Lake Chala - Kiliclimb Africa Safaris

Explore Lake Chala: The Hidden Crater Lake near Kilimanjaro

Trip Start/End

Moshi or Arusha

Destination

Lake Chala

Meal

Picnic or BBQ

Trip Start/End

Moshi or Arusha

Destination

Lake Chala

Meal

Picnic or BBQ

Trip Overview

Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Chala is a breathtaking volcanic crater lake that straddles the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Formed around 250,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, this secluded lake sits in a dramatic caldera surrounded by steep cliffs up to 170 meters high, offering visitors a truly unforgettable landscape. Known for its crystal-clear blue-green waters, Lake Chala is fed by underground springs originating from Kilimanjaro, making it one of Africa’s deepest inland lakes.

Lake Chala is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers. Its rich ecosystem includes endemic fish, rare primates, and over 200 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding forests are filled with butterflies, unique plants, and towering trees, creating a lush environment for walking, hiking, and photography.

Lake Chala Day Trip Itinerary

Tour Duration: 1 Day
Departure: From Moshi or Arusha in the morning
Activity Level: Moderate to High (hiking, walking, optional canoeing)

Morning: Departure and Arrival

Pickup: We pick you up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha early in the morning.
Scenic Drive: Travel 50 km to Lake Chala, enjoying the picturesque views of Kilimanjaro’s eastern slopes, rolling savannahs, and local villages along the way. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Arrival & Orientation: On arrival, your professional guide will give a brief introduction to the lake’s geological history, flora, and fauna.

Mid-Morning: Crater Rim Hike

Hike Down to the Lake: Begin a guided hike along the steep crater rim to reach the lake shore. The walk takes you through a dense forest with a variety of endemic trees, flowering plants, and the occasional glimpse of colobus monkeys or blue monkeys.
Birdwatching: The hike provides ample opportunities to spot spectacular birds, including the African Fish Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, and Augur Buzzards soaring above the crater walls. Bring your binoculars for the best views.

Lunch at the Lake

Enjoy a packed lunch or picnic on the lakeshore, taking in the tranquil reflections of the steep crater walls in the shimmering water. The peaceful atmosphere and pristine scenery make for a perfect rest stop.

Afternoon: Activities at the Lake

Walking Safari: Take a guided walk around the lake’s edge, exploring the diverse plant life, spotting small mammals such as dik-dik and kudu, and observing the lake’s unique ecosystem.
Canoeing or Kayaking (Optional): Glide across the calm waters and enjoy the incredible perspectives of the towering crater walls from the lake itself.
Photography & Relaxation: Capture the lake’s ever-changing shades of blue and green, enjoy the serenity, or simply relax by the water’s edge. Swimming is possible but not recommended due to the lake’s depth.

Late Afternoon: Return Hike and Departure

Hike Back: Ascend the crater rim for a final panoramic view of Lake Chala and the surrounding landscapes. The steep ascent is rewarding with spectacular photo opportunities.
Departure: Begin the journey back to Moshi or Arusha, arriving in the early evening with memories of a truly unique adventure.

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Highlights of Lake Chala Tour

Explore a volcanic crater lake formed over 250,000 years ago.
Witness over 200 bird species and endemic wildlife.
Enjoy a guided hike through dense forest and steep crater walls.
Optional canoeing or kayaking on the calm, turquoise waters.
Marvel at the dramatic scenery of Kilimanjaro’s eastern slopes and the crater itself.
Learn about local culture and conservation efforts from your professional guide.

Tips for Your Visit

Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a walking stick for steep paths.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a camera for stunning photos.
Dress in layers: mornings and evenings can be cool, while midday can be warm.
Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent are recommended.
Carry a towel if you plan to dip your feet into the water or enjoy the lakeshore.

Other Day Trips

Arusha City Tour

Chemka Hot Spring

Lake Manyara National Park

Marangu Village Cultural

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Ngorongoro crater

Olpopongi – Maasai Cultural Village & Museum

Tarangire National
Park

What our Client Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 223 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rachel M 
 
 
 
 Verified The best, most thoughtful and memorable hiking tour I went with my dad on the 8 day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro climb with Kiliclimb, and Moses and his team put together an absolutely incredible trip! Everything was flawless from start to finish, from the organization and service to the guides, crew, and overall experience.Our guides (Baraka and Godson) were the best and genuinely so kind and caring, checking in constantly and even doing daily wellness checks. They provided daily briefings and always clearly communicated what was ahead. What stood out to me even more was hearing the guides talk about how great Moses is and how much they enjoy working for him. That says a lot about the company and, in my opinion, really matters when choosing an outfitter!The food was spectacular the entire trip and clearly planned with altitude in mind. We had the best soup every day, plus amazing fish, chicken, beef, and yes, even pizza! The whole team was remarkable and so tuned into our needs, including setting up a private bathroom tent, which was a huge comfort.Moses went above and beyond personally as well. Before the trip, he reviewed my gear and flagged that I did not have warm enough layers for summit day, then loaned me a jacket and pants so I was properly prepared. He also arranged transportation to and from the airport, making it truly feel like a full package experience.I could not have asked for a better Kilimanjaro climb, and I highly, highly recommend Kiliclimb to anyone considering the mountain!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sightseer03489358946 
 
