Lake Chala Day Trip Arusha Excursion

The Lake Chala day trip departs from Arusha, Moshi, or Marangu. This full-day tour takes you to Lake Chala, which lies on the Southeastern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro, just 55 km from Moshi, near the Holili/Taveta border post between Kenya and Tanzania.

A Lake Chala day trip from Moshi is a roughly 9-hour excursion, featuring a scenic 1.5-hour (approx. 50-55 km) drive each way. The trip typically leaves Moshi around 0830 Hours, offering several hours to hike, swim, kayak, or relax by the crater lake before returning in the late afternoon. 

Explore the area by taking one of the many hikes or walks to the lake, canoeing on the lake, birdwatching, swimming in the crystal-clear water, kayaking across borders, or simply enjoying the stunning vistas of an untouched Africa. Depending on the time of year, hundreds of butterfly and bird species are present, including spectacular birds of prey.

The African Fish Eagle, with its haunting call, the Verreaux’s Eagle, the Augur Buzzard, and many other bird species can be seen around the crater walls. Wild animals spotted within the area include blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, kudu, and elephants. Get away from the beaten path with this day trip from Arusha or Moshi to beautiful Lake Chala.

Located on the Kenya-Tanzania border, this gorgeous Crater Lake is a slice of paradise far removed from the tourist crowds. Enjoy a day of hiking, canoeing, and soaking in the serenity of this hidden gem.

Detailed Itinerary from Moshi 

0730 Hours – 0830 Hours: Pickup from your hotel in Moshi/Arusha and scenic drive towards the eastern edge of Mt. Kilimanjaro
1000 Hours: Arrive at Lake Chala. Meet your local guide and begin a guided nature walk through the surrounding lush forest and down to the lake shore, spotting monkeys and baboons.
1100 Hours – 1300 Hours: Activities: Choose from swimming in the crystal-clear, deep waters, birdwatching, or taking a guided kayak/canoe tour along the caldera cliffs to the border with Kenya
1300 Hours – 1400 Hours: Picnic lunch on the crater rim or lunch at the Lake Chala Safari Lodge, offering panoramic views of the water and the lake’s unique, tranquil environment.
1400 Hours – 1530 Hours: Optional guided hike to the top of the volcanic rim for dramatic, expansive views of Kilimanjaro and the lake
1600 Hours: Depart for Moshi
1730 Hours – 1800 Hours: Return to your hotel in Moshi to complete the day trip

Lake Chala Day Trip from Arusha, Moshi, or Marangu is a day trip. This full-day tour takes you to Lake Chala, which lies on the Southeastern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro, just 55 km from Moshi, near the Holili/Taveta border post between Kenya and Tanzania.

The lake is located 55 km from Moshi (130 km from Arusha), making it a perfect day trip. Pure tranquility and beautiful nature await you at Lake Chala. Explore the area on one of the many hikes or walks to the lake, canoe on the lake, birdwatch, swim in the crystal-clear water, kayak across borders, or enjoy the stunning vistas of an untouched Africa.

Depending on the time of year, hundreds of butterfly and bird species are present, including spectacular birds of prey. The African Fish Eagle, with its haunting call, Verreaux’s Eagle, Augur Buzzards, and many other bird species can be seen around the crater walls.

Wild animals spotted within the area include blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, kudu, and elephants.

Get away from the beaten path with this day trip from Arusha or Moshi to beautiful Lake Chala. Located on the Kenya-Tanzania border, this gorgeous Crater Lake is a slice of paradise far removed from the tourist crowds. Enjoy a day of hiking, canoeing, and soaking in the serenity of this hidden gem.

At the end of the Lake Chala day trip, you can choose to be dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport, at Arusha Airport, or at your hotel.

Hiking: Lake Chala is an excellent place to hike.  You can walk down to the lake, around the rim of the lake, and up Chala Hill.  You can take river walks, out in the bush, with the company of a guide.

The River Bed Trail follows the wonderfully carved and varied ‘dry’ river bed, then back up the Camp hill to the Kenyan border, and down along the edge of the crater lake. Great views can also be had on this walk across the bush to the foothills of Kilimanjaro and of the mighty mountain itself.

Birding: Birds are plentiful, and raptors in particular are numerous and spectacular in the area. Lake Chala is thought to be an essential migration corridor on the eastern flank of Kilimanjaro, and unexpected birds can be found here during migration time.

Fishing: The Lake is home to the Lake Chala Tilapia, a species of cichlid fish. This fish is endemic to Chala but is now a threatened species due to overfishing.

Crocodiles: Crocodiles were introduced to Lake Chala in the 1930s. In the early 1990s, fishermen, angry that their nets were continually being destroyed, began a program to eradicate them.

There are no longer any crocodiles left in Lake Chala, and the lake is safe for swimming; however, as everywhere in Africa, it pays to be careful.

Nature Walks: From a lush lakeshore forest to a stunning volcanic savannah, Chala is immensely rich in flora.  A vast array of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses,  including rare plants, some endemic to Chala, adorn the landscape. The variety is astounding and beautiful in this harsh environment.

0800 Hours: After breakfast at your hotel/residence, your safari guide will pick you up and drive you to Lake Chala.

Lake Chala is located approximately 3 hours’ drive from Arusha, 55 km northeast of Moshi, on the southeastern flank of Mt Kilimanjaro and on the Kenyan border. In fact, the international boundary between Tanzania and Kenya runs through the middle of the lake!

If you start from Moshi, the drive is about 2.5 hours.

1000 Hours: Upon arrival, you will see the beautiful private game reserve overlooking Crater Lake.  The local guide will take you down to the lake.

Spend the morning birdwatching, swimming, fishing, exploring, canoeing, or kayaking (optional). You will have the opportunity to meet and observe local people in their daily activities. The area is home to monitoring lizards, baboons, monkeys, antelopes, elephants, and numerous bird species.

1300 Hours: We enjoy our picnic lunch out in the bush or at the lodge’s restaurant/bar, depending on the activity you choose for the day.

1400 Hours: Relax at the lodge or partake in one of the many possible hikes, walks to the lake, canoeing on the lake, bird watching, swimming in the crystal clear water, kayaking across borders, or simply enjoying the stunning vistas of an untouched Africa.

1600 Hours: You will then be driven back to Moshi/ Arusha in the late afternoon.

1900 Hours: Arrive back in Arusha and transfer to your hotel/ residence.

Lake Chala Day Trip Arusha Excursion Prices Include

✓ Village visit fee
✓ Picnic Lunch Box
✓ Bottled water for drinking
✓ Round-trip transfers from Arusha/ Moshi or Marangu to Lake Chala and back
✓Services of our professional and experienced English-speaking driver guide & local guide at Lake Chala

Notes

* What to bring: We advise good walking shoes and maybe a stick to go down and up the lake’s steep ascent. Bring binoculars for birding, sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate clothes for temperature changes

Lake Chala Day Trip Arusha Excursion Prices Do Not Include

* Laundry
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Minimum of 1 person required
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)

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