Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Chemka, is a natural geothermal oasis hidden in the dry Maasai plains. Surrounded by fig trees and crystal-clear turquoise water, it offers a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. The warm, fresh spring water bubbles up from underground, making it a peaceful and refreshing escape just outside Moshi town.
Your adventure begins right at your hotel door. Your friendly driver and guide will greet you with a smile and help you get settled in the comfortable safari vehicle. As you leave Moshi town behind, enjoy watching the landscape open up into classic East African countryside—rolling savannah, acacia trees, and distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru on a clear day. Your guide will share local insights along the way, telling stories about the region, its people, and wildlife. It's not just a transfer—it's the start of the experience.
You’ll arrive at Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Chemka, a hidden oasis in the middle of a semi-arid landscape. As you step out of the vehicle, you’ll be greeted by the sight of impossibly clear, turquoise water surrounded by lush fig and palm trees. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with the gentle sound of water flowing from underground springs and birds chirping in the branches. Your guide will help you find the perfect spot to relax, stash your bags safely, and get ready for a day of pure leisure in this natural wonder.
Now it’s time to really unwind. Slip into the inviting warm water, which feels like a natural jacuzzi—refreshing but not too hot. Swim around in the clear pool, which has small underwater caves and gentle currents to explore. If you're feeling playful, there’s a rope swing that local guides will show you how to use for big, splashy jumps into the deep center. Or just float on your back, look up at the canopy of green overhead, and let the stress of daily life drift away. The water is clean, mineral-rich, and famed for its soothing properties—truly one of Tanzania’s most relaxing natural spots.
When you've worked up an appetite, gather for a delicious local-style lunch. Depending on the day, you might enjoy grilled chicken, beef skewers, rice pilau, fresh chapati, seasonal fruits, and cold sodas or water. It’s not a formal restaurant meal but a friendly, open-air picnic with plenty of flavor and the chance to chat with your guide and other travelers. You’ll get a real taste of local hospitality in this laid-back setting.
After lunch, the springs are yours to enjoy a little longer. Go for another swim, sunbathe on the banks, read a book in the shade, or just chat with locals and other visitors. For photographers, this is the golden hour to capture the springs’ vivid colors and the reflections of the surrounding trees. If you want, take a short guided walk around the area to see how this surprising oasis exists in the dry, dusty surroundings. Your guide will help make sure you get the most out of this extra time in paradise.
When you’re ready, your driver will help you pack up and say goodbye to the springs. Settle into the vehicle for a relaxing return journey, watching the afternoon light spread over the plains. Your guide may point out Maasai herders with their cattle or wildlife sightings along the road, making the drive home as interesting as the morning journey. Feel free to nap, chat, or just watch the landscape roll by.
Arrive back at your Moshi hotel comfortably by early evening. Your guide will make sure you’re safely dropped off at your door, with plenty of time to freshen up and reflect on your day at one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. You’ll head to bed that night feeling relaxed, refreshed, and grateful for the experience.
-Swimsuit and towel
-Light cover-up or change of clothes
-Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
-Camera for all the stunning moments
-Flip-flops or water shoes
-Private transport from Moshi and back
-Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
-Entrance fees to Kikuletwa Hot Springs
-Local-style lunch
-Clean and safe drinking water throughout the trip