Lake Chala Treasure Trail Day Trip

The tranquillity and peace of Lake Chala seem a thousand lifetimes away from the bustle of Moshi town, but it’s actually only an hours drive away, so perfect for a day trip with a difference. Lake Chala is a caldera lake fed by clean, cold underground streams from Kilimanjaro itself, and it’s renowned for its gloriously changing colors; from deepest turquoise to emerald green to azure and all colors in between. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind and you have the choice of hiking the picture-perfect countryside around the lake, swimming in its sparkling waters (don’t forget your cozzie!) or kayaking across the border to Kenya. Or all three! It’s a day full of getting up close

Lake Chala Safari Camp is a beautiful private game reserve overlooking Lake Chala. You’ll arrive there and our guide will take you down to the lakeside, through vividly green flora, with the blue, blue lake ahead of you. It gets quite rocky near the lake so wear sturdy footwear. It’s a stunning area perfect for hikers and birdwatchers, and in the season you might be lucky enough to spot elephants gathering at a distant waterhole. Spend the day wandering the paths around the lake or across the nearby Savannah, where you’re likely to see baboons, vervet monkeys and blue monkeys as well as (perhaps) the shy dik-dik and graceful kudu, too.

If you’re feeling a little more active, you can jump into a kayak and explore the lake further. You’ll be serenaded by the ever-present birdsong and gentle plashing of the water as you row.
If you haven’t opted to camp at the Lake (think campfire under the star-filled heavens), you’ll be driven back to Moshi in the late afternoon. The pleasant drive will give you some time to reflect on your day and wonder if it would be rude to go straight to bed when you get back you won’t believe how tired you’ll feel after a day of restorative, stress-relieving peace.