De majestueuze rust en vrede van Lake Chala lijken duizend levens verwijderd van de drukte van Moshi-stad, maar het is eigenlijk maar een uur rijden van Moshi, dus perfect voor een dagtocht met een verschil. Lake Chala is een calderameer dat gevoed wordt door schone, koude ondergrondse stromen van de Kilimanjaro zelf, en het staat bekend om zijn glorieus veranderende kleuren; van het diepste turkoois tot smaragdgroen tot azuurblauw en alle kleuren daartussenin. Het is een perfecte plek om te ontspannen en tot rust te komen en je hebt de keuze om te wandelen door het beeldschone landschap rond het meer, te zwemmen in het glinsterende water (vergeet je cozzie niet!) of kajakken over de grens naar Kenia. Of alle drie! Het is een dag vol van dichtbij en persoonlijk komen tot een van de grootste (en stilste) schatten van het grote Tanzania.
Je vriendelijke gids arriveert bij je accommodatie, gewapend met je smakelijke lunchpakket. Dan zal hij of zij je in het transport brengen en je naar Lake Chala Safari Camp brengen. Onderweg reis je door het dagelijkse leven van Moshi en verder naar de snelweg, en je kunt een ontspannen, comfortabel uurtje doorbrengen en genieten van de aantrekkelijke bezienswaardigheden.
Lake Chala Safari Camp is een prachtig privé-wildreservaat met uitzicht op Lake Chala. Je komt daar aan en onze gids neemt je mee naar de oever van het meer, door levendig groene flora, met het blauwe, blauwe meer voor je. Het wordt behoorlijk rotsachtig in de buurt van het meer, dus draag stevig schoeisel. Het is een prachtig en spectaculair gebied dat perfect is voor wandelaars en vogelaars, en in het seizoen heb je misschien het geluk olifanten te zien verzamelen bij een verre waterpoel. Breng de dag door met wandelen over de paden rond het meer of over de nabijgelegen savanne, waar u waarschijnlijk bavianen, vervet-apen en blauwe apen zult zien, evenals (misschien) de verlegen dikdik en sierlijke koedoes, die ook op hun eigen tijd letten!
Als je je wat actiever voelt, kun je in een kajak springen en het meer verder verkennen. Tijdens het roeien word je toegezongen door het altijd aanwezige vogelgezang en het zachte gekletter van het water.
Na je avonturen stop je aan de bar voor een drankje (alcoholisch of anderszins) en, als je een beetje trek hebt, een middagsnack. Als je er niet voor hebt gekozen om bij het meer te kamperen (denk aan een kampvuur onder de sterrenhemel), word je in de late namiddag teruggereden naar Moshi.
De rust en vrede van Lake Chala lijken duizend levens verwijderd van de drukte van Moshi-stad, maar het is eigenlijk maar een uur rijden, dus perfect voor een dagtocht met een verschil. Lake Chala is een calderameer dat gevoed wordt door schone, koude ondergrondse stromen van de Kilimanjaro zelf, en het staat bekend om zijn glorieus veranderende kleuren; van het diepste turkoois tot smaragdgroen tot azuurblauw en alle kleuren daartussenin. Het is een perfecte plek om te ontspannen en tot rust te komen en je hebt de keuze om te wandelen door het beeldschone landschap rond het meer, te zwemmen in het glinsterende water (vergeet je cozzie niet!) of kajakken over de grens naar Kenia. Of alle drie! Het is een dag vol persoonlijke ontmoetingen met een van de grootste (en stilste) schatten van Tanzania.
Lake Chala Safari Camp is een prachtig privé-wildreservaat met uitzicht op Lake Chala. Je komt daar aan en onze gids neemt je mee naar de oever van het meer, door levendig groene flora, met het blauwe, blauwe meer voor je. Het wordt behoorlijk rotsachtig in de buurt van het meer, dus draag stevig schoeisel. Het is een prachtig gebied dat perfect is voor wandelaars en vogelaars, en in het seizoen heb je misschien het geluk olifanten te zien verzamelen bij een verre waterpoel. Breng de dag door met wandelen over de paden rond het meer of over de nabijgelegen savanne, waar u waarschijnlijk bavianen, vervet-apen en blauwe apen zult zien, evenals (misschien) de verlegen dikdik en sierlijke koedoes.
