Pemba Flying Fox Forest from Mkoani

Highlights

• Visit Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary
• Meet with the endangered bat species
• Learn fascinating facts about the fruit bats

All about the trip

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 10 km 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 3,5 km off the Chake–Wete road.

The Pemba flying fox is a large fruit bat weighing 400 – 650 g. Its diet consists of the fruit and flowers of a number of plants. Primary and secondary forests, 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 2 400 - 3 600, 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 bats on the island, which may be a potential source of confusion in assessing the status of the Pemba flying fox.

What is included in the price

• Experienced professional tour guide
• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in a private car
• Bottled water during the tour
• All entrances fees
• Transport waiting charge
• All taxes, fuel surcharges, and service fees

What is not included in the price

• Medical insurance if needed
• Gratuities for tour guide
• International and domestic flights
• Visa fee (50 USD / 100 USD for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
• Airport/departure tax
• Personal expenses

Instructions

Not wheelchair accessible.

Not stroller accessible.

Not suitable for pets.

Not recommended for people with back problems.

Not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Not recommended for people with heart conditions.

A moderate amount of walking is involved.

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

This activity is organised by Safanta Tours and Travel comp., Chukwani street, P.O.BOX 3651, Urban/West Region, Zanzibar, Tanzania, +255 778 856 362, info@safantatours.co.tz.