Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip
Relax and Refresh Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip
A short but bumpy drive from Moshi are the clear, turquoise waters of the Chemka Hot Springs, an oasis of geothermal warmth that bubbles up from underground. Surrounded by lush forest alive with birdsong and the call of monkeys, the Chemka Hot Springs is an ideal place to ease those tired legs after a strenuous ascent up Kilimanjaro. They’re a little bit of heaven that’s perfect for a daytrip, and those warm blue waters invite you to linger, swim or explore. Return refreshed, revitalised and relaxed.
And if you really don’t want to leave just yet, we can organise and afternoon barbie or even an overnight stay.
TOUR ITINERARY
We’ll pick you up from your Moshi hotel early morning for the hour-long drive to the Chemka Hot Springs. The road is very bumpy and windy, so hang on! During the drive, don’t forget to enjoy the wonderful scenery and authentic Tanzanian life as it unfolds along the road.
When we arrive, you’re free to be you. Linger at the edge of the springs, taking in the blue, blue waters and the lush green of the surrounding forest. Take a leisurely swim (don’t forget that the waters are very warm, so you won’t feel like an Olympic sprint) or float in a world that’s all your own, listening to the water lapping and the birds overhead. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not play on the rope swing? Playing isn’t just for kids!
The pond can be very deep, in some places up to 10 meters, but the water is so clear that you can see right to the bottom. Eat your lunch in the shade of the trees or, if you’re a sun bunny, find a hot spot all your own. You’ve plenty of time to spot the wildlife that also enjoy the Chemka Hot Springs.
Experience a slice of local life with a visit to the idyllic oasis that is Kikuleta Hotsprings. Better known as ‘Maji Moto’, this gorgeous geothermal spring is a popular playground with locals and international visitors alike.
ARUSHA/MOSHI - MAJI MOTO
You’ll depart from your Arusha or Moshi hotel and make the two-hour drive to Maji Moto. This scenic drive takes you off the tourist trail and offers a glimpse into local life: bustling markets, local farms, and the like.
You’ll then spend a few hours soaking in the pleasantly warm waters, swinging on the rope swing, relaxing in the sun-dappled shade of the trees, and feasting on local favourites such as chips maiyai (a French fry omelette) and nyama choma (BBQ)
.
After your fun in the sun, you’ll return to your lodge or continue on to your next destination.
Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs
Maji Moto, known locally as Kikuletwa Hotsprings, is paradisiac oasis amidst the Tanzanian savannah, offers captivating, Bounty-styled views, crystal-clean water and dense vegetation around. Located in 2-hour drive from Moshi (Tanzania) – the main climbing hub of the region – Chemka Hot Springs is the best place to visit after a Kilimanjaro hike or a safari adventure.
Chemka oasis is a unique phenomenon – it is the only place in Tanzania (and most likely in the whole East Africa), where the groundwater actively interacted with geothermal sources, forming a number of small lakes with warm, never-stagnating water, which purity is not inferior to the best Dominican or Maldivian resorts.
1 day safari to Chemka Kikuletwa hot spring, 1 day tour to Chemka Kikuletwa hot spring,
Day tour to Chemka Kikuletwa hot spring,
Soak in the geo-thermal waters of Chemka Hot Springs on a day-trip from Arusha to a beautiful site that’s surrounded by trees. Round-trip transport from Arusha makes this an hassle-free way to escape the city for a day at the hot springs, where you can swim, relax tired traveling muscles, and enjoy an included picnic lunch before returning to the city.
• Naturally heated Chemka Hot Springs are an easy Arusha day trip
• Swim in a beautiful site in the forest
• Relaxing experience following a Kilimanjaro hike or safari
• Includes transport, entrance fees, and lunch
Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip
An Oasis In The Backcountry
Chemka Hot Springs are an oasis in the hinterland of the Kilimanjaro region, situated 40 kilometres from Moshi. At these idyllic underground springs with the crystal clear, turquoise water, you can enjoy the perfect rest after a strenuous Kilimanjaro climb or adventurous wilderness safari. But also for day-trippers, they are an ideal destination. Whether it’s the old, the young, the quiet or the active, the Chemka Hot Springs invite you to linger, swim and explore. The pond is very deep, in some places up to 10 meters, but the water is so clear that you can see the bottom well all the time. On the shore under lush trees you can camp, enjoy your snacks or soak up the sun.
