- From $50 /person
- Full day
- Price Includes
About This Activity
Duration: 5–7 hours
Departure: Moshi or Arusha
Destination: Chemka Hot Spring (Kikuletwa)
Activity Level: Easy
Suitable For: Families, honeymooners, solo travelers, groups, and student trips
Overview
If you’re looking for a day that feels completely different from the usual safari or city routine, Chemka Hot Spring is exactly the kind of getaway you’ll love.
This natural blue oasis sits quietly between Moshi and Arusha, hidden deep in the dry savannah — and visiting it feels a bit like discovering a secret that most travelers never hear about.
Your day begins with a relaxed pickup from your hotel.
As you leave town behind, the road turns into open countryside dotted with acacia trees, small farms, and Maasai settlements.
It’s the kind of drive where you roll down the windows, breathe in the fresh air, and just enjoy watching daily life unfold.
The last part of the journey is a fun, bumpy off-road path — and then suddenly the trees open up, and the water appears in that impossibly clear shade of blue.
At the spring, time seems to slow down.
You can slip into the warm, silky water, swing from the rope like a kid again, or simply float on your back under the shade of fig trees.
The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and peaceful — perfect whether you want quiet time or a bit of fun.
Families love it, couples love it, and solo travelers always end up staying longer than they planned.
Throughout the day, your guide takes care of everything: finding a comfortable spot, arranging lunch if you like, keeping your belongings safe, and giving you as much or as little company as you prefer.
By the time you head back, you’ll feel lighter, refreshed, and genuinely glad you decided to escape to Chemka for the day.
This isn’t just a swim — it’s one of those simple, beautiful experiences that stays with you long after the water has dried.
Gallery
What to Expect
1. Friendly pickup from your hotel
Your guide will pick you up from Moshi or Arusha. Along the journey, enjoy views of rural Maasai villages, acacia trees, and (weather-permitting) distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
2. Off-road adventure
The last stretch involves a fun, bumpy off-road trail through open savannah and local settlements — a perfect mini-adventure before reaching the oasis.
3. Arrival at Chemka Hot Spring
Experience the immediate “wow effect” as you approach the water:
- clear blue water
- lush vegetation
- natural shadows from big trees
- a warm, soothing temperature
The water is safe, clean, and naturally filtered — ideal for swimming.
4. Relax, swim & unwind
You’ll have plenty of time to:
swim
float in warm water
try the rope swing
take photos
relax by the water
enjoy a snack or picnic
The atmosphere is peaceful, and you can explore both deep and shallow sections.
5. Lunch (optional)
You may enjoy:
local Tanzanian dishes
BBQ lunch
vegetarian/vegan meals
soft drinks and fruit
(Depending on your package.)
6. Return transfer
After relaxing at the hot spring, your guide will drive you back to Moshi or Arusha.
Price
Price Includes
- Transfer go and return
- Proffesional Guide
- Entry ticket
- Picnic lunch
- Table and chairs
- Snorkeling mask
- Soft drinks and drinking water
FAQ - Chemka Hot Spring Day Trip
Where exactly is Chemka Hot Spring located?
Chemka Hot Spring—also known locally as Kikuletwa Hot Spring—is located between Moshi and Arusha in northern Tanzania, near the village of Rundugai. It sits in a dry, open savannah area fed by underground geothermal sources. The springs are privately managed, safe, and accessible only via an off-road track, which adds to the “hidden oasis” experience.
What makes Chemka Hot Spring special?
Chemka is unique because:
It’s one of the few natural hot springs in Tanzania with crystal-clear water
The pool stays warm all year
It’s surrounded by dramatic dry savannah, creating a surprising hidden oasis
It’s perfect for relaxing after long safaris or Kilimanjaro climbing
It offers a peaceful, friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages
The mix of natural beauty and calm water creates an experience travelers always remember.
How deep is the hot spring?
Chemka Hot Spring has varying depths:
Shallow edges for beginners and kids
Mid-sections suitable for casual swimmers
A deeper central area reaching up to 10 meters for confident swimmers
If you are not comfortable with deep water, you can easily stay near the shallows or use a float.
What should I bring for this day trip?
To enjoy the day comfortably, pack the following:
Swimsuit
Towel
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Flip-flops or water shoes
A change of clothes
Waterproof phone case (optional but useful)
Cash for drinks or snacks sold on-site
Your guide will keep your belongings safe during the trip.
What is the best time of day to visit Chemka Hot Spring?
Chemka is enjoyable year-round and throughout the day, but here are the best times:
Morning to early afternoon (10:00–14:00) – perfect for swimming and photography
Late afternoon (14:00–16:00) – quieter, ideal if you want a more peaceful atmosphere
Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
Is the drive long or rough? What vehicle do you use?
From Moshi: 1–1.5 hours
From Arusha: 1.5–2 hours
The final 20–30 minutes are on a sandy off-road track. It’s part of the adventure and safe for our vehicles.
We use well-maintained 4x4s, safari vans, or comfortable tourist vehicles depending on group size.
Is the water actually “hot”? Why is it called a hot spring?
The water is warm, not hot—usually between 25–30°C.
It’s heated naturally by geothermal activity beneath the ground, but the steady flow keeps it pleasantly warm rather than boiling.
Is the rope swing safe?
Yes, the rope swing is secured and used daily by visitors. But:
Only attempt it if you’re comfortable in deep water
Follow your guide’s instructions
Avoid swinging during very busy times to prevent collisions
Your safety is always our priority.
What if I can't swim? Can I still enjoy the trip?
Absolutely. Many visitors come just to relax by the water, dip their feet, or enjoy the scenery.
We can also provide life jackets upon request, and the shallow edges are perfect for beginners.
Can this be combined with other activities?
Yes! Many travelers pair Chemka with:
Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour
Moshi town tour
Kikuletwa + Sunset Viewing
We can customize a full-day or multi-day itinerary based on your schedule.
