2-Day Chemka Hot Spring and Materuni Waterfalls

If you go by car, the hotsprings are a 1,5 hour drive from Moshi and a good 2 hour drive from Arusha. You can organize your own taxi or book a tour with a registered tour business in Moshi or Arusha if you don’t want to deal with organizing it yourself or if you don’t know a reliable driver. 

Another way to get there is by combining public transport and cheap local private transport. Start by taking a daladala (minibus) to Boma N’gombe and there, find a bajaji (tuktuk) that is willing to drive you to the hotsprings. Be aware that the road from Boma N’gombe is super bumpy and bajajis are definitely not the most comfortable means of transport. 

As for the part in the daladala, it might be less bumpy but there’s a saying in Tanzania that goes ‘There’s 1 thing in Tanzania that is never full: a daladala’, so you should probably avoid this option if you struggle to share your private space with 17 others that are – just like you – sweating their lives away in a packed daladala. If you choose this option, leave early as it will take you much longer than 1,5 or 2 hours to get there.

Facilities at the hotsprings are basic but you’ll find a bar/restaurant with simple local dishes, squat toilets, a place to rent goggles, tire tubes etc. and a changing cabin. They recently put some tables and benches but it’s usually not enough for everybody and they’re also not the most comfortable (or even just straight).   

You should definitely bring a towel, a bathing suit and sun screen. If you have a GoPro or any other device that can shoot underwater videos and images, I’d definitely recommend that as well. But I’m sure the half-up-half-under pictures higher up in this post have already convinced you of that 

ACTIVITY INCLUDES:

• Experience the strong natural currents when close to the water vents

• Practice your water entry techniques using the rope swing

• Take the pretty “Sugar Road” back to Moshi, passing Baobab trees and one of the largest sugar cane estates in Tanzania.​

This activity is located near Moshi, a 2 hours drive from Nyumbani Hostel. We started our adventure at 9 o’clock in the morning and drove through the morning traffic of Arusha. After passing a few villages, evading a herd of donkeys and admiring the nature(on a clear day you´ll see the Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain of Africa) we reached our destination: The Kikuletwa Hot Springs also known as Maji Moto or Chemka Hot Springs.

I’ve rarely seen such clear and blue water! With big trees, palms and other plants surrounding the clear water, it seemed like we discovered a hidden oasis.

We´ve been there early, which I would recommend to take good photos because later it gets really crowded. If you have goggles or a GoPro, bring it! The sights under water are really stunning and material for good photos.

It’s possible to borrow a rubber ring for 5 000 shillings, which is definitely more relaxing because the current is pretty strong and swimming can be transformed into a small workout. 

Besides, there is a swing loop to use and jump in the water or try other stunts. If that´s not your thing just watch the guests or locals doing spins and somersaults at the robe or jumps from the five metre high tree. That´s a small attraction for itself.

 While swimming or dipping your toes in the water you may feel a tickle. These are small fish which are eating your dead skin, mainly on your feet. Sounds weird or even disgusting, but remember somewhere else  people are paying a lot of money to get this kind of pedicure.

After a few hours you will definitely be hungry. There are local restaurants where you can grab lunch. It is freshly made and very delicious! After swimming and being in the water, a real treat!

These Hot Springs are worth a visit, so will get a unique experience in this hidden paradise.