The Manta Resort sits on the far north-west coast of Pemba, with 18 rooms and the Underwater Room, a three-storey structure anchored about 250 m offshore whose bedroom is submerged. It is a quiet, dive-led resort for couples and older children, and the journey is part of the trip.
The Oloi Selects view of The Manta Resort
Pemba is quieter and slower to reach than Zanzibar’s main island. These notes come from trade listings, and we mark the points we verify.
At a glance
- Eighteen rooms: six Seafront Villas and 12 Garden Rooms.
- The Underwater Room is anchored about 250 m offshore, with the bedroom submerged and glass on all sides. Its minimum age is 12.
- The pool flows into a small waterfall and plunge pool. There is no lifeguard and depth markings are limited, so guests are advised not to jump or dive.
- PADI dive centre, snorkelling, sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, birdwatching at Ngezi Forest and village visits. Activities and excursions are not included in the rate.
- Listed as open year-round except April and May. We confirm this in your quote.
- There are no phones in the rooms, so room service has to be arranged in advance.
Who it suits
Couples, divers and travellers who want a remote island stay with a sense of occasion and who are happy to treat the journey as part of the trip.
Who it does not suit
Anyone short on time, because the drive from Pemba airport takes about an hour and a half on bumpy roads. It also does not suit families with children under 7, who are not permitted, or guests who want a lively beach scene.
Its place in a route
Pemba is usually added after a safari or after time on the main island, reached by a short flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. We plan at least three nights so the transfer does not take most of the stay.
Families
Children under 7 are not permitted, and the Underwater Room has a minimum age of 12. There are no special children’s activities, and supervision is advised at all times. Because the pool has no lifeguard, parents should stay close to younger swimmers.
Getting there
Fly to Pemba airport, then drive about one and a half hours along bumpy roads to the resort. Zanzibar and Pemba are malaria areas, and our quotes include yellow fever and malaria guidance.
What the rate usually excludes
Expert Africa lists food, drinks (including drinking water), laundry and one spa treatment a day at Kipipeo Spa as included. Activities and excursions are extra. We confirm this in your quote.
What we would choose instead
For a similar remote Pemba stay with a boat arrival, we look at Fundu Lagoon. For a private reef island off the main island, we look at andBeyond Mnemba Island.
Last checked against the property’s own information: October 2026. Details change, so we confirm them again when we quote your itinerary.