Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip

Known locally as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, Chemka is one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking natural attractions and one of the least talked about. Tucked away in a remote corner of the Kilimanjaro Region, this geothermal spring bubbles up from deep underground to fill a wide, perfectly clear pool, its water hovering at a comfortable warm temperature year-round.

The pool sits beneath a dense canopy of doum palms and ancient fig trees, their roots trailing into the water and their branches offering shade and the occasional rope swing. The clarity of the water is extraordinary — you can see clearly to the sandy bottom several metres below, even in the deepest sections. Vervet monkeys chatter in the trees overhead, bright kingfishers dart across the surface, and the surrounding bush adds a sense of true wilderness to the experience.

Alvin African Safaris’ Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip is our most popular relaxation tour perfect for a recovery day after a Kilimanjaro climb, a family outing, a romantic escape, or simply a day of total rejuvenation in one of nature’s finest settings.

A day Trip (10 - 11 hrs)

Moshi , Tanzania

Based on 6 people sharing a private safari vehicle. Prices increase with smaller group sizes. VAT (18%) included.

Full Itinerary

7:30 – 8:00 AM · Departure Morning pickup from your Moshi or Arusha hotel

Your driver collects you from your accommodation. The drive to Chemka takes approximately 1.5 hours through the foothills of Kilimanjaro and the open Maasai plains, with the landscape shifting from highland farms to dry acacia bush as you descend.

9:30 AM · Arrival Enter the Chemka Hot Springs site

After a short walk through the bush from the vehicle parking area, the springs come into view — a moment that never fails to impress first-time visitors. You receive a brief orientation from your guide, including safety information and the best areas for swimming and photos.

9:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Main event Swim, float, swing, explore — at your own pace

This is your time. Swim in the crystal-clear water, try the rope swing, float beneath the palm canopy, snorkel along the bottom, or simply sit on the bank and take it all in. Your guide is available to point out wildlife, share the geology of the springs, and help with photography. There is no rigid schedule here Chemka is about unwinding completely.

1:00 – 2:00 PM · Lunch Picnic lunch in the shade

Your freshly prepared packed lunch is served in the shaded area near the springs. Eat surrounded by birdsong and the sound of water, with vervet monkeys keeping a hopeful eye on proceedings from the trees above. Post-lunch swimming is always encouraged.

2:30 – 3:00 PM · Depart Final swim, get changed, head back

When you are ready (and fully convinced you cannot stay longer), you make your way back to the vehicle. Changing facilities are available on site.

4:30 – 5:00 PM · Return Arrive back at your Moshi or Arusha hotel

You return to your accommodation relaxed, refreshed, and with a camera full of photographs that will confuse everyone back home who thought Tanzania was only about safaris.

What to Bring

Swimsuit — essential, this is a swimming trip above all else
Towel and a dry change of clothes for the return journey
Waterproof phone case or waterproof camera — the photo opportunities are outstanding
Reef-safe sunscreen — please avoid sunscreens with harmful chemicals to protect the spring ecosystem
Sandals or water shoes for the rocky pool edges
Insect repellent for the surrounding bush areas
Light, quick-dry clothing for the warm drive back
Small waterproof bag for keeping valuables dry at the pool edge
Snacks if you like to graze — lunch is provided but the fresh air builds an appetite

Plan Your Adventure

What’s Included

✗Personal travel insurance

✗Alcoholic beverages

✗Gratuities (discretionary)

✗Snorkelling gear (can be arranged)

What's Not Included

✗Personal travel insurance

✗Gratuities (discretionary)

✗Alcoholic beverages

✗Personal spending / souvenirs

Why Choose Chemka Hot Spring ?

Chemka Hot Springs is suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. The pool has shallow areas near the edges and deeper sections in the centre — non-swimmers can enjoy the shallows comfortably. Children are welcome and tend to be absolutely captivated by the setting.

The springs are geothermally fed, which means the water temperature stays consistently comfortable throughout the year — typically around 28–32°C. Unlike river swimming spots, the water remains clear and warm even during Tanzania’s rainy seasons, making this one of the few outdoor activities that genuinely works year-round.

Early arrival (around 9:30–10:00 AM) is ideal — visitor numbers at Chemka are light in the morning, and the light through the palm canopy is most beautiful before midday. We time our departure from Moshi accordingly.