Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Pemba Lodge is located on the small offshore island of Shamiani. It is home only to small, friendly village communities and quite a few rare species in both flora and fauna. Despite its natural beauty, it is as yet undisturbed by the influx of mass tourism.

The Turtles on Shamiani

Every year, both the endangered green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle come to the shores of Shamiani Island to lay their eggs. The villagers used to hunt them, because the meat is very tasty and nutritious, and the shell (tortoise shell) can be used commercially.

Pemba Lodge is cooperating with local fishermen to bring them to the lodge instead so that they can be set free again. If a villager reports a nest with eggs, Pemba Lodge even pays him a salary to look after the nest until the baby turtles hatch. This way, the people from Shamiani have come to value a live turtle more than one which they kill for their meat.

Since Pemba Lodge started its operation in late 2010, more than 20 turtles have been saved through the project.

Pemba Lodge works closely with a marine conservationist in order to constantly improve the project for the protection of those rare animals.

Peer Consulting and Sharing Expertise

Pemba Lodge invites researchers and scientists in the field of ecology, marine conservation and other related disciplines to stay at the lodge and conduct their research in exchange for their assistance and input in environmental projects.

In turn, Pemba Lodge is happy to share knowledge and experience; and to support other local conservation projects in Unguja and Pemba in their efforts to protect the beautiful nature of the island.

Pemba Lodge also cooperate with and sponsor the Uzi Island Sea Turtle sanctuary and program.