Chake-Chake City
City on Pemba Island, known for beaches
Pemba Island port with clove plantations and coral-fringed bays-diving off steep reefs, dhow trips, clove market smells, and lazy afternoons on white-sand beaches attract divers and sailors.
74°F
Why Visit Chake-Chake?#
Perched on Pemba Island, this coastal town draws visitors for its spice-scented markets, clove plantations and easy boat access to coral-fringed reefs. Seafood and Swahili-influenced dishes like pilau are central to the food scene, while dhow trips, traditional fishing villages and the nearby Ngezi Forest Reserve offer contrasting marine and forest experiences. Expect laid-back island rhythms, friendly market stalls and palm-fringed beaches that showcase Pemba’s quieter side.
Best Things to Do in Chake-Chake#
Chake-Chake Bucket List#
Chake-Chake Market - Lively market selling fresh fish, spices and Pemba-grown cloves and produce.
Chake-Chake Museum - Small museum with exhibits on Pemba history, Swahili culture and island archaeology.
Chake-Chake Beach - Sandy shoreline close to town, popular for swimming and late-afternoon strolls.
Makangale Caves - Coastal caves with tide pools and quiet spots for low-tide exploration and photography.
Local dhow departures - Arrange short traditional boat trips with fishermen for island-to-island coastal views.
Small clove drying yards - Observe local agricultural practice where cloves are sun-dried on community platforms.
Misali Island Marine Reserve - Short boat trip to coral reefs with snorkeling and coastal birdlife observation opportunities.
Ngezi Forest Reserve - Dense Pemba forest reachable by road for guided walks and endemic species spotting.
Best Time to Visit Chake-Chake#
Chake‑Chake is tropical and humid year‑round with two rainy periods. For calm seas and the best snorkeling, aim for the dry months (June-September or brief January-February).
March - May
24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)
Heavy, sustained rains and high humidity; beaches and transport can be disrupted, but vegetation is lush and fewer tourists mean quieter island life.
October - December
24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Intermittent showers and muggy, warm days-good for fewer crowds but expect some rain and choppier seas; snorkeling visibility can be variable.
June - September & January - February
24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F)
Calm seas, lower humidity and best visibility for diving and snorkeling; ideal for beach time, boat trips, and exploring Pemba’s villages.
Chake-Chake's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1455 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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March
March is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (299 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (254 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 25 mm.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (162 mm).
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (156 mm).
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How to Get to Chake-Chake#
How to Get Around Chake-Chake#
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Shopping in Chake-Chake#
Shopping here centers on the local market and small stalls selling spices (Pemba is known for cloves), fresh fish and everyday goods. You’ll find simple souvenir stalls and island-made spices rather than upscale boutiques. For more variety in crafts or specialty items, check markets in nearby Stone Town on Zanzibar or larger Pemba markets when available.
Nightlife in Chake-Chake#
Nightlife in Chake-Chake is modest and laid-back. Evenings are usually spent at small beachfront cafés, guesthouse bars or informal gatherings rather than clubs or large venues. If you want live music or a livelier scene, you’ll generally need to travel to larger towns or resorts on Zanzibar.
