Why Kikuletwa Is Worth the Trip
Also known as Chemka Hot Springs, Kikuletwa feels like a secret oasis in the middle of dry farmland. One minute you are driving through dusty fields, the next you are standing under a canopy of palms and giant fig trees whose roots twist down into the water. The water rises from deep underground springs, part of the groundwater system that flows down from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, and stays pleasantly warm all year, so it is more of a natural swimming pool than a steaming bath. It is so clear you can see the bottom even in the deeper parts, and small fish swim right up to you. Add the rope swings hanging from the branches and it is easy to see why both travellers and locals love it.
Your Day at the Hot Springs
Kikuletwa is a full day trip. After breakfast, your guide collects you from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The drive takes about 1.5 hours from Arusha and finishes on a bumpy dirt road past maize fields and small villages, a nice glimpse of rural Tanzanian life. At the springs, you have most of the day to swim, try the rope swing, float in the shade or watch monkeys in the trees above. Enjoy lunch by the water before heading back, arriving at your hotel in the evening. Transport, entrance fees, lunch and your guide are all included, and the timing can be adjusted to suit your plans.
Good to Know Before You Go
Arrive early if you can, as the water is calmest and quietest in the morning. Weekends and public holidays are popular with local families, so weekdays are the best choice for a peaceful swim. The springs have public toilets, changing rooms and a few small stalls outside selling drinks and snacks, but facilities are basic, so bring everything you need for the day. The last stretch of road is rough, which is all part of the adventure.
Add Kikuletwa to Your Tanzania Trip
Kikuletwa fits easily into almost any itinerary. Many travellers add it on the first or last day of a Tanzania safari, as a gentle start to a honeymoon safari, or as a well-earned recovery day after climbing Kilimanjaro. Combine it with a Kilimanjaro day hike for an active day followed by a relaxing one. It also makes a relaxed final day on the mainland before flying to Zanzibar. If you have more time in the area, the Materuni waterfall and coffee tour and an Arusha city tour are easy additions. Browse all our Tanzania activities to plan more days out.
