Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»Chake Chake has the island's only internationally linked ATM, so come pre-
pared with enough cash.
»Despite the scarcity of tourists, prices are as high as (and sometimes higher
than) those in Zanzibar.
»Most businesses operate from 8am to 3pm and many reopen from 7pm to 9pm.
Outside Chake Chake few stores open on Sundays. Many also shut down for a
few minutes at 1pm so the men can pop over to the mosque for prayers.
»Other than local brews (the most common of which is
nazi,
a fermented coconut
wine), there's little alcohol available on the island once away from the expensive
resorts.
»Unmarried couples are not allowed to share a room in most hotels in towns (no
problems at the resorts) and you may be asked to produce a marriage certificate
as proof.
Chake Chake
Lively Chake Chake, set on a ridge overlooking mangrove-filled Chake Chake Bay, is
Pemba's main town and the best base for visiting the island's southern half, including Mis-
ali. There's no equivalent of Stone Town here, but it's an appealingly scruffy city whose
compact core is packed tight with small shops and makes for an interesting walk.
