Chemka Hot Springs : This lovely mineral spring is fed by groundwater from Mount Kilimanjaro. The Chemka Hot Springs are located in Chemka town, which is roughly 40 kilometers from Moshi district. They are warm water springs that are subterranean. The water creates a crystal-clear pond that is perfect for swimming. The pond is incredibly deep, up to 10 meters in certain spots, but the water is so pure that you can always see the bottom. The pond is nestled amid beautiful woods. You can camp by the shore, eat your snacks there, and hang out there after swimming to dry off.
Driving takes more than an hour due to the winding and rocky nature of the road leading to the Hot Springs. While on the tour, you can take in the breathtaking surroundings and experience real Tanzanian culture. If you’d like, we can start cooking a BBQ for you while you swim. We can also have a campfire and a bush dinner while staying the night in the hot springs, if that would be your preference. Baboons and many monkey species can be seen all over the springs.
Typically, tourists to Tanzania base themselves in Arusha or Moshi between safaris and mountain excursions. A day trip to the Chemka Hot Springs, also known as the Kikuletwa Hot Springs, is one of the best things to do when recovering from multi-day tours and trekking excursions. This is one of Tanzania’s hidden jewels, and it’s only 1.5 hours from Arusha and adjacent Moshi Town.
What to expect on your Chemka hot spring safari tour
Starting on the main road heading towards Moshi or Arusha, the journey to Kikuletwa Hot springs from Arusha will begin (depending on your location). We’ll leave the main road and take an exciting off-road path that leads directly into no man’s land after traveling on it and possibly catching a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive will take you past baobab and acacia trees, arid riverbeds, and beautiful African countryside. On our way to the Kikuletwa Hot springs, we will travel through some of the several tribes that call this huge region home.
As soon as you get to the hot springs, you can swim, rope swim, explore, unwind, and take in the lovely green paradise. To explore the underwater environment and look for turtles that are hidden, you can rent snorkeling goggles. Put your towel out, get a coconut, or even get a very local massage if you want to unwind.
How to Get to Chemka-Kikuletwa Hot Springs
You should be aware that there is no public transportation that goes to Chemka-Kikuletwa Hot Springs; the only options to get there are either on a private trip or by taking a dala-dala, taxi and boda-boda.
A day trip to the Chemka hot springs from Moshi typically costs around $70 or $50 and includes transportation from Moshi, admission fees, and lunch. This charge is variable, as is everything else, and does not include tips. If you want to pay less, find some traveling friends in the hotel and travel in group, because the price is lower when there are more individuals. If you reserve a tour, you will have approximately four hours to spend at the spring, which is more than enough time for a thorough session of relaxation.
The road to Kikuletwa Hot Springs is in poor condition, so plan on traveling for at least 30 minutes to an hour over a rough, unpaved, hole-filled, occasionally flooded road.
Tourist attractions and Activities: Things to see and do at Chemka Hot Springs Include:
You pass through local villages.
Chance of meeting a variety of primates, including baboons.
Exploring the Masai people’s culture, lifestyle, and traditions.
Enjoying the scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Enjoy swimming in the hot springs.
Experience the local food such as chips Mayai, or barbecue for lunch.
Swing and jump into the hot ponds.
Make memorable photos swimming in the incredibly transparent and clean waters of the Chemka Hot Springs.
What to Bring With You When You Visit Chemka Hot Springs
In addition to your swimsuit and a change of clothes, be sure to carry a towel and a pareo, which you may use as a blanket to sit on if the picnic tables are not available. Bring your waterproof phone case and any underwater cameras you may have, such as a GoPro. Photographing the underwater scenery is quite cool. To prevent getting mud on your feet, put on some flip-flops. The area around the water can get muddy.
Conclusion: the Chemka hot spring is the best and wonderful safari destination best visited after your hiking safaris at Mount Kilimanjaro, mount meru and also after a wildlife safaris in Tanzania northern safari circuit parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, lake Manyara, and Arusha national park. You will travel across Maasai arid community for about an hour from Moshi before reaching a stunning green forest. The naturally warm spring with warm water is tucked away among the twisted fig trees and is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The waters are crystal clear and heated by volcanic activity, and there is a swing from which the daring can dive into the water. Alternatively, you can just take a bath in them. You might also be fortunate enough to see breathtaking vistas of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