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Breng na je wandeling wat tijd door aan de oever van het meer en geniet van de stilte, alleen verstoord door vogelgezang en het zacht kabbelende water.
If you’re feeling a little more active, you can jump into a kayak and explore the lake further. You’ll be serenaded by the ever-present birdsong and gentle plashing of the water as you row.
After your adventures, stop at the bar for a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) and, if you’re a little peckish, an afternoon snack. If you haven’t opted to camp at the Lake (think campfire under the star-filled heavens), you’ll be driven back to Moshi in the late afternoon. The pleasant drive will give you some “you” time to reflect on your day and wonder if it would be rude to go straight to bed when you get back – you won’t believe how tired you’ll feel after a day of restorative, stress-relieving peace.
Lake Chala's average annual rainfall is about 565 millimetres (22.2 in). The lake surface has an average annual evaporation of near 1,735 millimetres (68.3 in). Approximately 80 percent of the lake's inflow comes from groundwater, which is derived mostly from rainfall in the montane forest zone of Mount Kilimanjaro at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,800 metres (5,900 to 9,200 ft). It takes about 3 months for groundwater to reach the lake. The groundwater flowed into the lake at an estimated annual volume of 8,390,000 cubic metres (296,000,000 cu ft) from 1964 through 1977.
Lake Chala is a unique caldera lake, and is thought to be the deepest inland body of water in Africa. This lake is fed by underground springs from Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The lake has a great diversity of life. From lush lake shore forest to stunning volcanic savannah; from river beds marvelously carved through ancient rock, to thick bush or open ‘mbuga’. Walking at Lake Chala is a magical experience that will put you back in touch with nature.
The lake is fed by groundwater flows, which come from Mount Kilimanjaro, fed and drained underground with a rate of about 10 million m³ / year. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in colour from deep darkgreen to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 metres high crater rim.
Chala has a huge variety of amazing trees, grasses and plants; some are unique to the area. According to the time of year there are hundreds of species of butterflies and birds, including spectacular birds of prey. The African Fish Eagle, with its haunting techniques, Verreaux’s Eagle, Augur Buzzards and many other species of birds can be seen around the crater walls. Wild mammals do vary including darkgreen Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, kudu and elephant. Chala is an untouched part of a truly ancient land and a must visit place.
Activities at this lake: walking safaris, canoeing, swimming and fishing.
The tranquillity and peace of Lake Chala seem a thousand lifetimes away from the bustle of Moshi town, but it’s actually only an hour’s drive away, so perfect for a day trip with a difference. Lake Chala is a caldera lake fed by clean, cold underground streams from Kilimanjaro itself, and it’s renowned for its gloriously changing colours; from deepest turquoise to emerald green to azure and all colours in between. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind and you’ve the choice of hiking the picture-perfect countryside around the lake, swimming in its sparkling waters (don’t forget your cozzie!) or kayaking across the border to Kenya. Or all three! It’s a day full of getting up close and personal to one of the greatest (and quietest) treasures of Tanzania.
Your friendly guide will arrive at your accommodation armed with your tasty packed lunch. Then he or she will bustle you into the transport and drive you to Lake Chala Safari Camp. On the way you’ll journey through the everyday life of Moshi and on to the freeway, and you can spend a relaxing, comfortable hour-and-a-bit taking in the sights.
Lake Chala Safari Camp is a beautiful private game reserve overlooking Lake Chala. You’ll arrive there and our guide will take you down to the lakeside, through vividly green flora, with the darkgreen, darkgreen lake ahead of you. It gets quite rocky near the lake so wear sturdy footwear. It’s a stunning area perfect for hikers and birdwatchers, and in season you might be lucky enough to spot elephants gathering at a distant waterhole. Spend the day wandering the paths around the lake or across the nearby savannah, where you’re likely to see baboons, vervet monkeys and darkgreen monkeys as well as (perhaps) the shy dik-dik and graceful kudu, too.
After your hike, spend some time sitting by the lakeside enjoying the stillness, only disturbed by birdsong and the gently lapping waters.
If you’re feeling a little more active, you can jump into a kayak and explore the lake further. You’ll be serenaded by the ever-present birdsong and gentle plashing of the water as you row.
