Pemba Flying Fox Forest

3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Pemba Flying Fox Forest, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Pemba’s only endemic mammal is a large and critically endangered bat (Pteropus voeltzkowi) called “popo” in Swahili. They spend their days in trees rather than caves and the island’s biggest roosting site, home to some 4000 bats, is at Kidike Sanctuary about 10km northeast of Chake Chake. There's a large population here due to the proximity of a local burial site, which meant the colony was undisturbed. Outside peak season, ring ahead to check that someone is there. Kidike is 3.5km off the Chake–Wete road.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Safanta Tours & Travel Company Limited

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All Entrances Fees
Included: Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car
Included: Transport waiting charge
Included: Bottled water during the tour
Included: All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Included: Experienced Professional Tour guide

Not included

Not included: Medical Insurance if needed
Not included: Gratuities for tour guide
Not included: International & Domestic Flights
Not included: Visa
Not included: Airport/Departure Tax
Not included: Expenses of a personal Nature

Itinerary

Pemba Island

Passing by

The Pemba flying fox is a large fruit bat weighing 400 – 650 g (0.9 – 1.4 lb.). Its diet consists of the fruit and flowers of a number of plants. Primary and secondary forest, graveyards and mangroves provide roosting sites. The Pemba flying fox is very social and has been found in large colonies until recently. The Pemba flying fox is found only on Pemba Island Tanzania. The island was originally forested, but only remnants of the primary forest remain. Estimates of the status of the Pemba flying fox have varied considerably recently. Studies in 1989 suggested a dramatic population decline, with fewer than 10 individuals being seen, and the species was considered to be on the brink of extinction. However, in 1992, surveys indicated a population in the region of 2400-3600, although it was estimated that the population may have declined significantly in the preceding decade.
Pemba Island

3 hours

The Pemba flying fox does not appear near human settlements unless large trees are fruiting. The Pemba flying fox is the only bat species endemic to an African country. Flying foxes are so-called because of their foxlike faces. They cannot use echolocation. Instead, they navigate using vision and normal hearing.

Most flying foxes eat fruit and are also called fruit bats. Fruit bats are ecologically and economically important because they pollinate and disperse the seeds of wild and commercial plants. Pemba Island is home to 4 species of Old World fruit bats (Megachiroptera). However, many villagers are unaware that there is more than one type of bat on the island, which may be a potential source of confusion in assessing the status of the Pemba flying fox.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

for those clients staying in Wete Hotels (Pemba Crown Hotel and Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge).
for those clients staying in Mkoani Hotels (Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Lodge, Lala Lodge and Emerald Bay).
for those clients staying in Micheweni Hotels (The Manta Resort, The Aiyana Resort, Gencko Nature Lodge and Pemba Paradise Resort).
for those clients staying in Chake Chake Hotels (Pemba Island Hotel, Annex of Pemba Island Hotel, Pemba Island Modern Hotel, Archipelago Hotel, Pemba Misali Sunset Beach Hotel and Pemba Green Foliage Hotel).

End point

for those clients staying in Wete Hotels (Pemba Crown Hotel and Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge).
for those clients staying in Mkoani Hotels (Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Lodge, Lala Lodge and Emerald Bay).
for those clients staying in Micheweni Hotels (The Manta Resort, The Aiyana Resort, Gencko Nature Lodge and Pemba Paradise Resort).
for those clients staying in Chake Chake Hotels (Pemba Island Hotel, Annex of Pemba Island Hotel, Pemba Island Modern Hotel, Archipelago Hotel, Pemba Misali Sunset Beach Hotel and Pemba Green Foliage Hotel).

Pickup points

Pemba Misali Sunset Beach
Fundu Lagoon
The Manta Resort
Pemba Crown Hotel

Hotel pickups commence approximately 7 - 75 minutes prior to this time and it depends on the location of the hotel, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A moderate amount of walking is involved

Options

Departure from Wete

Starting point:

Wete, Tanzania

Pickup included
Departure from Micheweni

Starting point:

Micheweni, Tanzania

Pickup included
Departure from Mkoani

Starting point:

Mkoani, Tanzania

Pickup included
Departure from Chake Chake

Starting point:

Chake Chake, Tanzania

Pickup included