At Kidike Sanctuary you can see Pemba’s only endemic mammal: the large, critically endangered bat Pteropus voeltzkowi, known locally as the “popo”. These fruit bats roost in trees rather than caves, and the island’s biggest colony — home to around 4,000 individuals — is based in the sanctuary. As you move through the site you’ll get a close sense of their tree-roosting behaviour and the scale of the colony.
The unusually large population here is linked to a nearby local burial site, which historically kept the area undisturbed and allowed the colony to thrive. Kidike Sanctuary lies about 10 km northeast of Chake Chake and is roughly 3.5 km off the Chake–Wete road. Outside peak season, it’s advisable to ring ahead to check that someone will be there to receive visitors.
Why Visit
- Kidike Sanctuary home to Pemba’s only endemic mammal popo
- Roosting colony of about 4,000 Pteropus voeltzkowi bats in trees
- Sanctuary located about 10km northeast of Chake Chake
- Nearby local burial site left the bat colony undisturbed
- Location 3.5km off the Chake–Wete road
What's included
- Entrance fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in private car
- Transport waiting charge
- Bottled water
- All taxes and fees
- Experienced professional tour guide
What's Not Included
- Medical insurance
- Gratuities for tour guide
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Airport departure tax
- Personal expenses
Accessibility
- Public transit links nearby
- Infants must sit on an adult's lap
- Infant seats available
Tour available in your selected language
Additional information
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