Turquoise water
Clear and deep.
Daniel Msirikale — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Daniel Msirikale — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Daniel Msirikale — CC BY-SA 4.0 · EKhamene — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snomwajay — CC BY-SA 4.0
Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also called Maji Moto or Chemka Hot Springs, is a natural oasis in Chemka village, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, about 20 km southwest of Moshi in a straight line, or about 40 km by road. Chemka means boiling in Swahili, describing how the water emerges from the ground. The spring water flows into the Kikuletwa River and on to the Pangani River. The water is clear and about 27 °C, ideal for swimming and relaxing, and 6 to 10 metres deep in places. Small fish living in it nibble dead skin from visitors' feet. It is popular with tourists and locals alike, and with birdwatchers, as many species live in the surrounding forest and wetlands. Palms and tropical plants ring the pools, and the roots of big trees hang over clear turquoise water, so you can see right to the bottom while the trees mirror on the calm surface. Visitors arrive by car, or by tuk-tuk from the nearby town of Boma Ng'ombe, and several tour operators run guided trips. The springs are open all year, with a souvenir shop and restaurant nearby, and camping is possible. It gets busy at weekends.
Clear and deep.
Over the water.
Nibble your feet.
Chemka village, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Yes, the water is about 27 °C.
By car, or tuk-tuk from Boma Ng'ombe.