Pemba is the second largest
island of the Spice Archipelago, named Al-khudra, "the
Green Island" by the Arabic mariners in reverence
of the profusion of lush fertility they encountered
after their journey south along the arid coastline.
Pemba rises from the Indian Ocean on its
own granite pedestal, a continental landmass in itself,
topped with verdant hillscapes that tumble through clove
plantations to the signatory, pristine white beaches.
The reefs and channels make for East Africa's
finest diving and highly rated game fishing, whilst
the Pembans themselves embody the coastal Swahili in
their dignity of manner and refinement of welcome.
|