Tanzania Safari
Tanzania Safari

Pemba Flying Fox Tour

Witness the world's largest fruit bats in their natural habitat

Overview

Discover the magnificent Pemba Flying Fox, a giant fruit bat endemic to the lush forests of Pemba Island.

Pemba Flying Foxes (genus Pteropus) are among the largest bats in the world, with a breathtaking wingspan of up to 70cm. These creatures live in the tropics and subtropics but this specific species is endemic to Pemba Island, meaning it is found nowhere else on Earth. They are animals of breathtaking sight, especially when they take to the air en-masse for their evening foraging.

Once on the brink of extinction in the early 1990s with only 200 individuals remaining, the population has recovered to around 12,000 thanks to community conservation efforts. They play a critical role in the forest ecosystem by dispersing seeds, which is essential for the survival of many tree species on the island.

Tour Highlights

  • See the world's largest fruit bats
  • Visit Kidike Village sanctuary
  • Learn about community conservation
  • Explore lush Pemba Island forests

Tour Details

  • Expert Trained Local Guide
  • Conservation Talk & Visitor Center
  • Hotel Pick up/Drop-off
  • Eco-Tourism Experience

Conservation & Ecology

The Kidike Sanctuary

Kidike Village is the home of the largest colony of flying fox bats. During daylight hours, the trees at this site are literally smothered with giant bats hanging upside down and snoozing. It's an incredible sight to see hundreds of these creatures roosting together. There is a visitor's center on-site where you can learn more about their biology and the history of their rescue from extinction.

A Vital Role in Nature

These bats are critical for maintaining the forest integrity of Pemba. Their feeding patterns result in the spread of seeds, and some tree species actually need their seeds to pass through the bat's digestive system before they can germinate. Without the Flying Fox, the fragile forest ecosystem of Pemba would crumble, leading to the loss of firewood, medicinal plants, and habitats for other species.

Flying Fox FAQs

You can see the bats roosting in the trees during the day. However, the most breathtaking sight is at dusk when they take flight en-masse to go and feed.

No, fruit bats are generally harmless to humans. They feed primarily on fruit and nectar. As with all wildlife, they should be observed from a distance and not disturbed.
Pemba Flying Fox Bat
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Witness one of the most unique wildlife spectacles in Pemba Island.

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Flying Fox Colony