Day Trip · 1 days · Private or group
Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip from Arusha
A slow day at the Chemka springs, where warm water rises out of the ground under fig trees and runs clear enough to see the bottom.
- Duration
- 1 days, 0 nights
- Group
- Private or group
- Activity
- Swimming and relaxation
- Starts
- Arusha
- Ends
- Arusha
- Best months
- All year. The water temperature does not change with the season.
Chemka, also called Kikuletwa, is a spring in the middle of dry country between Arusha and Moshi. Water comes up out of the ground already warm, gathers into a pool under a stand of fig trees, and runs off as a small river. It is clear enough to see the roots and the fish below you.
This is the least demanding day we run. There is no walking to speak of and nothing to organise once you are there. It works well with children, on a rest day between parks in Northern Tanzania, or as the last day before a flight.
If you would rather combine it with a waterfall and a coffee farm, we run that as a single longer day.
Trip highlights
- Warm, spring-fed water that stays the same temperature all year
- Water clear enough to snorkel in, with small fish that will nibble your feet if you let them
- Fig trees over the pool and a rope swing for anyone who wants it
- Lunch by the water
- A short, easy day with no hiking and no early start
Day by day
Day 1 Morning: Arusha to the springs
We pick you up around 08:00 and drive about two hours east, turning off the main road onto a rough track for the last stretch. The springs appear suddenly out of dry scrub, which is much of their charm.
Meals: Lunch
Day 2 Midday to afternoon: the water
The rest of the day is yours: swim, snorkel, use the swing, or sit in the shade. Lunch is served by the water. We leave in the middle of the afternoon and have you back in Arusha in the early evening.
Meals: Lunch
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- Private 4x4 with fuel and a licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Chemka hot springs entrance fee
- Lunch
- Drinking water
Not included
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Snorkelling mask, unless you ask us to bring one
- Drinks other than the water provided
- Tips
Before you travel
Pickup and meeting point
We collect you from your hotel, guesthouse or Airbnb anywhere in Arusha town, and from Usa River and the Kilimanjaro Airport road on request. Give us the property name when you book and we confirm the pickup time the evening before. Drop-off is at the same address unless you tell us otherwise.
What to bring
Swimwear, a towel and a dry change of clothes. Sunscreen and a hat, because the shade is patchy. Flip-flops. A waterproof bag or case if you want to take a camera into the water.
Safety
Swimming is at your own risk and there is no lifeguard at either the waterfall pool or the springs. The water is cold and the rocks are slippery, so we go in slowly and we do not dive. Tell your guide before you set off if you are not a confident swimmer, and he will keep you to the shallow end. Children stay with an adult in the water at all times. You travel in a maintained 4x4 with a licensed Tanzanian driver-guide. Seat belts are fitted in every seat. We carry a first aid kit and drinking water, and the guide stays contactable through the day. Travel insurance is not included and we recommend you arrange it before you come.
Questions about this trip
How deep is the water?
It varies. There is shallow water at the edge and it gets well over head height in the middle, so children need an adult with them.
How long is the drive?
About two hours each way from Arusha, the last part on a rough track.
Is it busy?
Weekends and public holidays are busiest. If you want it quiet, come on a weekday and we will aim to arrive before the middle of the day.
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Book this trip
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