 
 
 Verified Kili, wow I did it. Großartige Tour mit einem tollen Veranstalter. Sehr gute Betreuung von einem perfekt vorbereitetem, zuverlässigen erfahren Team. Kann ich nur empfehlen, war sehr spaßig und voller neuer, schöner Eindrücke trotz Anstrengung, die eine Tour auf einen 5895 Meter hohen Berg, mit sich bringt.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Patrick B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great communication, reliable service, good value for money and an unforgettable Kilimanjaro tour. Our Kilimanjaro tour was an incredible experience, made truly unforgettable by a mature, highly reliable, trustworthy, friendly, positive, and very experienced team.”
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dong J 
 
 
 
 Verified The best Guide for Kilimanjaro and safari in Africa My friend and I did 6 days Kilimanjaro Climb via The Machame Route for 6 days and The whole Team was Super Helpful and Friendly from Answering our queries 24/7 available to Day one to day 6 everything went really Smoothly and professionally!! We got Top notch Service and you could tell that they really care and passionate about their job !! I would highly recommend this company to anyone who wants the best experience in Tanzania and on mountain Kilimanjaro
  
 
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   Emily A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Local Company A friend and I went on a 4-day private safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, and it was absolutely incredible. From start to finish, the Kiliclimb staff exceeded our expectations. After completing our Kilimanjaro trek, we were staying at a hotel in Arusha and were greeted by the team and picked up directly from the hotel, which made the transition seamless and stress-free.We were incredibly lucky to have Ombeni as our guide. Thanks to his deep knowledge of the parks and strong relationships with other guides and rangers, we saw every animal we hoped for. He constantly checked in with us, asking for feedback and what we wanted to focus on each day, which made the experience feel truly personalized.Ombeni was funny, kind, and genuinely made the trip unforgettable. And don’t sleep on his photography skills, he’s seriously talented! We couldn’t recommend this local company more. They also gave us t-shirts and safari hats which was a nice touch!
  
 
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   Saki 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable 4-Day Adventure – Onbeni is a Legend! Our 4-day trip through the Serengeti, Ndutu, and Ngorongoro was the highlight of our travels, and that is entirely thanks to our guide, Onbeni.From the start, Onbeni brought a high-energy, positive vibe that made every game drive an adventure. His "superpower" is undoubtedly his eyes—his ability to spot wildlife is incredible. The absolute highlight was when Onbeni was the first to spot a rare leopard, giving us a private viewing before any other vehicles arrived!We also spent an unforgettable time driving alongside the Wildebeest migration, witnessing the magic of the newborn babies in Ndutu. Onbeni’s professionalism and deep knowledge of the land made us feel safe and informed throughout. If you want a guide who is professional, energetic, and has a "sixth sense" for finding animals, ask for Onbeni!
  
 
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   Luna L 
 
 
 
 Verified 5/5 stars! 5/5 stars! This Tanzania safari local agency made our trip absolutely unforgettable. Our guide was super knowledgeable about wildlife—we spotted the Big Five smoothly and he shared fascinating facts about animals and local culture. The 4x4 jeep was comfortable, transfers were on time, and the lodges were clean with great food. No hidden fees, flexible schedule, and the team cared about every detail. 100% recommend for an amazing African safari experience!
  
 
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   Scenic31703861634 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience! Kiliclimb organized an extremely wonderful safari overall. Our expectations were exceeded by far. From the organization, to the hospitality, to the experiences, accommodations, and personal relationship with our guide Ombeni. Ombeni did an outstanding job. He knew every national park very well and knew exactly where we could observe animals. He was very friendly and always responded to our needs. You couldn't ask for a better guide than Ombeni at your side. Communication with the Kiliclimb management also worked wonderfully. We would recommend a safari with Kiliclimb at any time. Asante sana!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maurice B 
 
 
 
 Verified Once-in-a-lifetime experience Our safari tour was a unique experience! We didn't expect to see so much! We saw the Big Five, we saw a wildebeest migration, we saw the birth of a wildebeest calf and much more. Our guide, Ombeni, accompanied us for seven days and made so much possible for us. His flexibility, warmth and knowledge were invaluable. We felt very comfortable and highly recommend Kiliclimb! Thank you for everything. Asante sana!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Joane B 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable 7-day safari with Kiliclimb Safari – highly recommended! Our 7-day personalized safari with Kiliclimb Safari was simply fantastic and exceeded all our expectations. Thanks to our great guide Ombeni, the best guide you could wish for, we saw and learned an incredible amount. Every day was a new highlight!The tour was superbly organized, everything ran smoothly and professionally. The contact with Janeth via WhatsApp was particularly good. She was always available, extremely helpful, and always responded quickly and friendly. You feel well taken care of from the very beginning.We would book this safari again anytime and can recommend Kiliclimb Safari and Ombeni 100%. A unique experience that we will never forget!