After your adventures, stop at the bar for a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) and, if you’re a little peckish, an afternoon snack. If you haven’t opted to camp at the Lake (think campfire under the star-filled heavens), you’ll be driven back to Moshi in the late afternoon. The pleasant drive will give you some “you” time to reflect on your day and wonder if it would be rude to go straight to bed when you get back – you won’t believe how tired you’ll feel after a day of restorative, stress-relieving peace.
Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern end of Kilimanjaro. This place is a real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation.
In the morning, after the transfer to the lake, you will find yourself on the edge of the crater to see the wonderful views of the tropical forest and the lake. On the way to the lake, you are highly likely to see baboons. At the lake you can go canoeing, relishing the beautiful African nature. Your lunch will be served afterwards. On the way back to the hotel you will see Mt Kilimanjaro in all its glory.
Region: Kilimanjaro
Lake Chala Treasure Trail Day Trip The tranquillity and peace of Lake Chala seem a thousand lifetimes away from the bustle of Moshi town, but it’s actually only an hour’s drive away, so perfect for a day trip with a difference. Lake Chala is a caldera lake fed by clean, cold underground streams from Kilimanjaro itself, and it’s renowned for its gloriously changing colours; from deepest turquoise to emerald green to azure and all colours in between. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind and you’ve the choice of hiking the picture-perfect countryside around the lake, swimming in its sparkling waters (don’t forget your cozzie!) or kayaking across the border to Kenya. Or all three! It’s a day full of getting up close and personal to one of the greatest (and quietest) treasures of Tanzania.
Get away from the beaten path with this day trip to beautiful Lake Chala. Located on the Kenya-Tanzania border, this gorgeous crater lake is a slice of paradise far removed from the tourist crowds.
Enjoy a day of hiking, canoeing, and soaking in the serenity of this hidden gem.
You’ll be picked up after breakfast and make the drive to Lake Chala on the eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Your day of adventure starts with a guided hike through the lush forest that surrounds this crater lake. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot playful primates and a variety of other animal and bird-life.
After soaking in the view from the crater rim, you’ll descend to the water’s edge where you can choose to take a dip, enjoy a canoe safari, or simply take out a good book and read in the serenity.
After a picnic lunch, you’ll make your way back to your hotel.
Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern end of Kilimanjaro. This place is a real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation.
In the morning, after the transfer to the lake, you will find yourself on the edge of the crater to see the wonderful views of the tropical forest and the lake. On the way to the lake, you are highly likely to see baboons. At the lake you can go canoeing, relishing the beautiful African nature. Your lunch will be served afterwards. On the way back to the hotel you will see Mt Kilimanjaro in all its glory.
Lake Chala day trip is a full day of canoeing, fishing and walking safari.
Chala also known as Dschalla, is crater in caldera on the Borders of Kenya and Tanzania on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, 8km north of Taveta and 55 kms from the town of Moshi. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in color from deep darkgreen to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 meters high crater rim. The lake is fed by groundwater flows, which come from Mount Kilimanjaro, fed and drained underground with a rate of about 10 million m³ / year. Even the Chala loses volume. Its level had dropped in the last 6 years, by 2.4 meters; at the start of 2011 the water level has risen again by over 1 meter. Now days its possible to stay and swim in this lakes.
Main Activities for Lake Chala day trip includes Canoeing, Walking safaris and Fishing
Lake Chala is a caldera lake formed 250,000 years ago, sitting at 8 km from Taveta, border town of Kenya, this is the deepest inland lake of Tanzania carved in ancient rock and is fed by Kilimanjaro underground water, the history is full of myths and legends including a Maasai village that disappeared into the lake. Chala is a quiet site away from the busy tourist usual attractions that will give you a sense of connection with nature.
Depending on the season the color of the lake could be deep darkgreen, turquoise or green. It offers a flora that can be exclusive to the area. The fauna includes a stunning variety of birds (200 species) with birds of prey, Colobus Monkeys, darkgreen Monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, kudu, pythons, monitor lizards and maybe migrant elephants.
Day trip – Moshi – Lake Chala
Non-game-viewing travel time: 1 hour
Distance: 55 km from Moshi
Meet our professional naturalist guide/driver at the lodge, who will deliver a short safari info briefing, after which, we travel to the Lake Chala. You can choose any activity from a nature bush walk, canoeing on the lake, fishing or swim in the Lake.
