Day Trip to Chemka Hotspring

Safari summary

A day at Chemka Hot Springs, also called Kikuletwa Hot Springs, is a gentle escape from the lively rhythm of Arusha. While Arusha is a vibrant town full of energy, traffic, and safari adventures, sometimes the best way to appreciate Tanzania is to slow down and simply enjoy the quiet side of nature. This trip offers exactly that a chance to leave behind the busy streets and spend a whole day surrounded by calm, clear waters and green landscapes.
The journey begins in Arusha, where your guide or driver picks you up from your hotel or lodge. As you leave the town, the scenery quickly begins to change. Instead of busy markets and city sounds, the road opens into the countryside. Rolling fields, small villages, and wide-open skies set the tone for the day. You might see children waving along the roadside, farmers working in their fields, and herds of cattle grazing under acacia trees. Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru may even appear in the distance on a clear day, reminding you of the grand beauty that surrounds this region.
The drive to Chemka Hot Springs usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the road conditions. The final part of the drive brings a bit of adventure, as the road turns from smooth tarmac into a rugged dirt track winding through remote villages and clusters of tall palm trees. For many travelers, this part of the journey feels like stepping deeper into hidden Tanzania, away from the usual tourist paths.
When you arrive, the scene feels like something out of a dream. Surrounded by palm trees, fig trees, and tangled roots that curl into the water, Chemka Hot Springs looks and feels like an oasis in the middle of dry land. The water is not boiling hot as the name might suggest. Instead, it is beautifully warm, crystal-clear, and turquoise in color, making it perfect for swimming. Small fish swim gently in the water, and the sunlight sparkles across the surface. The place is both lively and calm lively with the laughter of visitors enjoying a swim, and calm with the natural beauty that holds it all together.
One of the joys of Chemka is the freedom it offers. You can swim, float on your back, or simply sit by the water and dip your toes in. Some people like to bring inflatable tubes or floaties to relax as the gentle current moves them along. The water is deep in some areas, making it fun for confident swimmers, but there are also shallow spots where you can sit and soak. If you stay still long enough, you might feel tiny fish nibbling at your feet nature’s own little spa treatment.
Around the springs, there are shaded areas with benches and simple picnic spots. Many trips include a picnic lunch, often a mix of fresh fruits, sandwiches, and local dishes, giving you time to rest between swims. The atmosphere is unhurried, inviting you to take your time. You might stretch out under the shade of a palm tree, chat with friends or fellow travelers, or just listen to the sounds of nature the splash of water, the rustle of leaves, and the distant calls of birds.
For those interested in photography, Chemka Hot Springs is a wonderful subject. The contrast of bright blue water against the deep green trees makes for striking images. Sunlight filtering through the branches adds a magical quality, while reflections in the water create beautiful natural patterns. Yet, beyond pictures, the real charm of the springs is how they make you feel refreshed, light, and at peace.
The trip is also about the journey itself. Along the way to Chemka, you see a side of Tanzania that is often missed by travelers rushing from one safari park to another. Villagers go about their daily lives, children herd goats, and women carry baskets on their heads with practiced ease. These glimpses of everyday life add depth to the experience, reminding you that Tanzania’s beauty lies not only in its landscapes but also in its people and culture.
By early afternoon, after hours of swimming and relaxing, it’s time to slowly prepare for the return journey to Arusha. The ride back offers another chance to enjoy the scenery, often in a softer light as the sun begins to dip. There’s a quiet satisfaction that comes with the return trip the feeling of being both rested and enriched by the day. You arrive back at your hotel or lodge in the late afternoon or early evening, carrying with you the calm energy of the springs.
What makes Chemka Hot Springs so special is its simplicity. It’s not a luxury spa or a built-up tourist attraction. Instead, it is a natural place, cared for but not overdeveloped, where you can let the day flow without schedules or hurry. Whether you swim, float, or simply sit and breathe in the fresh air, the springs remind you of the simple joys of life: water, shade, and time to just be. This day trip to Chemka Hotspring is perfect for anyone solo travelers, couples, families, or groups. Children enjoy splashing in the safe shallows, while adults appreciate the chance to let go of stress and recharge.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Walking safari—with armed guard
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

• All drinks
• Meals
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Accommodation
• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Park fees
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Visas