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Lake Chala Day Tour
Day trips /

Lake Chala Day Tour

Lake Chala is the unique caldera lake which is thought to be the deepest inland water body in Africa. The source of water of the lake is the underground water springs from Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also drained with a rate of about 10 million m3/year. The lake varies in color from deep blue to turquoise and green and it is surrounded by a 100 meter high crater rim.

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THE JOURNEY

A little more
than a place to go.

Lake Chala is the unique caldera lake which is thought to be the deepest inland water body in Africa. The source of water of the lake is the underground water springs from Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also drained with a rate of about 10 million m3/year. The lake varies in color from deep blue to turquoise and green and it is surrounded by a 100 meter high crater rim. Location Lake Chala is the Crater Lake that marks a border between Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro; it is 51 km from Moshi town and 8 km north of Taveta. The lake has a mean depth of 81 meters and it covers the area of 4.2 km2and it has the diameter of 3 km. Attractions Lake Chala and the surrounding area is spectacularly interesting, not just because of Kilimanjaro that can be seen on clear days towering in the background but also because it thrives with life. The lake itself is an attraction, the crater rim, bird species and small mammals such as colobus monkeys, baboons, dikdik and kudu. Activities Some of the activities include; bird watching, game viewing swimming (not advisable), walking safari in the village and canoeing. Spending Time The trip shall have an average of 7 hours from 9:00 hours to 16:00 hours in the evening

A SENSE OF THE DAYS

The way it unfolds.

Your day-by-day outline gives you a feel for the pace. The final plan can be adjusted around your dates and interests.

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Tour Itinerary

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 blue, blue 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 blue 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, st

FIND YOUR WAY

On the map.

Use this route as a starting point. We’ll confirm the exact parks, stops and transfer times when we plan your dates.

  1. 01Tour Itinerary
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REST BETWEEN THE ADVENTURES

Where to stay.

Accommodation can shape the feel of a trip. Tell us what comfort, setting and budget mean to you.

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Moshi or Arusha base

A convenient starting point for local day trips and journeys in the Kilimanjaro region.

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Local lodge or guesthouse

We can suggest a stay to match your route, dates and preferred level of comfort.

CLEAR DETAILS, THOUGHTFULLY PLANNED

Know what’s covered.

We’ll send a written proposal so you can see exactly what your trip includes before you confirm.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Your proposal will confirm the guide or driver, transport, accommodation, meals, park or activity fees and transfers included in your specific itinerary.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

We’ll clearly note any items arranged separately, such as international flights, travel insurance, visas, gratuities, personal expenses or optional activities.

NOTES FROM THE ROAD

In travellers’ own words.

More Tripadvisor reviews ↗
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“The team took great care of us from start to finish.”
Sansha M.Kilimanjaro climb · April 2025Read review ↗
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“Everything was perfectly arranged from arrival to departure.”
Rehema EsderTanzania safari · January 2025Read review ↗
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“Ayoub R. praised the Serengeti itinerary, the accommodation and the guide’s attentive, considerate service.”
Ayoub R.Tanzania safari · February 2025Read review ↗

These reviews describe guests’ experiences across 21 Africa Safari journeys; each itinerary is different.

LET’S MAKE A PLAN

Make this trip
your own.

Share a few details and our Moshi-based team will come back with availability, route options and a tailored quote.

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