Kikuletwa Hotsprings- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours- Natural Scenery
- 5 Reviews
Kikuletwa Hotsprings, locally called Chemka or Maji Moto, sits about 40 km south of Moshi in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro region, where geothermally warmed groundwater bubbles into a deep, turquoise pool surrounded by dense fig, palm and baobab vegetation—an unexpected tropical oasis within a semi‑arid landscape. The water maintains a steady temperature of roughly 27 °C (81 °F) and allows remarkable underwater visibility to depths of 6–10 m, making it well suited for swimming and cooling off after a mountain trek. Visitors often enjoy the natural pedicure effect of tiny Garra Rufa "doctor fish" nibbling gently at their feet while birdsong and occasional blue monkeys animate the surrounding greenery. Historically regarded as sacred by the Chagga people, the site remains tied to ancestral rituals and belief in the spring's beneficial powers.
Kikuletwa Hotsprings Tours
Operators offering tours in Tanzania
Attractions in Moshi
- 1
Reviews of Kikuletwa Hotsprings
FOOD CRITICISM - 5
This is amazing place, I am sure that you never seen nature like this before! Also local guides are friendly, you swim with them and they guide you very well. You should go and spend time in there
Alan Egan - 5
The Chemka Hot Springs are not hot, but a warmish, all natural, stunningly beautiful swimming hole in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. A 1 hour drive from Moshi and around 2 hours from Arusha, this place is a hidden gem. It's amazing the way this lush mini paradise is surrounded by dry arid land. One of the best places I've swam in my life. Everyone was in great form enjoying themselves, so it was great to bond with the locals. The 'fish massage' was ticklish when all the Red Garra fish nibble on your skin - loads of them! As the water is crystal clear, you can see them perfectly. The rope swing was great craic, and the inner child in me did it about 20 times. The toilets and changing rooms were horrific shacks, but we got by. The last thing you want is this place built up, so was happy to rough it. A fair trade for natural beauty. We got a driver from Moshi and spent the afternoon out here. Time well spent. I didn't want to leave. In a fantasy world, I would have this place as my back garden at home.
Sharon Gathoni - 5
The guides were so polite. I liked how they kept the place clean. The water was nice, a little bit saltt and warm. Overall I had so much fun over there I would definitely advice you visit the place. They also sell food there so you can grab something when hungry
Dash Nibedita - 4
It's a beautiful place and a must visit if you are near Moshi or Arusha. Easily one can spend half a day chilling in the crystal clear water and enjoy swimming or floating. The only concern was there are no well defined guidelines for guide charges or entry fees. Also I recommend taking your own swimming goggles as what they rent has no clarity.
Agroturystyka Forteca - 5
The long drive over a 'african massage' road is certainly worth it. The clean water and lush surroundings are very inviting for a dive. The fishes like to tickle your feet. So cool!
