Trade dusty roads for clear turquoise water — a natural spring-fed oasis shaded by giant fig trees, perfect for a slow, refreshing day.
Chemka Hot Springs, also called Kikuletwa, lie in the dry plains between Moshi and Arusha, about an hour’s drive from Moshi. Here, water filtered through the volcanic rock of Kilimanjaro rises into a chain of clear pools, fringed by palms and giant fig trees. The water is warm rather than hot — pleasantly mild all year — and so clear that you can watch small fish nibbling at your feet.
The day is designed to be relaxing. After a drive through sugar-cane fields and Maasai grazing land, you have several unhurried hours to swim, float, jump from the rope swing or simply sit in the shade with a book. A picnic or simple lunch is served by the water, and your guide is on hand to arrange the timing, look after your belongings and share stories about the area’s farming communities.
Chemka is a favourite way to rest tired legs after Kilimanjaro or to break up a safari, and pairs naturally with a morning at the Materuni waterfall. The site has basic changing areas and toilets; it can be busier at weekends and on public holidays, so we usually suggest weekday visits or an early start.
Warm, spring-fed water in shades of turquoise and green.
Giant fig trees and palms in the middle of the dry plains.
Gentle water, a rope swing and fish that nibble your feet.
The perfect recovery day after a Kilimanjaro climb.
Drive about an hour south through sugar-cane estates and open plains — the last section is on an unpaved road.
Settle into a shady spot by the main pool and get your first view of the clear water.
Swim, float and explore the pools at your own pace, with your guide nearby.
A picnic or simple local lunch in the shade, then more time to swim or rest.
Drive back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle — set your own pace and start time.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars for a private experience with your own guide and vehicle. Your final price depends on your date, group size and pick-up point, and is always confirmed in writing before you book.
Prices are per adult for a private group of one, two, four or six travellers. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Moshi town are included. Pick-ups from Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport or rural lodges are quoted on request.
The Chemka site entry fee is included at current rates.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Rain, road or park conditions can change the order or timing of the day. Your guide always adjusts the plan with safety first.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
A morning waterfall walk and coffee tour, then Chemka in the afternoon.
Morning · Combined dayDiscover →A turquoise crater lake on the Kenyan border, with a picnic and canoeing.
Full dayDiscover →Meet giraffes, zebras and rescued animals at a conservation sanctuary in Siha.
Full dayDiscover →
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
Kilimanjaro · the Machame route
The Whiskey Route at a more gradual pace: rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall, with an extra night at Karanga Camp.
Kilimanjaro · the Lemosho route
The western wilderness at a gradual pace: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and a night at Karanga before the summit.
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
The historic hut route to Uhuru Peak, with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut and a guided walk to Zebra Rocks.
Day journey
Materuni village, above Moshi
Walk through Chagga farmland on Kilimanjaro’s slopes to the 80-metre Materuni waterfall, then roast, grind and taste coffee with a local fa…
Day journey
Lake Chala (Rombo) & Marangu
A turquoise crater lake on the Kenyan border, Marangu’s waterfalls and the historic Chagga caves — a full day on Kilimanjaro’s eastern slop…
Day journey
Siha District, western Kilimanjaro
Meet giraffes, zebras and rescued animals at Serval Wildlife, a conservation sanctuary in Siha on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Pleasantly warm rather than hot — comfortable for swimming all year.
Yes. There are shallow edges for paddling, but parts are deep, so non-swimmers should stay close to the edge or use a buoyancy aid.
Yes — Kikuletwa is the name of the river and area, and Chemka the name commonly used for the springs.
Yes — it is one of the most popular recovery days after a climb.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
