A floating water bungalow with a wooden deck and seating area, positioned on clear blue ocean waters near Pemba Island.

A short flight from Zanzibar and far away from any civilization and tourist crowds, the Manta Resort is located on Pemba Island amidst untouched nature. Directly in front of the resort, which consists of only a few exclusive villas and jungle rooms, lies one of the best-preserved coral reefs on Earth with ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling. Pemba is greener and more original than its big neighbor Zanzibar. The surroundings, tranquility, and simplicity create an indescribable atmosphere, and Pemba is one of the few absolute insider tips still to be discovered in the Indian Ocean.

Details

  • Best Travel Time

    January, February & July to October

  • Country

    Tanzania

  • City

    Pemba Island

Rooms

The Garden Rooms are located in the lush gardens of the resort. There are also spacious, private villas right on the beach, from whose terraces one can watch the spectacular sunset. Unique in the world is the Underwater Room. Floating on the sea, like a small private island, the Underwater Room is located four meters below the water's surface. From here, the underwater world of one of the most beautiful reefs on Earth can be experienced up close through the windows. The sun deck invites you to sunbathe and stargaze.

Interior of a seafront villa at The Manta Resort with a canopy bed and sitting area with large windows overlooking the sea.
A luxurious four-poster bed with sheer curtains in a cozy, well-lit room at The Manta Resort on Pemba Island.
A spacious, rustic bedroom with a four-poster bed draped in white and navy curtains, and wooden furniture in a high ceiling room with woven bamboo ceiling and stone floor.
A bathroom with a rustic design featuring a sink, a mirror, towels, a toilet, and a walk-in shower with stone wall accents and wooden details.
A shaded outdoor seating area with a white and blue L-shaped sofa on Pemba Island, with greenery visible in the background.
A traditional thatched-roof seafront villa surrounded by greenery on Pemba Island, with the ocean visible in the background.
A traditional thatched-roof bungalow with a small front porch, surrounded by lush green trees and plants.
Seafront villa with thatched roof surrounded by trees, overlooking the ocean on Pemba Island.

Culinary

Dining at the Manta Resort consists of what is offered daily in the region's markets. Pemba is known for its lush vegetation and variety of fruits and vegetables. Fish and seafood come from the surrounding waters and are processed fresh. The Beach Lounge is located directly on the resort's white sandy beach and is the perfect spot for the evening sunset. Everything is included at the resort, including the spa area. The philosophy is to unwind and enjoy nature without having to pay extra for anything.

A rustic outdoor terrace with wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by lush tropical plants and palm trees, at The Manta Resort in Pemba Island.
A dinner setup featuring seafood including lobster, shrimp, and rice with two glasses of white wine on an outdoor table surrounded by greenery.

Activities

To fully unwind and forget the thoughts of everyday life, the resort's Kipepeo Spa is ideal. With the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the rustling palm leaves in their ears, guests find peace and relaxation through massages and other treatments. One should not miss the breathtaking underwater world of the offshore reef, which has been protected for years by the resort's own Kwanini Foundation. The colorful, pristine coral reefs and the exceptionally clear visibility attract many divers. Courses are offered by professional diving instructors for beginners. Additionally, one can explore the island on day trips and visit local fish markets or the fortress. At the resort, each guest is attended to by one of the local villagers working there, who introduces them to the island, surroundings, and, upon request, their own home village.

Vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish in clear ocean water.
Small traditional wooden boats with sails beached on a sandy shore under a partly cloudy sky.
A person relaxing on a lounge chair under a tree on a sandy beach with the sea and boats in the background.

Location

The Manta Resort is located at the northern tip of the African coast on the offshore island of Pemba Island. The main island of the Zanzibar archipelago is about 50 kilometers south of Pemba Island. The island can be reached by plane in about 30 minutes from Zanzibar.

The Manta Resort is located directly behind the Ngezi rainforest on a remote but picturesque bay.

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