This pretty part of Africa is known for its incredible natural landscapes including its beautiful beaches.

Pemba is an island off the coast of Tanzania and some say it deserves more visitors.

Telegraph Travel’s Sally Peck said: “Intrepid adventurers have always come here in small numbers: Pemba’s white sand beaches are ringed on all sides by coral reefs which offer some of east Africa’s best snorkelling and diving. 

“During the annual whale migration, in July and August, humpback whales have been sighted off the east coast. And yet, while the island’s charms are many, visitors are relatively few.  

“There’s the inconvenience of the half-hour flight from Zanzibar (it’s wise to break up your journey with a night or two in Zanzibar, for a dose of culture and a historic tour). And there’s also the dearth of mid-range hotels on Pemba. 

“But these combine to create an exclusive paradise that can serve as hideaway, springboard for adventure, or classic beach holiday without the hordes. 

“Here, you’ll find no merchants selling tourist clobber on the beach; you’ll see not a speck of the rubbish that lines mainland roads and beaches as you cycle or motor through quiet villages. For that matter, you’ll see no advertisements – just calm, rural life.”

Pemba remains largely ‘undiscovered’ by travellers, and this is part of the island’s appeal. 

It is often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Unguja, even though Pemba is hillier and more verdant.

On the island, you’ll find  forests, swamps, hidden beaches, lagoons, and tidal sandbanks. 

To get there, flights are frequently provided by airlines Coastal Air or Auric Air – many tourists choose to fly in only 30 minutes from Unguja.

One of the best things to do on the island is to go snorkeling as the entire island is surrounded by coral reefs.

You can also visit the Ngezi Forest Reserve which is located in the north east of the island.

It is home to one of the last remaining areas of indigenous forest that once covered much of the island and is as close to the rainforest that you’ll get anywhere in the area.

The sanctuary is protected by a 1476-hectare reserve; the forest is complete with vines providing swings for raucous vervet monkeys.