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Explore Pemba Island’s Flying Fox Forest - Book Your Wildlife Experience in Pemba, Tanzania

On Pemba Island in Tanzania you can visit the island’s most remarkable wildlife site, Kidike Sanctuary, home to Pemba’s only endemic mammal - the large, critically endangered bat Pteropus voeltzkowi, known locally as “popo.” You’ll see the colony that roosts in trees rather than caves, a unique experience at the island’s biggest roosting site where about 4,000 bats gather; the sanctuary sits roughly 10km northeast of Chake Chake and is about 3.5km off the Chake–Wete road, making it an accessible nature stop on Pemba itineraries. The population has thrived here partly because a nearby local burial site historically kept the area undisturbed, so when you plan your visit, ring ahead outside peak season to confirm someone is available to welcome you and ensure the best possible wildlife encounter.

About this activity in Pemba Island

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

Highlights

  • See Pemba’s only endemic mammal, the critically endangered popo (Pteropus voeltzkowi), roosting in trees at Kidike Sanctuary - the island’s largest colony of roughly 4,000 bats.
  • Experience a rare wildlife spectacle unique to Pemba Island: these fruit bats spend their days in treetops rather than caves, offering excellent viewing opportunities from boardwalks and lookout points.
  • Visit a culturally significant site - the colony thrives near a local burial area, which historically kept the roost undisturbed and helped sustain the population here.
  • Easy access from Chake Chake: Kidike Sanctuary sits about 10 km northeast of the town and is 3.5 km off the Chake–Wete road, making it a convenient half-day nature stop on Pemba.

Important Information

  • Call ahead outside peak season to confirm the sanctuary is open and staff are present, as access can be seasonal or limited.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for safe, non-intrusive viewing of the treetop roost; keep noise low to avoid disturbing the bats.
  • Allow time for a short guided walk through the sanctuary and a chance to learn about local conservation efforts for the popo and its habitat.
  • The site is best combined with other nearby nature or cultural visits around Chake Chake to make the most of your day on Pemba Island.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Kidike Sanctuary main entrance (approximately 10 km NE of Chake Chake; 3.5 km off the Chake–Wete road). If you prefer hotel pickup, arrange to meet in your hotel lobby in Chake Chake for a short transfer to the sanctuary.

Includes

  • All entrance fees are covered so you can focus on exploring Pemba Island without surprise charges
  • You’ll receive private car pick up and drop off from your hotel, making transfers around the island seamless
  • Transport waiting charges are included, giving you flexibility during stops on your route
  • Bottled water is provided during the tour to keep you refreshed while you explore the area
  • All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees are included for straightforward pricing in Tanzania
  • An experienced professional tour guide accompanies you to enrich your experience with local insight

Excludes

  • You are responsible for medical insurance if needed during your time on the island
  • Gratuities for the tour guide are not included and may be given at your discretion
  • International and domestic flights are not included in the booking
  • Visa costs are not covered, so ensure you have required travel documents for Tanzania
  • Any airport or departure tax is excluded from the price
  • Expenses of a personal nature are not included and should be budgeted separately

Other

  • Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to travel around the region independently
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap during the experience unless you bring alternate seating
  • Specialized infant seats are available to accommodate families with young children
  • This activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries for safety reasons
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers due to activity considerations
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; please assess your fitness before booking
  • The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels, making it family-friendly in this destination
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended when exploring here

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Know more about Pemba Island

Kidike Sanctuary is home to Pemba’s only endemic mammal, the critically endangered fruit bat Pteropus voeltzkowi ( locally called “popo” ), and hosts the island’s biggest roosting site of about 4,000 bats. You’ll see them roosting high in trees rather than caves, making it a unique wildlife and Outdoor & Nature experience near Chake Chake.
Peak season draws more visitors, but the bat colony is consistently present at the Kidike roost. Outside peak season, ring ahead to confirm that staff are present at the sanctuary so you can plan your Nature & Wildlife or Tours & Sightseeing visit without disappointment.
The large population at the Kidike roost - around 4,000 bats - is linked to the proximity of a local burial site, which historically kept the colony undisturbed and allowed the endemic species to thrive in that area.
The main roosting site is about 10 km northeast of Chake Chake and the sanctuary is located roughly 3.5 km off the Chake–Wete road. You can arrange transport from Chake Chake to reach the sanctuary and then follow the access path to the roosting area.
Yes. The sanctuary offers a family-friendly wildlife encounter where you can observe the endemic popo in trees. It’s a great fit for Family & Kids and Tours & Sightseeing activities, though you should check staffing and accessibility details in advance.
Yes. A visit to the Kidike roost pairs well with Outdoor & Nature, Tours & Sightseeing, and Multi-Day / Full-Day itineraries on the island. Plan ahead and confirm staff availability, especially outside peak season, to ensure smooth scheduling with other activities.