Things To Do
in Chake Chake
Chake Chake is the principal town on Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania, known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, clove plantations and dhow-studded bays. The town serves as a low-key commercial and transport hub with a lively market, small shops and historic ruins nearby. It is a good base for exploring Pemba's lush interior, mangroves, coral reefs and the island's distinct Swahili-Muslim culture.
Expect friendly locals, slow pace of life, basic tourist infrastructure and strong ties to traditional agriculture and fishing.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a guided walking tour through Chake Chake, where you can marvel at the architecture and the vibrant local markets. Engage with local artisans and discover the traditional crafts that are a hallmark of the region. Don’t forget to taste some local pastries at a nearby café, where the aroma of fresh spices wafts through the air.
After lunch, visit the Chake Chake Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the island. Take your time exploring the displays that showcase the traditional livelihoods of the local people. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, taking in spectacular views of the ocean and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the harbor. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as locals gather to socialize and unwind after a long day. Cap off your evening with a leisurely stroll along the beach, allowing the sound of waves to serenade you under the starlit sky.
After a hearty breakfast, board a traditional dhow boat for an adventure across the turquoise waters to nearby islands for snorkeling. Be mesmerized by the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life while you explore the underwater world. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins that might accompany your boat along the way.
Continue your island-hopping experience with a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, where you can relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. As you prepare to return, the shimmering sunsets will provide you with perfect photo opportunities.
Back in Chake Chake, unwind at a cozy beach bar where local music plays in the background, creating a lively atmosphere. Savor traditional Tanzanian dishes while making new friends with fellow travelers. Join in a cultural dance or storytelling session by the beach, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (2-course) | $10-20 |
| 🚕Short taxi or local boda-boda ride | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $25-60 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unspoiled natural beauty, excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities
- Authentic local culture and spice-plantation heritage
- Laid-back atmosphere with fewer tourists than Unguja
- Great opportunities for photography—coast, mangroves, markets and traditional dhows
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer high-end amenities
- Fewer flight and ferry connections compared with Unguja; logistics can be slower
- Basic healthcare facilities—serious issues may require evacuation to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam
- Some roads and services may be unreliable during the rainy season
- "Jambo / Hujambo?" - Hello / How are you?
- "Asante (sana)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Shikamoo / Marahaba" - Respectful greeting to elders / reply
- "Kweli?" - Really?
Places to Visit in Chake Chake
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light on traditional dhow boats and fishermen; excellent silhouette and reflection shots.
Historic stone ruins with sweeping coastal views—good for wide-angle landscape and atmospheric heritage photos.
Vibrant market scenes with spices, fish, produce and colorful textiles—great for street and cultural photography.
Twisting waterways framed by mangrove roots provide striking nature images and wildlife opportunities.
Rows of clove trees and workers during harvest season create textured, cultural agricultural photos.
Underwater and shoreline photography of coral, fish and clear water—bring underwater housing for cameras.
Food in Chake Chake
Chake Chake Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spiced rice dish cooked with meat or fish, aromatic and popular for special meals; find it at local restaurants and market stalls.
Must-Try!
Fresh fish or octopus simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes and spices; commonly available at beach restaurants and guesthouses.
Local breads and fried snacks often served with tea; available from bakeries and street vendors in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where you can buy fresh fish, fruit, cloves and prepared street snacks; best early morning when catches arrive.
Simple grills and stalls by the bay offering the daily catch—great for fresh, inexpensive seafood and sunset views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Pemba is predominantly Muslim—dress modestly, especially in towns and villages. Women should cover shoulders and knees; swimwear is fine on private beaches but wear cover-ups when leaving the beach.
Polite greetings are important—use 'Jambo' or 'Habari' and shake hands where appropriate. Use more formal greetings for elders (e.g., 'Shikamoo' with the reply 'Marahaba').
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious sites. Avoid loud or boisterous behavior during prayer times and local events.
Be respectful during Ramadan—avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight in Muslim communities. Observe local customs at mosques and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Chake Chake
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. In restaurants 5–10% is fine if service is good (check for service charges). Offer small tips (a few hundred to a few thousand TZS) to guides, drivers and porters for good service.
Cash in Tanzanian shillings (TZS) is king—small vendors and many guesthouses do not accept cards. US dollars are sometimes accepted but bring small denominations. ATMs are limited on Pemba; bring enough cash or withdraw in Zanzibar (Unguja) or Dar es Salaam. Credit cards work in a few larger hotels but connectivity can be unreliable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy rain showers and higher humidity; many paths get muddy and some boat trips may be disrupted. This is low season—fewer tourists and lush green landscapes, but plan for flexible travel.
Intermittent showers with warm temperatures; short downpours possible but plenty of dry spells—good for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Drier, slightly cooler and more comfortable for exploration, hiking and diving; this is peak travel time with clearer seas and better visibility for snorkeling.
Hot and humid with sunny days—ideal for beach activities, though occasional short rains may occur. Popular with visitors seeking sun and snorkeling.
Chake Chake at Night
Hiking in Chake Chake
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A biodiverse evergreen forest in northern Pemba with marked trails for birdwatching, endemic plants and shaded walks; guided hikes recommended to spot rare species.
Short hikes around the Pujini ruins and adjacent coastal paths offer scenic views of the shore and historical sites—suitable for half-day walks.
Guided walking or kayaking routes through mangrove systems reveal unique ecosystems and provide tranquil exploration close to Chake Chake.
Airports
How to reach Chake Chake by plane.
The island's main airport with domestic flights to and from Zanzibar (Unguja) and Dar es Salaam; closest airport to Chake Chake and the most convenient entry point for Pemba.
On Unguja island (Stone Town). Travelers can fly into ZNZ and transfer to Pemba by a short connecting flight or by ferry; useful if you plan to combine visits to Unguja and Pemba.
Major international gateway to Tanzania. From Dar es Salaam, you can take a domestic flight to Pemba or Zanzibar and then transfer by ferry/flight to Pemba.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority are Swahili-speaking coastal communities with deep ties to seafaring, trade and the island's Islamic heritage.
Historic trading links mean there are families of Omani Arab and South Asian descent involved in commerce and cultural life.
Large proportion of the population is engaged in fishing, clove and spice cultivation, and small-scale agriculture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches are common and community-focused, with informal games on beaches and fields.
Both subsistence and sport fishing are central to island life; traditional dhow and modern fishing coexist and community fishing events are common.
Diving, snorkeling and kiteboarding (in suitable spots) are popular among visitors and some locals in coastal areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chake Chake.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: order vegetable curries, rice, chapati, and bean dishes. Clearly state 'Mimi ni mlezi mboga' (I am vegetarian) and check for fish stock in sauces.
Vegan choices exist (coconut-based stews, vegetables, fruits) but confirm use of ghee or fish products. Carry snacks if you have strict requirements.
Rice-based dishes are common and generally safe; avoid wheat-based breads and fried snacks unless ingredients are confirmed. Cross-contamination may occur.