Ras Kigomasha Lighthouse

Pemba


Located on the headland (ras) at the far northern tip of the Kigomasha Peninsula, this lighthouse was built by the British in 1900 and is still actively maintained by its keeper. Unlike many lighthouses on Zanzibar it's built of iron, rather than stone. Scale the tiny staircase (95 steps) for wonderful views out to sea and back across the island.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Pemba attractions

1. Vumawimbi Beach

2.26 MILES

Stepping onto Vumawimbi, you may need to rub your eyes to check you haven’t gone to heaven, so idyllic is the view. Stretching along the east side of the…

2. Ngezi Forest Reserve

5.56 MILES

In far northeastern Pemba, dense and wonderfully lush Ngezi is one of the last remaining areas of indigenous forest that once covered much of the island,…

3. Tumbe Fish Market

9.43 MILES

Down on the beach beyond Tumbe village, the sands are covered in fishing boats and tackle, and lined with a motley collection of huts where fishers gather…

4. Chwaka Ruins

10.87 MILES

Spread out amid palm trees and cassava fields, Chwaka Ruins consist of two separate sites, the Mazrui Tombs dating back to the 17th century, and the main…

5. Flying Fox Colony

13.4 MILES

Hanging in trees just up from the port is a colony of Pemba flying foxes (a species of large bat usually found in forest areas). Despite their proximity…

6. Pemba Channel Conservation Area

13.85 MILES

The waters and islets along the entire west coast of Pemba are officially protected as the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA). The aim is to benefit…

7. Ras Mkumbuu Ruins

22.32 MILES

Ras Mkumbuu is the headland at the end of the thin strip of land jutting into the sea northwest of Chake Chake. It's also the name given to the ruins of…

8. Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary

23.59 MILES

Kidike Sanctuary is home to a spectacular colony of Pemba flying foxes, a large bat indigenous to Pemba (called popo in Swahili). About 4000 individuals…