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The island itself is covered by dense rainforest in the north
and rich fertile soil where huge bananas and mangoes grow like
weeds, along with coconuts, lychees and of course cloves. With
its extremely rich species biodiversity it is an island of considerable
scientific importance.
The East Coast is exposed to the full force of the Indian Ocean
and the prevailing winds, hence the reefs are narrow, the drop-offs
extremely steep and the shoreline harsh. To the north there is
a wide shallow bank extending some 12 miles north covered in
coral reefs and with one of the most beautiful beaches in East
Africa at Vuma Wimbi in Msuka Bay. This beach is only accessible
from mid-March to mid-November during the SE-monsoon period.
The West Coast is made up of a series of smaller islands enclosing
an incredible inner sea with islands, reefs, mangrove creeks
and deep-water channels. The south is very similar to the East
Coast although less harsh.
We choose one of several landlocked, calm anchorages, where
little or no movement is felt, and we sleep aboard the game boat,
or aboard the very comfortable yacht "Karibu" belonging
to Pemba Afloat in
the Njao Gap. There is something special about sitting on a boat,
sipping a cool
drink, watching the sunset with the smell of fresh fish cooking
over the coals.
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