We pick you up from your hotel early in the morning. The road to the Hot Springs is very bumpy and windy, so driving takes more than one hour. During the trip you can enjoy the wonderful scenery and see the authentic Tanzanian life. When we arrive at the Hot Springs you can swim, relax, eat your lunch and enjoy the sun. If you’d like, while you are swimming we can be preparing a barbecue for you. Additionally, if you desire, we can overnight at the Hot Springs with a camp fire and a bush dinner. Everywhere around the springs you can see baboons and different monkeys.
This beautiful mineral spring originates from Kilimanjaro ground waters
The Chemka Hot Springs are about 40 kilometers away from Moshi, in the homonymous village called Chemka. They are underground springs with warm water. The water forms a clear and clean pond which is ideal for swimming. The pond is very deep, in some places up to 10 meters, but the water is so clear that you can see the bottom well all the time. The pond is situated under lush trees. On the shore you can camp, enjoy your snacks and let yourself dry after swimming.
DETAILS OF A DAY GUIDED DRIVE & SWIMMING AT
CHEMKA HOTSPRINGS (MAJIMOTO – HOT WATER)
The road to the Hot Springs is very bumpy and windy, so driving takes more than one hour. During the trip you can enjoy the wonderful scenery and see the authentic Tanzanian life. When we arrive at the Hot Springs you can swim, relax, eat your lunch and enjoy the sun. If you'd like, while you are swimming we can be preparing a barbecue for you. Additionally, if you desire, we can overnight at the Hot Springs with a camp fire and a bush dinner. Everywhere around the springs you can see baboons and different monkeys.
Rundugai hot water springs / (Kikuletwa Hot Springs) or Chemka hot springs are an unexpected paradise hidden in the desert scrub outside the town of Boma.E
Situated about 35 kilometres from Moshi, in the heart of the Sanya Plains, lie the Rundugai Springs. They are an extraordinary phenomenon, rushing up from underground in the middle of parched and dusty landscape. Locally called Chemka, meaning boiling, this refers to the way in which the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. In fact, the water is not hot rather it is a pleasant temperature! This is a good place to visit for a picnic and a swim too. And the views of Kilimanjaro on a clear day are also fabulous. Unfortunately, the water is full of fluoride which means the local people can’t use it for drinking. The crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by palm trees and winding roots offer a picturesque spot for a relaxing afternoon swim.
The spring is actually rather big and over 6 meters deep in some places although you can see the bottom through the crystal clear waters no matter where you are. You can also wrap your arms around one of the roots and just let the water flow by as you drift off into a daydream listening to the monkeys and birds in the treas.
You can have as much fun or relaxation as your heart desires and your mind and body needs.
Kikuletwa (Maji Chemka / Maji Moto) Hot Springs
Chemka Hot Springs in Moshi, Tanzania also known by some as Maji Moto, known locally as Kikuletwa Hotsprings, is paradisiac oasis amidst the Tanzanian savannah. The crystal clear springs offers captivating, Bounty-styled views, and dense vegetation around making it a real oasis in the middle of the African plains.
The Chemka Hot Springs is located in an area locally known as Rundugai a merely 2-hour drive from Moshi (Tanzania) which is the main climbing hub for Mt Kilimanjaro climbing and approximately the same distance from Arusha the safari hub of Northern Tanzania and Africa
.
A visit to the Chemka Hot Springs is a great way to start or finish your Kilimanjaro climbing tour or Tanzania wildlife safari tour if you want to visit Tanzania for a wildlife viewing adventure
Chemka oasis is a unique phenomenon – it is the only place in Tanzania (and most likely in the whole East Africa), where the groundwater actively interacted with geothermal sources, as a result ‘magically’ forming a number of small lakes with warm, never-stagnating water, which purity is not inferior to the best Dominican or Maldivian resorts. A ‘natural Jacuzzi’ of its own kind!
