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Chumbe Lighthouse

Fl W 11s🇹🇿Tanzania, TZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Chumbe Lighthouse

The Chumbe Lighthouse is a white, square stone tower standing 60 meters tall, with its light positioned 37 meters above sea level. Built in 1904, it was first lit the same year and originally produced its light using acetylene. This automated acetylene system, in place since 1926 and controlled by a sun valve, was used until 2013. The lighthouse now operates using a solar-powered system. It emits a white light with one flash every 11 seconds, providing a geographic range of 16 nautical miles. The structure is visible from 299° to 196°.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is a historic structure, originally using acetylene for its light, and now operates on a solar-powered system.

Background
The Chumbe Lighthouse (Swahili: Mnara wa Taa wa Chumbe) is a historic lighthouse located on Chumbe Island on Malindi ward of Mjini District in the Mjini Magharibi Region of Tanzania's Zanzibar Island. Until 2013 it burned acetylene to produce the light, a process that since 1926 had been automated with use of a sun valve. The lighthouse now uses a solar-powered (photovoltaic) system.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 11s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
11s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 11s
Focal Height
37m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1904

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D6704
NGA No.
31416
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q15734099 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
60m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: White square tower; 113. Visible 299°-196°

Location

City
Tanzania
Country
🇹🇿TZ
Latitude
-6.2801°
Longitude
39.1769°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Chumbe Lighthouse at night?+
Chumbe displays the characteristic Fl W 11s — 1 white flash every 11 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Chumbe Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chumbe Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Mkokotoni, Zanzibar at 6.8 NM to the N. Other ports served include Zanzibar (7.3 NM N), Dar es Salaam (33.6 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chumbe Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Chumbe Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Chumbe Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chumbe Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.