ocean from Dar es Salaam (translated means Abode of Peace), to an island called Pemba, one of the two main Zanzibar Islands. Zanzibar translated from the persian Zendji-Bar means 'land of blacks.' No surprise, this region was part of the Arab slave trade, but is better known for its rich history in spice trade, exploration, and once very very long ago, was the main trading port of East Africa. Primarily Muslim in religion, the culture still retains some arab influence by means of dhows, architecture, mosques, and trading. In fact, most of the locals are a mix between Arab, Indian, and local Tanzanian. The region is also well known by Shia Ismaili Muslims, hence when they arrived to East Africa, this was a major port of entry and also a major business and trade settlement for the Ismaili community in Zanzibar.

The resort we stayed at was called Fundu Lagooon. So untouched and remote is the resort, we had to take a small plane from Dar es Salaam to Pemba, then a 1/2 hour or so drive from the airport to the tip of the Island, and finally, by small boat we ended up at the resort. Nevertheless, we were welcomed with the best untouched beach in the world, sunshine, world class service and an amazing suite (with a sweet view!)

Needless to say, 5 star dining in the middle of nowhere is hard to prepare, but thanks to the amazing chef and coordination by Julia Bishop, the hotel manager, we arranged for a private dinner on the beach with freshly caught seafood, chilled out in the lounge area every night, went dolphin watching and snorkeling via Misali Island, and met other guests from all over the world. The owner of the resort was there at the time, a really cool guy who unfortunately couldn't take us on his awesome katamaran. Anyway, he told us that the Aga Khan stayed at the same resort for his birthday. I warned him that maybe, just maybe, he'd open a resort right next door 😊

Back to Dar es Salaam after 4 days of bliss, we visit Zanzibar and head back to Nairobi.

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Photos

Pemba Island
View of Pemba island from 13,000ft, onboard Beechcraft Baron from Dar es Salaam

Landing - Pemba Island
Perfect approach by Canadian Pilot, Patrick Hyndman. Cool meeting another Canadian all the way out here!

Arriving at Fundu Lagoon
Had to fly, drive and then via speedboat to get to the remote resort, untouched island.

Fundu Lagoon
Aaaaaah, the sun, beach, shade, drinks...all to ourselves.

Our Room
The view from the suite.

Culinary treats
Wonderful presentation, in the middle of nowhere.

Trying to Snorkel
Cruised to nearby Misali Island to snorkel in the shallow waters

The size of the shrimp!
All of this fresh crayfish & shrimp for our romantic dinner on the beach.

EcoFriendly Resort
You can't even see the bungalows nestled in the foliage.

Raising the sail on the dhow
"Ahoy" - I mean, 'haraka, haraka' (hurry, hurry) in swahili!

Back to Dar.
All good things must come to an end.