If you are visiting Tanzania for your next Tanzanian safari tour or Kilimanjaro climbing tour, don’t miss a chance to experience a slice of local life with a visit to the idyllic oasis that is Kikuleta Hot springs. The gorgeous geothermal spring is a popular playground with locals and international visitors alike.
Chemka Hot Springs (Maji Moto) Tour – Itinerary
ARUSHA/MOSHI – MAJI MOTO
Pick up from your Arusha or Moshi hotel /or residence and make a two-hour drive to Lundugai near Boma Ng’ombe arriving at the Chemka / Maji Moto Hot springs. This scenic drive takes you off the tourist trail and offers a glimpse into local life: bustling markets, local farms, and the like.
On arrival at this oasis of its kind you will spend a few hours soaking in the pleasantly warm waters, as well as swinging on the rope swing (if you care for some little adrenaline activity), relaxing in the sun-dappled shade of the trees, but also feasting on local favorites such as Chips-mayai (a French fry omelette made out of eggs and potato chips) and Nyama-choma which is a local barbeque. We can also provide packed lunch from town; Arusha or Moshi town depending on which town you are starting from.
After you have had enough we will take you back to Arusha or Moshi town where you will be dropped at your lodge ready for your next destination. If you are departing on this day you can be dropped at Kilimanjaro International Airport directly from Maji Chemka for your flight back home at no extra cost.
Feel free to contact our experts to know more about Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs
Or Maji Chemka Hot Springs adventure!
A little oasis just a short drive off the main road between Moshi and Arusha, the Kikuletwa hotsprings are the perfect place to relax and one of the best things to do in Arusha and Moshi area. And as it’s not only the destination that counts, the journey up to the hot springs is one to remember as well. Several roads lead here and we’ll pick the best one according to the time of the year. You’ll drive through sunflower fields in May and June and through a sea of red flowers and sugar cane at the end of the year, at TPC sugar plantation, Moshi. And on clear days, you’re in for some beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, no matter what month it is.
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Moshi around 10 in the morning and drive for about 1,5 hours before we reach the Kikuletwa hot spring, also called Maji Moto hot springs or Chemka hot springs. We’ll drive you back around 4 in the afternoon, and everything you do in between is completely up to you.
Take a dip in the refreshing water (Surpriiiise! The water’s not hot as you might have expected, as it comes directly from Kilimanjaro), walk around the surrounding area, watch local boys jump from a rope into the water, showing some seriously impressive moves, or eat some chips mayai or chips kuku (an omelet with chips inside or chicken and chips) as you enjoy the shadow of the beautiful palm and fig trees.
The drive from and back to Moshi is beautiful in itself, as we already mentioned above. Part of it leads over a paved road, but the rest of the time you’ll be driving over dirt roads through the country side. Dry riverbeds, baobab and acacia trees, tiny villages, Maasai with their cattle, and old broken railways determine the scenery.
ADD SOME EXTRAS TO MAKE IT EVEN MORE SPECIAL
We offer several options to upgrade this package, and if you have something in mind yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll try to make it happen.
• Get even more relaxed with a massage. Different packages are available.
• Get even more relaxed with a massage. Different packages are available.
OUR OFFER – PRICES AND SERVICES
Prices for the standard tour (without options) depend on the size of your group and are as follows:
• 1 person: 90 USD per person
• 2 people: 65 USD per person
• 3 people: 55 USD per person
Please contact us for different group sizes or groups including children, as well as if you wish to add some of the extras that are mentioned above.
What’s included?
