Experience The Pemba Flying Foxes
Kidike Sanctuary, Mjini Ole, Pemba Island, Zanzibar - Tanzania
Offered in: English and French
Tour Duration
3 hours (Approximately)Minimum Group Size
1 PersonMaximum Group Size
50 PeopleTour Type
Nature WalksGuides/Drivers
In-personMinimum Age
Children with 2 years & aboveMeeting & Pickup
Pick-up/Drop-off at any placeCut-off Time
4 hours before start timeCancellation Policy
May cancel up to 24 hoursChildren Need to be Accompanied By at Least One Adult
Our advice:
- You can combine with A Day Out At VumaWimbi Sandbank or Visiting Cultural Villages in Pemba as full day excursion
- Not allowed to feed or touch the bats, alter habitat, or take any items home and Walk in silence
- We suggest going in the morning; higher possibility of seeing the Bats and Monkeys
- Suitable for all ages and fitness level, children enjoy it a lot
- Bring your Sun lotion/cream, Sun hat and sun glasses
- Strong shoes appropriate for walking in the forest
Description
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. This is a half day to visit the Pemba flying fox which is a large fruit bat weighing from 400 to 650g (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. 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. 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.
What's Included
- Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour guide
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car with air condition
- Waiting Charge, Fuel Surcharges & Service Fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Contribution to the local community
- Mineral Water During the Tour
- Entrances Fees
What's Excluded
- Medical Insurance if needed
- Gratuities for Tour Guide or Driver
- International & Domestic Flights
- Expenses of a personal Nature
- Airport/Departure Tax
- Visa Fee
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
