Chemka Hotsprings Day Trip
About Kikuletwa/ Chemka Hotsprings / Maji Moto
Chemka oasis is a unique phenomenon – it is the only place in Tanzania even in East Africa, where the groundwater actively interacted with geothermal sources, forming a number of small lakes with warm, never-stagnating water, which purity is not inferior to the best Dominican or Maldivian resorts.
The area is a haven to many animal species, including a variety of birds. When you reach the Hot Springs it will appear as an oasis surrounded by fig trees, in the middle of this semi arid landscape. You will see crystal clear water bubbling from underground caves, giving the impression that it is boiling, the name “Hot-springs”.
The Hot Springs has many names, which can be quite confusing. It’s often called the Chemka hotsprings, Rundugai hotsprings, Kikuletwa hotsprings and Maji Moto. They’re still one and the same. The local meaning of Chemka is boiling, this refers to the way in which the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. Maji Moto simply means Hot Water.
The water is perfectly refreshing and if you brought your bathing suit, this is your time to take a dip and relax in the shade of the trees. It’s small oasis in the middle of absolutely nowhere! Simply an amazing experience that’s worth the visit when you’re in Moshi or Arusha region. The drive from Arusha take 2 hours, from Moshi 1,5 hours.
ITINERARY
The drive from Moshi/Arusha to Hot Springs will start on the main road, hopefully catching a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, we’ll leave the main road and exchange it for an adventurous off-road path, straight into no man’s land. The road will take you through gorgeous African country side, past bush land, dry riverbeds, baobab and acacia trees. This vast area is home to members of many different tribes, which we will pass by on our way over to the Hotsprings.
Once arrived at the hotsprings, you can swim, ropeswing, explore, relax and enjoy the beautiful green oasis. You can rent snorkling goggles to overview the underwater-world and search for hiding turtles. If you’d like to relax, put out your towel, order a coconut or even have a very local massage.
The Hot Springs is home to one very specific type of fish, named the Garra Rufa fish. Those fish use for pedicures, they peel the dead skin off of your feet! The Hot Springs is their natural habitat, so don’t be scared if you feel something nibbling on your feet. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the free pedicure. Outside of the hotsprings people actually pay a lot of money for this treatment, but here it’s completely free! There’s also a chance to find turtles and catfish in the hotsprings.
In afternoon we will start our way back along the beautiful scenery of plantations in these area back to your accomodation.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Cultural Village entry fees
- Tour Guide Charges
- Lunch and drinking water
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off from your accomodation in Moshi/Arusha
NOT INCLUDED
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses like souvenirs
- Gratuities / “tip” for guide