In short
- Tours cost from $40 and include transport, lunch, and entry.
- Private taxis cost from $30 but require haggling and wait times.
- Public transit takes up to 2.5 hours but costs as little as $5.
In this article
Chemka Hot Springs sits roughly 40 kilometers from Moshi. The final stretch requires driving over rough, unmarked dirt tracks through dry scrubland. Knowing your transport options ensures you arrive safely without getting lost.
What are the main transport options?
You can book an organized tour, hire a private taxi, or take a local bus followed by a motorcycle.
Tours offer the most convenience. Taxis give you privacy but require a sturdy vehicle for the unpaved roads. Public transit is cheap but takes much longer and involves dusty off-road riding.
How do organized tours work?
Tour operators pick you up, drive the off-road route, and handle your entry fees.
Booking a shared or private day trip is the most hassle-free method. The route to Rundugai village is poorly marked and confusing. Tours cost from $40 to $120 USD. Prices change based on the platform. Packages usually include a picnic lunch and the entry fee (about $5–10).
Can I hire a private taxi from Moshi?
Yes, you can hire a private taxi for $30 to $50 USD.
You must negotiate the fare with the driver. Always arrange for them to wait for you at the springs. Finding a ride back is difficult otherwise. Ensure the taxi is sturdy enough to handle bumpy dirt tracks.
How do I take public transport to the springs?
Take a dala-dala to Boma Ng'ombe, then hire a boda-boda for the last 15 kilometers.
This is the cheapest method, costing $5 to $15 USD. The bus from Moshi drops you at Boma Ng'ombe. From there, you must bargain for a motorcycle taxi (boda-boda) or tuk-tuk. Expect a very dusty and bumpy ride through dry riverbeds.
How long does it take from Arusha?
Driving from Arusha to Chemka Hot Springs takes about two hours.
The distance is greater than from Moshi. Most visitors book a tour from Arusha to avoid complex public transit transfers. Tour operators manage the longer drive and navigate the final off-road sections correctly.
Are the roads to Chemka Hot Springs paved?
No, the final section consists of rough, off-road dirt tracks.
You will travel down a main highway first. The final 15 kilometers cut through dry riverbeds and acacia trees. The unpaved roads are easiest to navigate during the dry seasons (June to October and January to February).
Questions travellers ask
How far is Chemka Hot Springs from Moshi?
The springs are located approximately 40 kilometers from Moshi. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
How far is Chemka Hot Springs from Arusha?
The drive from Arusha takes roughly 2 hours, making it slightly further away than Moshi.
Can you go to Chemka Hot Springs without a tour?
Yes, you can visit independently by hiring a taxi or taking a dala-dala and a motorcycle taxi. The entry fee is about $5–10 per foreign adult.
