Float in the impossibly clear, warm water of Chemka Hot Springs — a palm-fringed desert oasis near Moshi.
Hidden among dusty plains about an hour from Moshi, Chemka — also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs — is a natural spring of startlingly clear, turquoise water, ringed by fig trees and palms. The water stays warm year-round and is fed from deep underground, so it bubbles up fresh and clean.
This is the perfect rest-day activity between a safari and a Kilimanjaro climb: swim, swing from the rope, float on a tyre, or simply lie in the shade with a cold drink. A simple lunch is served at the springs before you head back.
Getting there is an easy, scenic drive through farmland and villages, and your guide looks after everything from hotel pick-up to the entry fees. With no scheduled itinerary once you arrive, you can spend the day entirely as you please — a genuine, unhurried escape that suits families, couples and solo travellers alike.
So clear you can watch the bubbles rise from the sandy bottom while you swim — and warm enough to stay in for hours.
Relax on the banks under old fig trees and palms, with plenty of grass and shade for picnics and naps.
Gentle entry points and shallow edges make it easy and safe for children and non-swimmers.
A laid-back day with no rush — swim, eat, snooze and repeat, entirely at your own pace.
A private, guided day built around Chemka Hot Springs.
Full day (6–7 hours) door to door: your guide collects you from Moshi or Arusha, with 5 planned stops along the way and no other group to keep pace with.
The timings below are indicative. They flex with your start time, the season, and how long you want to linger at any stop.
We collect you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drive through farmland and villages toward the springs.
Settle in at Chemka and dive into the warm, clear water. Rope swings and tyres keep the kids entertained for hours.
A simple, freshly prepared lunch is served on the banks, with soft drinks and water included.
More swimming, sunbathing or a gentle walk to spot birds and monkeys in the surrounding trees.
We drive back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon, relaxed and refreshed.
Times are indicative. Your guide adjusts pick-up, stop lengths and pacing to your group, the season and road or trail conditions.
The day is private. Re-order the stops, add time wherever you like, or trade a visit for something else entirely.
Every experience is private, so the price per person falls as your group grows.
| Group size | 1 PAX Solo rate | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7+ PAX Ask us |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | US$109 | US$70 | US$63 | US$59 | US$56 | US$53 | Ask us |
| Total for the group | US$109 | US$140 | US$189 | US$236 | US$280 | US$318 | Ask us |
Rates are in US dollars and cover the whole private experience — your guide, the vehicle and transfers, and every park, entry or activity fee listed above. Your written quote follows your dates and final plan; groups of seven or more are always priced individually.
Chemka lies about 45 km west of Moshi, roughly an hour’s drive on a scenic route through the Kilimanjaro lowlands. It pairs beautifully with a safari departure from Arusha or a rest day before your climb.
It is pleasantly warm rather than hot — roughly 25–30°C — which makes it perfect for swimming in any season.
Yes, simple changing areas and basic toilets are available at the springs.
Yes — Chemka is often paired with a Maasai village visit or the Materuni waterfalls. Ask us and we’ll build the day around you.
Tell us your dates and travel style. Our local team in Moshi will slot the Chemka Hot Springs into your itinerary — free, with no obligation.
