Discover the emerald depths of Lake Chala — a crater lake on the Kenya border — with a rim hike, swim and kayak.
Lake Chala fills the crater of an extinct volcano right on the Tanzania–Kenya border, its water a striking shade of emerald and blue. The lake is fed by underground streams from Kilimanjaro and is astonishingly deep, with no surface outlet.
On this day trip you’ll hike the crater rim for panoramic views, then descend to the shore to swim or take a kayak out on the calm water. The surrounding woodland is rich in birdlife and the occasional monitor lizard, making it a peaceful, photogenic escape from the safari circuit.
The lake is easy to reach from Moshi and needs no special equipment — just a pair of sturdy shoes and a swimsuit. With transport, a local guide, kayaks and a picnic lunch all arranged for you, it’s a wonderfully relaxing way to spend a day away from the crowds.
Follow the rim trail for dramatic views over the emerald water and across to the plains of Kenya.
Cool off with a swim in the clear, deep water — one of the most unique swimming spots in Tanzania.
Glide quietly across the crater in a kayak, watching for birds and fish eagles around the shore.
The changing light on the crater walls makes Lake Chala a favourite for photographers and birders.
A private, guided day built around Lake Chala Tour.
Full day (6–7 hours) door to door: your guide collects you from Moshi, 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 and drive east through farmland and villages toward the Kenyan border.
Walk a section of the crater rim with your guide, taking in the views and learning about the lake’s volcanic past.
Follow the trail down to the water’s edge for a swim and a paddle in a kayak on the calm lake.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shoreline, with time to relax, swim again or simply soak up the scenery.
Climb back up the crater and drive home, arriving in Moshi in the late afternoon.
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$155 | US$100 | US$90 | US$84 | US$80 | US$76 | Ask us |
| Total for the group | US$155 | US$200 | US$270 | US$336 | US$400 | US$456 | 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.
Lake Chala sits about 55 km east of Moshi, around an hour and a half by road via Himo and the Kenyan border crossing at Taveta. It is an easy, rewarding day trip in any season.
Yes. Swimming is allowed at the designated shoreline, though the lake is very deep — stay within the marked area and follow your guide’s advice.
No. The viewing and swimming areas are on the Tanzanian side, so no border formalities are needed.
There are occasional monitor lizards, but the lake is not known for crocodiles in the swimming area. Your guide will keep you right.
Tell us your dates and travel style. Our local team in Moshi will slot the Lake Chala Tour into your itinerary — free, with no obligation.
