Manta Resort: Information from the owner

Seafront Villa

The Seafront Villas boast a spacious and private open-plan design, with a centered king size bed and large en-suite bathroom. The villas feature a perfect blend of traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition, our newly installed state of the art EveningBreeze cooling system provides comfort without noise or drafts. After selecting your preferred sleeping climate, cool clean air will gently circulate over the surface of your bed—carrying with it the promise of a good night’s sleep.

Standard Garden Room

The Standard Garden Rooms have a private open-plan design, with a four-posted king size bed, en-suite bathroom and private garden with outdoor shower. Created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition a small balcony allows our guests a shady spot to relax in the garden.

Superior Garden Room

The Superior Garden Rooms boast a spacious and private open-plan design, with a four-posted king size bed, a large en-suite bathroom and a private garden with outdoor shower. Created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition a large Swahili baraza lounge provides the perfect place to relax in the peacefulness of the garden.

The Underwater Room

THREE LEVELS The landing deck, which is at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. From there, steps lead up to the roof which also has a lounging area perfect for sun worshipping by day and stargazing by night. Sleep under the stars to the soft murmuring of the sea. Downstairs – the magical feeling of lying on a soft double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing – watching the shoals of reef fish visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which affords them some protection from predation. For example, three bat fish and a trumpet fish, called Nick, is always swimming around and seemingly looking in! UNDERWATER SPOTLIGHTS By night, the underwater spotlights beneath each window around the room attract the shyer and more unusual species, for instance squid. Coral is already establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopus and even spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes. HOW IT WORKS Your journey will start by boarding a traditionally crafted wooden boat to take you out to the underwater room. The room lies approximately 250m from the shore, about a 2min boat ride over the crystal clear waters of the Manta house reef. On arrival at the room, along with your service fundi and boat captain, you will get shown the ins and outs of your private floating island. We will then leave you alone to enjoy your new surroundings. Once settled in, a light tropical lunch with cold drinks will be ready for you to enjoy at your leisure. A kayak, snorkel and fins will be provided. The underwater room lies in what we call the blue hole, which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine life. After having sundowners on your preferred deck, dinner will be served at a pre-arranged time decided by you and your fundi. After dinner you will be left to yourselves. Breakfast will be served at a pre-arranged time. When arranging your meal times your dietary requirements and meal options can be discussed too. Check out time from the room is at 11:00. FACILITIES A mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything. The bathroom facilities include an open-air fresh water shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is eco-friendly, and a small hand-wash basin. We will provide all necessary environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products. A fully-stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience.

Coral Reef Safari

The Pemba Coral Reef Safari takes place on the far northwestern tip of Pemba Island in Tanzania, overlooking the warm, clear waters of the western Indian Ocean and the vibrant Pemba Channel — Each safari comprises three guided dives, with the option of a night dive for qualified divers. Our scuba safaris are led by a passionate naturalist and dive professional, providing an immersive experience through the marine ecosystems of Pemba Island and the Pemba Channel. Our guided experience aims to foster a deeper connection and understanding of marine wildlife, coral reefs, and the critical importance of Marine Protected Areas. Designed with a low diver-to-guide ratio (maximum 2 divers per guide), these adventures ensure a gentler impact on the aquatic ecosystem — Small dive groups offer a more enriching personal journey for divers and create the opportunity for more intimate wildlife experiences that are impossible with larger groups. Get certified with our Coral Reef Safari Distinctive Specialty. Guided by your Ocean Journal and knowledgeable naturalist, learn about coral reef ecosystems, and the role of MPAs in conserving them. By the end of your safari, you’ll be ready to answer a few questions, and receive your Distinctive Specialty Certification.

Diving

The diving around Pemba Island is nothing else but breathtaking. The untouched coral reefs surrounding the entire island makes Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world. Pemba, Tanzania is the perfect place to start your dive adventure with one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. The water temperature averages at 26ºC, with visibility of 30-40 meters almost every day! All our dives occur within our Marine Protected Areas!

Lighthouse Walk

Located at the northern tip of the island, the lighthouse offers incredible panoramic views of Pemba. Just a 20-minute walk from Manta, your service fundi will accompany you. There’s no charge, except for a $5 entrance fee if you choose to climb the lighthouse and take a tour with the operator, who proudly shares his knowledge in nine languages, continuing a family tradition passed down for generations.

Ngalawa Sunset Cruise

A Ngalawa is the traditional Pemban sailing vessel used by fishermen on the island. Leaving from the beach at around 5:00 pm, you will cruise along the shoreline over the reefs enjoying the sunset. Refreshments are provided.

Sandbank Excursion

At low tide, a sandbank protrudes to offer a walk on the purest white coral sand. The perfect beach to relax on, surrounded by azure blue waters. The excursion relies heavily on the tides, currents, and weather conditions and is not always possible. A cooler box of fruits and refreshments is brought along. This is a 15 minute boat ride from the resort on the most northern point of Pemba Island.

Snorkelling for Conservation

Every morning at 7am, we have "Snorkelling for Conservation", where one of our trained guides will take you for a snorkel. A 100% the proceeds of this activity goes directly to the Blue Alliance, our conservation partner, to protect the reefs around Pemba. Venture into our pristine Marine Protected Area (MPA) right in front of Manta! Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world through snorkelling and encounter an abundance of marine life amidst the crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sands. It's a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers alike, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of the Indian Ocean.

Spice Farm and Rainforest Tour

The Zanzibar islands are known as the ‘spice islands’, with 70% of the world’s cloves coming from Pemba. 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 for about 45 minutes. A protected reserve home to endemic bird species, vervet and black colobus monkeys.