Pemba Island

The Manta Resort

Overview

Paradise found

On the remote northern tip of Pemba Island, Unguja’s more rustic, clove-scented neighbour, The Manta Resort is a laidback spot fringed by rich coral reefs, soft sands and tropical forests.

18 rooms range from cosy thatched cottages with private tropical gardens to the breezy Indian Ocean view villas with plunge pools, but the utterly unique Underwater Room is Manta’s pièce de résistance and an unforgettable night’s stay.

Communal areas include a lounge, dining area, pool and chilled beach bar, with a spa hidden among the palms. A true paradise setting with a proudly local feel to switch off from it all.

Facts

At a glance

  • 18 rooms

  • Restaurant and beach bar

  • Swimming pool and spa

  • PADI dive centre

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Experiences

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    Diving

    The diving around Pemba Island is nothing else but breathtaking. The untouched coral reefs surrounding the entire island make Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world. Explore the reefs or learn how to dive with Manta’s PADI dive centre.

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    Sunset sailing

    An Ngalawa is the traditional sailing vessel used by fishermen on the island. Cruise along the shoreline over the reefs enjoying the sunset and the thrill of the sailing.

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    Spice farm and rainforest tour

    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, protected reserve home to endemic bird species, vervet and black colobus monkeys.

Community & Culture

Kwanini Foundation is an initiative to make a positive contribution to the future of Pemba Island by working alongside the local communities to help them understand and conserve the natural world on which they depend. Three of the main issues on the island are proper waste disposal, reliable access to clean water, and education, all of which the Foundation is trying to help address through their work

Conservation

In 2013 the Kwanini Foundation reviewed the potential for a community-based marine conservation effort to protect the reef at the Manta Resort. With the support of local communities and the government, they turned 1km of coastline into a no-take zone called the Kwanini Marine Protected Area (KMPA) where all forms of fishing are prohibited. The years since have seen a tremendous increase in fish populations and the fishermen are beginning to recognise the value of setting aside small areas and the foundation is now working with communities on the coast to create similar schemes.

The foundation also believes passionately that science and information should be used to support and underpin decision-making, so have developed an exciting portfolio of projects to gather data to monitor habitats, species and the environment.

What makes us different

Why Niarra

Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.

In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.

Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.

  • Unforgettable experiences

    Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.

  • Positive impact

    Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.

  • Fairness and transparency

    An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.

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