• Private transport from your accommodation in Moshi to the Hot Springs and back, English speaking driver
• Picnic lunch at the Hot Springs
• Bottled water
In This tip is not included in your package. The recommended amount for a driver is around 15 USD per day if you’re satisfied, to be divided by all your group members. As we pay a lot of attention to creating good working conditions for all our crew members and making sure they get paid according to guidelines from organizations that defend their rights, we kindly request you to respect this amount for any trip. Thank you!
Maji Moto, known locally as Kikuletwa Hotsprings, is paradisiac oasis amidst the Tanzanian savannah, offers captivating, Bounty-styled views, crystal-clean water and dense vegetation around. Located in 2-hour drive from Moshi (Tanzania) – the main climbing hub of the region – Chemka Hot Springs is the best place to visit after a Kilimanjaro hike or a safari adventure.
Chemka oasis is a unique phenomenon – it is the only place in Tanzania (and most likely in the whole East Africa), where the groundwater actively interacted with geothermal sources, forming a number of small lakes with warm, never-stagnating water, which purity is not inferior to the best Dominican or Maldivian resorts. Feel free to contact our experts to know more about Chemka Hot Springs adventure!
Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip
An Oasis in The Backcountry
The Chemka Hot Springs are oasis in the hinterland of the Kilimanjaro region, situated 40 kilometres from Moshi. At these idyllic underground springs with the crystal clear, turquoise water, you can enjoy the perfect rest after a strenuous Kilimanjaro climb or adventurous wilderness safari. But also for day-trippers, they are an ideal destination. Whether it’s the old, the young, the quiet or the active, the Chemka Hot Springs invite you to linger, swim and explore. The pond is very deep, in some places up to 10 meters, but the water is so clear that you can see the bottom well all the time. On the shore under lush trees you can camp, enjoy your snacks or soak up the sun.
HOT SPRING CYCLING TOUR
Possibly the most well known day trip in Moshi or Arusha, these natural hot springs provide you with an incredible day trip experience. You’ll enjoy a medium-paced ride with your experienced guide as you reach the rural hot springs overseen by the Maasai community. With lunch and drinks included, you can stay as long as you want and come back to base when you’re ready.
Itinerary
At 900hrs, we will cycle through the village like a semi desert; admire impressive mountain views during this serene, full-day tour. On your bike, ride to the hot springs and take breaks to try seasonal local fruit.
When you reach Rundugai Village, visit the Maasai market and getting the history of this tribe and have a look at fresh, local products produced by Maasai people.
Ride on quiet bumping roads to the Hot Springs while escorted by Car. Here, take a dip in the crystal water to refresh your body and then having lunch at Hot spring restaurant.
• Total distance: 22 Km
• Riding Level: Moderate
• Path: Off-road/Dirt road
• Highlights: Swimming, Amazing scenery and View of Mount Kilimanjaro
Day Trip to Kikuletwa Chemka Hot Springs Cultural Tour
“Chemka” means boiling or bubbling. This beautiful mineral spring that originates from Kilimanjaro ground
waters releases bubbles as it comes up into the natural pool surrounded by large fig trees.
Here you can swim
and snorkel in the transparent warm water (26 degrees), sunbathe or relax in hammocks in the shade.Located approximately 2 hours drive from Moshi town and hidden by a beautiful green forest lie natural hot
springs, ideal for taking a relaxing dip or simply to use as a backdrop for a tranquil picnic or BBQ. You will be
accompanied by a driver and guide and can spend as little or as long as you like, with the option to camp
overnight in this idyllic spot. If lucky, you may be able to spot baboons hanging in the tree-tops above you.
What to Expect
You’ll depart from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and make the two-hour drive to Maji Chemka. This scenic drive takes you off the tourist trail and offers a glimpse into local life: bustling markets, local farms, and the like.
You’ll then spend a few hours soaking in the pleasantly warm waters, swinging on the rope swing, relaxing in the sun-dappled shade of the trees, and feasting on local favourites such as chips maiyai (a French fry omelette) and nyama choma (BBQ).
After your fun in the sun, you’ll return to your lodge or continue on to your next destination.
• 3 hours swim in hot spings
• Traditional BBQ
• Visit of the local market