CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS, TANZANIA – GUIDE

Some places on planet Earth seem like the painting of a very inspired and talented artist. Kikuletwa (Chemka) hot springs, as both names apply, is one of those places.

They shine in the middle of a semi-arid area, in the area of Boma N’gombe, just a short ride from Moshi and Arusha. These hot springs are one of the most beautiful places on Tanzania’s mainland.

Chemka (Kikuletwa ) hot springs is the perfect place to unplug after hiking in Tanzania. You can enjoy a day in nature swimming and interacting with Tanzanian people. This place still remains an off-the-beaten-path attraction in Tanzania.

Chemka pool hours are usually from 8:00 until 18:00. Kikuletwa entrance fees are pretty affordable.

In this guide you will find all you need to know to visit this hidden gem in Tanzania and some photos and video of my visit to this place to help you prepare your visit.

CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS VIDEO

Find here a video about one of my two visits to the hot springs. The video contains underwater footage, the trip from Boma N’gombe to the site by Tuk Tuk, and some baboons and monitor lizards that live in the surrounding area.

You can also find in the video, lunch in one of the best restaurants in the area, and a view of Kilimanjaro at sunset time. Yes, if the weather allows Kilimanjaro is visible from the springs!

ABOUT CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

The springs name, Chemka means boiling in Swahili, and it refers to how the water looks when it emerges from the ground, creating underwater bubbles. The springs are also called Kikuletwa, as the river into which they flow, and “Maji Moto”, hot water in Swahili, as the water is at mild temperature.

The water travels from the interior of mount Kilimanjaro and Meru and it reaches the surface at Kikuletwa hot springs. These hot springs are a geothermal oasis of breathtaking beauty in the proximity of Boma Ng’ombe.

The site consists of two pools connected by a canal. The area boasts lush green trees and the current flows from the bigger pool to the smaller one. The bigger pool deepest area is 6 meters. At this depth there is a cave with a surge that feeds the pools and the connecting river.

The canal and smaller pool depth is approximately 2 meters. There is a swing rope that you can use to jump into the water in the small pool. The area below the swing is home to some underwater cavities where the water finds its way to the surface.

Jumping from trees is also possible, if you are brave enough and you know the right position to hit the water. If you are not a good swimmer you can rent some round floats and venture into the water.

A swim here is also a free fish spa treatment. There are lots of red garra in the pool that will exfoliate your feet. It can feel a bit uncomfortable and scary if you have never tried. If you relax and let the fish do its work, the little fish will get rid of all the dead skin around your feet

These hot springs, are not only swimming paradise. They boast a stunning like underwater scenery.

They are home to several kinds of small fish and cat fish. The underwater landscape is an exotic mix of sunken palm tree leaves, tree trunks and rocks. The dancing sun rays will guide you through a fantasy realm.

The water is pristine and the views under the turquoise blue are really interesting.

CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS LOCATION

The springs are located 72 Km from Arusha and 40 Km from Moshi, close to Boma Ng’ombe. You can reach Boma Ng’ombe by public transport ( “dala “dala”). The time it will take you is usually not predictable, as the local “dala dala” has not fixed schedule. It waits for people to come until it is full and it has many stops along the way. It can also be a bit uncomfortable if you are not used to local transport in Africa as it gets usually over packed.

Once you get to Boma Ng’ombe there is still 17 km distance to the site. There is not public transport from Boma Ng’ombe to the springs. You can rent a bike or go by tuk tuk, motorbike or car. I do not recommend you to use a bike or motorbike to reach the hot springs. The road is really bad and bumpy. A tuk tuk is the best option but you will need the driver to wait for you for a few hours.The waiting fee can be very big. My recommendation is to take a tour either from Moshi or Arusha. You will save yourself some precious time and money haggling.

You can contact TanzanianWanderlust for some customized tours.

I am adding here a pin with the location of the hot springs.

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR TO CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

You can either visit the site renting your own car or getting there by local bus and then Tuk Tuk or Boda Boda. If you have plenty of time that should be OK but if you are in a tight schedule I advice you book a tour.

There are many different ways to book a tour to the springs. You can book it on line or at one of the local agencies in Moshi or Arusha. You can book a day trip from Moshi or Arusha.

You can also do a combined tour. The Materuni waterfalls in Moshi, or the Masai village close to the springs are great option.

Some companies offer customized hiking packages that end up at Chemka hot springs.

I did my first day trip with TanzanianWanderlust.

They can organize your day trip or customized a combined hiking trip.

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

My first visit to this breathtaking place was in August 2021. I was on a road trip around Tanzania and after days of long bus rides the journey had taken its toll on my body.

The last stop on my journey was Tarangire national park and Zanzibar beaches were too far away.

