Overview
Chemka Hot Springs (locally: Kikuletwa) is one of the few places in northern Tanzania designed by geology to do exactly that. An underground volcanic aquifer surfaces here through the floor of a fig forest, creating a continuously-flowing pool of clear, faintly-warm water about 25-30 metres across. The water is so clear you can watch the bottom from a rope swing tied to a fig tree branch. The temperature sits around 20-25°C, refreshing rather than thermal-bath hot, which is good news after a sweaty drive.
What makes it work as a tour day, rather than just a swim, is the route in. We drive through Maasai-pastoral country, flat-top acacias, herds of zebu, kids in red shukas waving from the side of the track. The road for the last 30 minutes is unpaved and slow, which keeps the place from being overrun. Once you arrive, the whole site is small enough to absorb in twenty minutes and good enough to want four hours of.
Witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitats, from the famed Big Five to countless bird species, all while enjoying the expert guidance and care of our team. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply seeking an awe-inspiring getaway, this safari promises memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
7:30 AM: Pickup from your accommodation
Your driver-guide arrives in a private 4x4 (Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent). Cold bottled water, sunscreen, and a chilled picnic lunch already onboard. We confirm any dietary needs the night before, no surprises at the lodge gate. Pro tip: Eat a real breakfast. The drive is long enough that you'll want fuel, and the lunch is timed for after the swim.
8:00 AM: Drive west through the Maasai Steppe
The route goes via Boma Ng'ombe and Sanya Juu, then turns onto unpaved track. Flat scrub country, acacias, occasional Maasai herders. Kilimanjaro fills the rear view if the morning is clear. Photo stops on request, this is the kind of landscape your phone won't do justice to but you'll try anyway.
9:30 AM: Arrival at Chemka. Swim.
We'll pay the entry fee at the small gate (included in your trip price). The walk down to the springs takes three minutes through fig trees draped in roots. The pool is open to the public but rarely crowded, especially before 11am. Rope swing on the far side. Kids included. Pro tip: Arrive early on purpose. The first ninety minutes are the quietest, and the light through the canopy at 10am is the best of the day for photographs.
12:00 PM: Picnic lunch under the canopy
We set up your lunch on a shaded platform near the water. Standard menu: chicken or vegetable curry, fresh chapati, salad, fruit, juice, water. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, all covered if requested at booking. Coffee and tea on a small stove for the post-lunch slump.
1:30 PM: Second swim, optional walk, or just nap
This is the unstructured stretch of the day. Most travelers swim again, some walk the perimeter trail through the fig grove (~40 minutes), some find a hammock spot and read. Your guide is around if you want context on the geology, the local Maasai, or where to look for the bee-eaters that nest in the riverbank.
4:30 PM:Return to Moshi
Back to your accommodation by 5:30pm in time to shower, decompress, and decide whether you have it in you to find dinner or whether room service wins.
Tour inclusive & exclusive
- English speaking driver / guide
- Entry Fee
- All activities
- Transportation
- Drinking water
- All government taxes & tour levies
- Picnic lunch with dietary options confirmed in advance
- Tips for divers/guides
- Personal items/expenses
- Alcohol/Sodas
- Personal travel insurance