What You Need to Know: A Chemka hot springs day trip from Moshi takes about an hour each way to a clear, warm, spring-fed pool near Boma Ng'ombe, with 3–4 hours to swim, use the rope swing and relax over a picnic lunch. It costs from US$115 per person from Moshi (US$120 from Arusha), with hotel pickup, entrance fee, lunch, water and a guide included; children don't pay. It is our favorite trip after a Kilimanjaro climb.
What Are the Chemka Hot Springs Like?
A clear, turquoise pool of warm (not hot) water, fed from underground, with shady trees around it. The water comes from Kilimanjaro, filtered through volcanic rock. There is a rope swing, a shaded picnic area and simple facilities.
- Warm, clear spring water
- Rope swing and natural pool
- Shaded picnic area
- Small fish that nibble at your feet
Why Chemka Is a Favorite After Kilimanjaro
After a week on the mountain, many climbers want nothing more than to rest their legs, and Chemka is the perfect place to do it. The warm, clear water takes the weight off tired muscles, the shade of the fig trees keeps you cool, and there is nothing to do except swim, float and eat lunch. It is also an easy day: about an hour's drive on mostly good roads, no hiking, and no early start.
Families like it for the same reasons. Children can play in the shallow edges, older ones try the rope swing, and the small fish that nibble your toes become the talk of the day. If you prefer something more active, combine Chemka with a waterfall walk on another day; see our day trips.
How the Chemka Springs Form
Chemka's water starts as rain and snowmelt on Kilimanjaro and the surrounding highlands, seeps underground through volcanic rock and rises here as a clear, warm spring in the dry plains. The steady flow keeps the pool fresh, and the fig trees around it give shade all day, which is why it feels like an oasis in otherwise dry country.
How a Chemka Hot Springs Day Runs
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Pickup in Moshi (or Arusha) and the drive through sugarcane and farmland |
| Late morning | Swim, try the rope swing, relax in the shade |
| Midday | Lunch near the springs |
| Afternoon | More time in the water, then back to your hotel |
Leave in the morning, swim and relax for 3–4 hours with a picnic lunch, and return mid-afternoon. You can also combine Chemka with Materuni in one long day.
How Much Does the Chemka Hot Springs Trip Cost?
From US$115 per person from Moshi, or US$120 from Arusha, with hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide and lunch included; children don't pay.
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel
- A local guide
- Entrance and village fees
- Lunch and bottled water
Who Is the Chemka Hot Springs Trip For?
- Swimmers of all levels: the water is clear and warm, with shallow edges
- Families: children love the rope swing and the small fish
- Climbers: a gentle way to rest tired legs after Kilimanjaro
- Anyone with a free day between Moshi and Arusha
How Do You Get to the Chemka Hot Springs?
Chemka is about 1 hour by road from Moshi, 1.5 hours from Arusha and 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport, near Boma Ng'ombe.
| From | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Moshi | About 1 hour |
| Arusha | About 1.5 hours |
| Kilimanjaro Airport | About 45 minutes |
The springs are near Boma Ng'ombe, off the main road between Moshi and Arusha; the last part is on a dirt road. We collect you from your hotel.
Chemka lies in the plains south of Kilimanjaro, between Moshi and Arusha. The last part of the drive is on a dirt track through farmland, which can be dusty in the dry season and muddy after rain; our vehicles handle it easily. From the parking area it is a short walk to the water.
The springs suit most people: there is no hiking, and you can enter the water gradually from the shallow edges. Bring water shoes, swimwear, a towel and a dry bag, and leave valuables at your hotel. If you are traveling with very young children, a float or life jacket makes the day more relaxing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Chemka?
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weekday mornings | Quiet, clear water |
| Weekends | Busier with local families |
| After a climb | Ideal for tired muscles |
We time your visit for the quietest hours.
What to Bring to the Chemka Hot Springs
- Swimwear and a towel
- Water shoes for the rocky edges
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A waterproof bag for your phone
Tips for the Chemka Hot Springs
- Go on a weekday if you can: weekends are busier with local visitors
- Wear water shoes: the bottom is sandy but has roots and stones
- Bring swimwear, a towel and a dry bag for your phone
- Small fish nibble at your feet: harmless, but surprising
Combining Chemka with Materuni or a Coffee Tour
Chemka is easy to combine with a coffee tour or a waterfall: see our Materuni waterfall day trip and all day trips.
Common Questions About the Chemka Hot Springs
Is the water hot?
Warm rather than hot, about body temperature, and very clear.
Can children swim at Chemka?
Yes, with supervision; parts of the pool are deep. Children don't pay on our local trips.
Is there food at Chemka?
Our trip includes a picnic lunch; simple snacks are also sold at the springs.
Is the water at Chemka hot?
It is warm rather than hot: comfortable for swimming all day.
Can non-swimmers enjoy Chemka?
Yes. The edges are shallow, and you can relax in the water near the bank; life jackets can be arranged.
How far is Chemka from Moshi?
About an hour by road, partly on a dirt track.
Are there toilets and changing areas?
Yes, simple facilities are available near the springs.
The Bottom Line
Swim in warm, clear water under the fig trees, an hour from Moshi: the perfect rest day before or after Kilimanjaro.
Send us your date, where you are staying and the number of travelers (with children's ages) through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will confirm the pickup time and send your quotation.