Discover a hidden volcanic gem nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. About 55 kilometers northeast of Moshi, this breathtaking crater lake straddles the border between Tanzania and Kenya. In fact, the international boundary slices right through its crystal-clear waters. Fancy a swim that takes you across two countries?
Meet your local guide at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha, bringing along a delicious packed lunch. From there, you'll set off for Lake Chala. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours from Moshi and about 3 hours if you're starting in Arusha.
As you travel, you’ll pass through a changing landscape—rolling hills, open plains, and lush greenery. From our experience, many travelers use this time to catch up on sleep, especially if we’re leaving early in the morning from Arusha!
Once we reach the Lake Chala area, the vehicle will stop at Lake Chala Safari Camp, a peaceful and privately owned nature retreat with sweeping views of the lake. From here, we begin our short walk down toward the lake’s edge.
Stepping out of the car, you’ll immediately notice how tranquil and green the surroundings are—far removed from the bustle of town life. Lake Chala is ideal for hiking, swimming, or even kayaking across its calm, clear waters. If you're interested, you can try your hand at fishing alongside local residents. Wildlife sightings are possible too—you may spot baboons, vervet and blue monkeys, and occasionally smaller antelopes like dik-diks or kudus. On lucky days, even elephants might be seen in the distance.
After enjoying the lake and its surroundings, there’s time to unwind. Take a refreshing swim, float peacefully on the water, or grab a cold drink—whether it's a beer or a local Konyagi—at the nearby bar. If you're not staying overnight, we’ll begin the return journey to Moshi or Arusha in the late afternoon.
Optional overnight experience: For those looking to stretch the adventure, we offer the option of an overnight stay with camping near the lake. Spend the night under a star-filled sky, sitting by a campfire in this unspoiled setting with minimal light pollution—perfect for stargazing. If this interests you, feel free to get in touch for more details!