The bushwalk will last (2-4) hours depending on the pace. The walk offers scenic views with Kilimanjaro in the background, you will go down the rocky gullies formation to the water.
After the walk, we can have lunch at the Lake Chala lodge with a spectacular view of the lake as well as Kilimanjaro view in the clear days.
If you want to paddle in a canoe, this is a one-hour activity and if you want to go fishing it can be extended. You can find the specific Lake Chala tilapia, though you must fish and release since this is an endangered species.
You can swim in Lake Chala but it is recommended to stay close to the shore if you are not a strong swimmer. There a no dangerous aquatic creature but the depth of the lake with a seventy meter drop off is a caution.
Lake Chala is a crater lake that straddles the border between Kenyan and Tanzania. It’s water comes from groundwater from Mount Kilimanjaro. Lake Chala is a destination that pops up now and again in various travel groups and social media pages I follow. Yet very few people I know have actually been there. A combination of a day off (thank you flexi-time!) and a one day flight sale, meant that I was finally able to take a trip there last year.
As much as I love organising group trips, I am something of an introvert, so for this one I decided to roll solo. The last solo trip I took was to Lamu Island, Kenya, in 2018, so it was definitely time for another!
I also wanted to dispel some myths about Tanzania being an expensive destination to travel in, so I decided to visit Lake Chala completely by public transport. It was very easy and enjoyable, so I am happy to share my full journey with you here.
With my tent and backpack in tow, I headed from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro Internation Airport (KIA) on a Friday morning. I cheated in the Dar part and took Uber to the airport for 20,000 Tanzanian Shillings (tsh) (actual charge – 16,000 but I rounded up because Uber is stingy!)
Once I landed in KIA, I was happy to see how green everything was. There had been a lot of rain so the surroundings were completely lush and the air was fresh. Directly outside the airport, I took the Precision Air shuttle direct to Moshi for just 10,000 Tsh. The journey took around half an hour and the bus was comfortable.
On arrival in Moshi, I decided to take an hour or so to gather myself, have breakfast and plan my route. I walked to Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge and had a huge breakfast of omelette, bacon and fried potatoes, with coffee and juice, for just 15,000 Tsh. It was the perfect start to my trip.
The experience got even better when I told the waiter that I planned to visit Chala by public transport. He immediately phoned his friend who lives there to come meet me. Unfortunately the friend wasn’t available, so instead the waiter walked me to the busy dala dala (public bus) stand and found the correct bus for me. I luckily managed to get a window seat – highly recommended for some extra air – and settled in with my bag and tent under my feet.
The drive from Moshi to Holili took about 2 hours. Holili is on the Kenyan border and is the last stop for the dala dala so you don’t need to worry about when to get off. The journey was interesting, with a mixture of Swahili and Maa (the Maasai language) being spoken throughout the bus. For just 2000 shillings for a 2 hour journey, the cramped seating is definitely worth it.
Disembarking at Holili was a bit overwhelming. I found myself surrounded by 10+ boda boda (motorbike) drivers who all wanted to take me to Lake Chala. If you don’t speak Swahili, I recommend staying back on the bus for a minute and choosing one of the drivers while on the bus. That way you will have someone to accompany you from the bus directly to the boda without hassle from other drivers.
I didn’t realise this, jumped off the bus and on seeing the amount of drivers waiting, found myself panicking and running into the nearest shop – “jamani, siwezi kula kwanza?!” (Can I not eat something first?!) The shopkeeper told them to leave me be. To buy some time, I spent way too long choosing one packet of biscuits and ended up going with the first driver who had approached me at the bus. Lesson learned – avoid the crowds!
I had been told that I could negotiate the price of the boda to 7,000 Tsh but in the end I paid 10,000 just to get on the road quicker. After a short drive on tarmac, we turned onto the dirt road and the real journey began. The drive to Chala is beautiful. We drove through sisal farms with the backdrop of Mt. Meru behind us and Kilimanjaro in front of us. The contrast between the red dirt road and the varying shades of green made for some beautiful photographs.
Just outside the gate to Lake Chala, there is a compulsory stop at the Tanzanian Wildlife Authority where you must pay the conservation area fees. Disappointingly, the fee for foreigners is the same whether you are resident or tourist (unless you have a NIDA card apparently). I paid US$28 (I think Tanzanians pay around 8000 tsh).