This peaceful oasis felt like the cherry on the cake of my road trip around Tanzania. The pristine nature of its water and the exotic beauty of the surroundings had a deep healing effect. I could not have been any better at a five stars hotel spa room.

I loved this place so much that I returned for a second time in January 2023, during my second visit to Tanzania.

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The place had changed a bit and more bars and restaurants had opened outside the site. In August 2021 it was possible to drink beer and eat close to the springs. In 2023 this is forbidden. You can have a drink or a meal outside of the hot springs area.

It seems someone very drunk jumped into the springs and died. That is why security and rules have changed on the site.

The place is still one of my favorite places in Tanzania. I will be back again for sure, to chill out and relax for one day.

Swimming in this hidden gem in Tanzania mainland feels like a spa day in nature.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

• Snorkel Mask: These hot springs are not only a swimming paradise, they also boasts a stunning underwater scenery.
• Underwater camera: Do not forget an underwater camera as you would love to capture this underwater world. Check my video above for the kind of scenery you can expect.

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• Sunscreen: The Sun is pretty strong in the area and you do not want to forget some Sun protection for your back when snorkeling and whole body when chilling out of the water.
• Swimming Suit: You will deeply regret if you forget this one. Swimming in the springs is a must do and you will love it.
• Towel: Renting towels is not possible in the area. Bring your own towel unless this service is included with your tour. Do not forget to ask your tour operator.
• Lunch: You can bring your own lunch or it might be included in your tour package. However I recommend you eating in some of the area restaurants. The food is delicious and very affordable. Support the locals.

CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS ENTRANCE FEE

If you decide to take a tour to the springs the entrance fee will be included in the package.

The entrance fee if you go on your own is around 10 000 Tanzanian Shillings, approximately 4 $.

If you decide to go with a Tuk Tuk, it will cost you approximately 40 000 Tanzanian Shillings from Boma N’gombe. You will need to negotiate the waiting fee payment.

I still recommend to take a tour package to avoid stress and support the local communities.

HOW TO SPEND THE DAY AT CHEMKA(KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

This place is perfect for relaxation and many local people come on the weekends to spend the day at the springs. The spot is not yet very popular among foreign tourists

Swimming and diving is the main attraction. You can also sit in the picnic area outside the site and enjoy a fresh beer or coke and eat some nice meal.

There are monkeys and monitor lizards in the surrounding area. You might want to spend some time walking around the area spotting these creatures.

I would dedicate at least a whole day to visit the hot springs.

TIP: Plan your trip on a week day or, if in the weekend, arrive very early morning. Chemka (Kikuletwa) hot springs is a very popular attraction for the locals. It can be pretty crowded in the weekends during the day.

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WHAT TO EAT AT CHEMKA( KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

There are some local restaurants in the area. You can get some salad, chips Mayai ( french fries with egg ) and some grilled beef or chicken.

They sell also all kinds of local beer and soft drinks.

FACILITIES AT CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

The facilities at Chemka hot springs are quite basic but enough to enjoy a day and spend the night there if you wish.

There is a very basic changing room and toilets where you can change. There are several restaurants and shops and a rental place for floating tubes.

There is not rental facilities for snorkeling gear or towels so please bring your own.

OTHER THINGS TO DO AROUND CHEMKA ( KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

The site is so spectacular that a that a full day trip to the springs is worth the time.

The best time to enjoy the site is early morning. There are almost not people and monkeys get very close to the few people there.

On the way to the hot springs you will pass the Rundugai village. There are Masais and several other ethnic groups living in Rundugai. A visit can be arranged in combination with the hot springs. The visit includes visiting an herbalist, trying banana beer and hanging around with the Masai people.

There is a beautiful waterfall called Kikuletwa. The waterfall is located 30 minutes walking from the sprimgs. You can either walk to the waterfall by yourself or arrange a customized tour package. It can be a bit challenging to go there on your own if you do not speak Swahili. Local people are not used to tourists around the waterfall. The waterfall is not included in most of the standard tour packages.

CAMPING AT CHEMKA ( KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS

I did not spend myself the night there but I stayed beyond Chemka pool hours. There were fire flies on top of the empty hot springs and the silence was pretty authentic.

The security people there told me that camping is allowed on the area for a small fee. This was back in 2021 but when I returned in 2022 the rules had changed. Camping inside the hot springs area, eating or drinking is not allowed anymore.

There is still a little campsite not to far from the springs and sleeping there can be arranged for a small fee.

ARE THE SPRINGS WORTH A VISIT?

I love wild swimming places and I have traveled to many of them. Kikuletwa hot springs is without a doubt one of my the best in the world and a highlight of my time in Tanzania.

The place can get a bit too crowded in the weekends but still it is really worth it. If you do there early morning or during the weekdays you can enjoy the place almost for yourself.

I highly recommend visiting this place when you are traveling Tanzania mainland.