Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Everything you need to know about getting to the springs, navigating the facilities, and packing the right gear.
Chemka Hot Springs
Rundugai Village, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region
GPS -3.4443, 37.1938
Open directionsGetting there
How to get to Rundugai Village.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Booking a shared or private day trip from Moshi or Arusha. Tour operators handle the driving, entry fees, and usually provide a picnic lunch. | 1-1.5 hours from Moshi; 2 hours from Arusha | $40 - $120 USD | The most hassle-free option, highly recommended since the final off-road route through the scrubland is poorly marked and confusing for visitors. |
| Car: Hiring a private taxi from Moshi to drive you down the main highway and then navigate the rough dirt tracks to Rundugai village. | 1 - 1.5 hours | $30 - $50 USD (negotiable) | Make sure to arrange a wait time with your driver so you have a ride back. The vehicle must be sturdy enough for bumpy, off-road driving. |
| Bus: Take a local dala-dala (minibus) from Moshi to the town of Boma Ng'ombe, then hire a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) or tuk-tuk for the final 15 km. | 2 - 2.5 hours | $5 - $15 USD | The cheapest method but can be time-consuming and requires bargaining. Be prepared for a very dusty and bumpy ride on the motorcycle. |
When to go
- J
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The springs are open year-round from 09:00 to 18:00 daily. The dry seasons (June to October and January to February) are best. Heavy rains make the dirt access roads difficult to navigate and can reduce water clarity.
What to bring
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Water shoes are highly recommended.
They protect your feet from jagged underwater tree roots and rocky edges.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules.
A direct trip from Moshi focused on swimming and resting.
- Depart Moshi
Get picked up by your driver or taxi.
- Arrive at the Springs
Pay your fee and find a spot under the fig trees.
- Swim and Snorkel
Explore the Main Lagoon and the deeper vents.
- Local Lunch
Grab chipsi mayai from a local vendor before heading back.
Combine a morning hike with an afternoon soak.
- Hotel Pickup
Leave Moshi for Materuni Village.
- Waterfall Hike
Walk through the rainforest to the 70-meter Materuni Falls.
- Coffee Tour & Lunch
Learn Chagga coffee-making and eat a local lunch.
- Drive to Chemka
Take the bumpy ride down to the scrubland oasis.
- Swim and Relax
Cool off in the 27°C water before your return trip.
Facilities and Rules
Facilities at the springs are very basic. You will find small vendor stalls selling food, cold sodas, and coconuts. Bring small denominations of Tanzanian Shillings for these purchases. There are no lockers, so do not leave valuables unattended.
Protect the ecosystem by following the rules. Chemical soaps, shampoos, and detergents are strictly banned. Do not bring glass bottles near the water, and use the provided bins for all trash. Drones require a permit.
Easiest way to do it
Materuni Waterfalls & Chemka Hotsprings Day Trip
8 h 5.0 (229)
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Materuni Waterfalls
- Lunch
- Soda/Pop
From$100per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Are there changing rooms?
Facilities are very basic. Some rough structures exist for changing, but many visitors wear their swimwear under their clothes to save time.
Is there food available?
Yes. Local vendors on the banks sell snacks, coconuts, cold drinks, and street food like chipsi mayai. Bring cash in local currency.
Can I combine a Kilimanjaro climb with a trip to Chemka Hot Springs?
Yes. Many travelers visit the springs immediately after a climb to relax their muscles in the warm 27°C water.