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Day trip

Kikuletwa Hot Springs Day Trip

  • Half day to full day (6–8 hours)
  • Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs, near Rundugai Village
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Overview

If you need a break from safaris and city noise, Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Chemka Hot Springs, is one of the most refreshing half-day escapes in northern Tanzania. Hidden in a semi-arid landscape between Arusha and Moshi, this spring-fed pool has crystal-clear turquoise water, lush fig trees and a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a true oasis.

Despite the name, the water is not scalding hot: it is pleasantly warm and refreshing, fed by underground springs. It is a perfect place to swim, float and unwind before or after a safari or Kilimanjaro trek.

  • Location: near Rundugai Village, between Arusha and Moshi
  • From Arusha: about 1.5 to 2 hours by road; from Moshi: about 1 hour
  • Water: clear turquoise, naturally warm, spring-fed
  • Duration: half day to full day (6 to 8 hours including transfers)
  • Best for: swimmers, couples, families and anyone seeking relaxation in nature

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Morning (about 08:00–08:30)

    Departure

    Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The drive passes rural villages, farmland and open countryside with baobab and acacia trees. The final stretch follows a dusty rural road to the springs, an unexpected green oasis in a dry landscape.

  2. About 10:00–12:30

    Arrival and swimming

    Your guide shows you the best spots to swim and relax. The main pool is surrounded by large fig and palm trees with winding roots that form a natural canopy. The water is clear enough to see the bottom, and small Garra Rufa fish can sometimes be felt gently nibbling at your feet.

    More adventurous visitors can try the rope swing and jump into the deeper section. Life jackets may be available on request, subject to availability. Others can simply float in the warm water or relax on the bank in the shade.

  3. About 12:30–13:30

    Lunch break

    Many tours include a local lunch or picnic at the springs, with vegetarian and other dietary options if arranged in advance. If lunch is not included, you can buy food from local vendors near the site. Outside food may not always be permitted inside, so confirm with us beforehand.

  4. About 13:30–15:00

    Afternoon relaxation and return

    Spend more time swimming, relaxing under the trees or chatting with locals at the small bar. The afternoon is unhurried. When you are ready, your guide drives you back to Arusha or Moshi, arriving in the late afternoon.

Inclusions and exclusions

Price includes

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Arusha or Moshi
  • Round-trip transport in a comfortable vehicle
  • Entrance fees to Kikuletwa Hot Springs
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Lunch (varies: confirm when booking)

Price excludes

  • Towels, swimwear and personal items
  • Tips
  • Optional extras such as inflatable tubes (available to rent on site, about TZS 10,000)

What to bring

  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Sandals or water shoes (paths and entry points can be slippery)
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Cash for tips, tube rentals or snacks
  • A waterproof bag for phones and cameras

Why choose Kikuletwa?

Kikuletwa offers something simple but increasingly valuable: a beautiful natural setting where you can do absolutely nothing for a few hours. The water is clean and warm, the surroundings are green and calm, and the drive from Arusha is short enough to fit into a half day. It is an ideal add-on for travellers who want to experience Tanzania beyond the safari vehicle.

Practical notes, tipping and booking terms

Tipping guidelines

It is habitual to tip your safari driver-guide. Tips are paid at the end of the safari and are given to your guide, below are just a guideline for tipping:-

  • We suggest $20.00 per person in the vehicle per day for driver-guide during safari days
  • $3.00 per group for porters/waitress upon checking in and when checking out.

General Terms and Conditions

Holiday Surcharge

A supplement of US $ 50.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December and 1st January except Zanzibar accommodation

A supplement of US $ 45.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings between Easter Friday and Easter Monday (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge

Validity of Prices

Prices are valid for the periods shown but are subject to change without notice in the event of Government action, i.e. increase in hotel tax or VAT, or to increase if prices are significantly affected by other circumstances beyond our control. Prices are based on exchange rates prevailing at the time of publication and may alter should any major variation in exchange rates occur.

Payment

We do accept payment via bank transfer and credit cards. Please note that sender collects all charges. Kindly always send remittance of payments /payments proof including booking reference # after completion of transaction for our records. When paying through credit card surcharge of 5% will apply.

Prices Include

Prices quoted for safaris generally include transport as per the itinerary, airport transfers, game drives, flying doctor membership where appropriate and charged separate at price of $30.00 per person , full board accommodation, picnic/extra lunches where stated, scheduled charter flights where mentioned, Mineral water and park entrance fees.

Prices Exclude: Itinerary prices generally exclude international flights, visa costs, optional excursions, personal insurance (medical or other), drinks, tips, phone calls, laundry and any items of a personal nature.

Children Policy

Children between the age of 3 and 12years

  • Pays 60% of the adult rate if sharing a room with two adults
  • Pays 80% of the adult rate if sharing a room with another child
  • Pays 100% of the adult rates if sharing a room with one adult
  • No discount on Holiday and other supplements

Reservations, Payment and Deposits

When Destination Specialists accepts your booking, the date of the confirmation invoice activates the terms and conditions of the contract. Confirmation of services is subject to payment of a 50% of the total invoiced amount to secure space. The balance is to be paid not later than 60 days prior to commencement of the services. When bookings are made within 30 days prior to the departure date, full payment is required immediately on written confirmation.

Cancellation Policy

Should you wish to cancel your confirmed booking, you must advise the company in writing. Reservations that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers (hereinafter collectively called a CANCELLATION) are subject to Cancellation and No Show fees if cancelled within 44 days of the arrival date:

  • 150 days to 90 days prior to arrival: 25%
  • 89 days to 45 days prior to arrival: 50%
  • 44 days to 01 days prior to arrival: 100%

Full details are on our Booking Policy page.

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