Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes, but when it comes to unwinding after an adventurous hike or safari, few places are as perfect as the Chemka Hot Springs. Also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, this tranquil oasis is located just 1.5 hours from Arusha and near Moshi Town. It’s one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, offering visitors the chance to relax in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush jungle. Whether you want to float peacefully in the springs or get your adrenaline pumping with rope swings, tire tubing, or tree jumps, this hidden gem is the ideal escape for a rejuvenating day trip.
What to Expect From a Kikuletwa Hot Springs Day Trip
The vibrant blue contrasted beautifully against the tropical green ferns and palms that draped into the water. It was the oasis of Tanzania
A day trip to Kikuletwa Hot Springs is a very relaxing experience. The water at Kikuletwa Hot Springs has a beautiful turquoise color, almost unreal. The lagoons are surrounded by banyan trees, with roots cross over the shore and descent deep towards the bottom of the springs.
There are two options to get into the water: either you use an old wooden staircase, or you jump in the deeper part of the lagoon. As soon as you step onto the ladder, little fish will “attack” your feet and start nibbling the dead skin on your feet. It’s like a free fish spa treatment. If you have never done it, you will probably feel ticklish and maybe even uncomfortable. But no worries, as soon as you start moving around, the fish will leave you alone.
The water truly is crystal clear. Once the sediment and sand are kicked up a bit it can be a bit hazy but when you first get in it’s basically transparent, making it a dream to snorkel in.
There are two main areas at the Chemka Hot Springs. The first area is the open canal and small lagoon. Here you can find dead trees under the water, catfish, and the small fish that nibble at your feet when you dip your toes in. The light rays that stream through this region during the middle of the day is truly phenomenal.
This part of Chemka Hot Springs is where all the action happens with trees to jump off and several levels of rope swings to attempt if you are up for it. The water was quite deep but you still need to take care of your landing position and style as you are only working with a couple of meters of depth. If you are really adventurous, you can climb up the tree and jump down into the hot spring.
You can always wait to see what the locals are up to and then follow suit. The guys who work and hang out at the hot spring are basically an acrobatic troupe and are keen to show all the highlights of the hot spring and also the ins and outs of the rope swing and jumps.
The second area is the large lagoon, where you can lay about in the sun and explore the underwater cave if you are capable of free-diving down 5-6 meters to inspect the depths of the cavern.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs Amenities
Chemka Hot Springs offers a fully equipped setup for visitors to enjoy the day. As you arrive, you’ll find several local vendors grilling up traditional charcoal barbecue, alongside a variety of meals, refreshing drinks, and even alcohol. We opted for a fresh coconut, which was the perfect way to stay hydrated in the warm, tropical environment.
The area is well-organized, with plenty of chairs and tables set up under the shade of large trees, giving you a perfect spot to relax with friends. For your convenience, there are toilet facilities and a changing area made from palm leaves, allowing easy access to get into your swimwear. The vendors and local guides are incredibly friendly, making you feel comfortable enough to leave your cameras and belongings on the table while you swam — though it’s always smart to keep an eye on your things.
What to Bring for Your Visit to Chemka Hot Springs
Fortunately, a Kikuletwa Hot Springs day trip doesn’t require much packing. Make sure you bring a towel, change of clothes, GoPro (or waterproof camera), sunscreen, and sunglasses. While the entrance to the lagoon is shaded, there is a part of the lagoon that gets direct sunlight. The sunny area is also the area with no current, so this is where we spent most of our time.
- Towel
- Change of Clothes
- GoPro, Insta 360, waterproof camera, or waterproof phone case
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
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