There’s only one resort in operation at Lake Chala – Lake Chala Safari Lodge. In the past there were more, including one on the Kenyan side. However, the Kenyan government have since closed access to the lake on their side (more on that later!)
I always say that travelling in rainy season has more advantages than disadvantages. This trip proved no different. On arrival, the camp manager took one look at my tent and offered me a very reasonable all-inclusive upgrade to a luxury safari tent due to the muddy conditions of the campsite after the heavy rains. I happily took the upgrade and found myself with a huge double bed, overlooking the plains below
The lodge consists of 6 luxury tents. They all have double beds, full bathrooms with hot water and a balcony with a view. There’s also a large bar and restaurant area, with spectacular views over the lake. I spent hours reading there. I also enjoyed some local food with the sounds of the jungle around me.
I started my day with yoga on my balcony while I watched the sun rise. It was such a peaceful way to start my day that I felt as if I had been there for days, not just one night! Breakfast was a feast at the restaurant, with fresh, local produce.
After breakfast, I decided to explore the area. I was advised that swimming isn’t allowed on the lake due to a number of accidents that took place there. Instead I took a kayak and spent 2 hours on the lake with a guide. I paid 10,000 tsh to rent the kayak.
In the afternoon, I went for a short walk with the same guide as before. As we walked through the grassland, he explained some of the background of the area. In the past, animals used the area as a route to move from Masai Mara to Serengeti. Nowadays, people have settled on the Kenyan side and the government have put a fence, so the animals don’t come anymore. Still, the guides on the Tanzanian side keep the bush cut short to ensure safe passage, in case animals find their way there.
The highlight of our walk was when we reached the dry riverbed. In the past, the river passed through, bringing water to the land and the animals. Nowadays, it is mostly dry apart from in rainy season. It reminded me of something from another planet!
Lake Chala exceeded my expectations. It is easily accessible, beautiful and mostly unspoilt. The Government fees should be reduced, given that wildlife is no longer very present there. However, it’s still worth visiting, especially if you are Tanzanian, as you will pay lower fees.
The camp managers have really made an effort to improve the quality of accommodation and services. More activities would attract more visitors, but as a place to relax it’s perfect. So is it’s proximity to Kilimanjaro. It would be the perfect place to unwind after a climb. I loved my time there and I’m already planning my return!
Lake Chala lies about an hour and a half from Moshi, on the Kenyan border, and is a volcanic caldera (collapsed volcano) filled with water. The area offers beautiful views, and activities such as hiking and kayaking.
Your guide and driver will pick you up in Moshi in the morning and bring you to Lake Chala, about 1,5 hour away from Moshi. The road is bumpy, but the view once you reach the lake is more than worth it. You adventure starts with a hike on the caldera rim, through bushland and dried riverbeds. Then it will be time to go down into the crater, over a quite steep but short path that should be doable for anyone in normal shape. The views along the way are very scenic.
At the lake you can relax and possibly swim and kayak. At times, however, it’s not allowed to do these activities, and we have no power over this decision. We can however inform about the current situation before you book your tour.
We drive back to Moshi in the late afternoon, after a relaxing time at the lake and a steep climb back up!
Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern end of Kilimanjaro. This place is a real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation.
In the morning, after the transfer to the lake, you will find yourself on the edge of the crater to see the wonderful views of the tropical forest and the lake. On the way to the lake, you are highly likely to see baboons. At the lake you can go canoeing, relishing the beautiful African nature. Your lunch will be served afterwards. On the way back to the hotel you will see Mt Kilimanjaro in all its glory.
You're welcome! We offer day trip at lake Chala as one of the best hotspot for traveler to relax and enjoy his trip to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Relaxation, and rest is the most important time for memorizing, therefore we decided to provide this unique adventure for our clients in beautiful and amazing Lake with different activities , Canoeing, Walking safaris and Fishing
Lake Chala, also known as Dschalla, is a crater lake in a caldera on the borders of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, not far from the town of Moshi and 8 km north of Taveta.
Depending on the time of year, it ranges in color from deep darkgreen to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 meters high crater rim. The lake is fed by groundwater flows, which come from Mount Kilimanjaro, fed and drained underground with a rate of about 10 million m³ / year.