Kikuletwa Springs Maji Moto :: Chemka Hot Springs Tanzania Epics
Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Maji Moto and Chemka Hot Springs, is a natural geothermal oasis located in the Masama Rundugai ward of Hai District in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Chemka means “boiling” in Swahili, referring to the appearance of how the water emerges from the ground. In the middle of a semi-arid landscape stands this oasis of sprawling fig trees which surrounds crystal-clear water that wells up from deep underground, giving the impression that it is boiling, hence the name “Hot Springs”. The water is perfectly refreshing, so bring your bathing suit and take a dip, then relax under the shady trees.
The drive from Arusha to the springs took about 2 + hours, it was for the most part very smooth up until we got off the highway onto a dirt road. The ride though bumpy and sluggish was still a great way to take in all of the local sights and sounds through the smaller towns, farmland, and quaint villages. The road is passable during the dry season but come the rainy season some sections would be hard to navigate through if you’re in a vehicle that is not 4 by 4. Once you get off the highway at Boma none of the roads are marked. I only spotted 1 sign on the way there, indicating the springs were 1.5 km away from our current location. You can try your luck with Google Maps and also ask the locals along the way for directions. For the most part, our driver knew the way but at some point, we did stop to find our bearings.
Kikuletwa looks very unassuming from the outside you wouldn’t even know the place exists if it weren’t for the noise and yelling coming from the visitors in the springs.
There’s no paved path to the springs which means when it is wet you need to tread carefully. There’s a hastily constructed step ladder that you can use to get into the springs. Another option is to jump straight in. I recommend the latter.
Chemka in Swahili means to boil, an oddity as the temperature is anything but hot, it refers to how the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. The water is crystal clear and tepid – not especially warm, but refreshing. I’d read about this so I wasn’t disappointed. On the plus side, the water wasn’t freezing, so despite the gloomy weather, I was comfortable enough to stay in for hours.
The facilities at the springs are pretty basic and by basic I mean B.A.S.I.C. There is a wooden shack that has no floor, not much privacy or anything really, that passes for a changing room. I ended up changing in the car so I didn’t use it. The only other semi-permanent structure is the little shack where they make food. We carried our food (there’s a cafe right at the junction where you get off the highway) and I’d advise you to do the same if you want to avoid eating what will probably be overpriced food. The spring is split into 2 sections which are joined by a channel. The first section is the one you will see when you Google the springs. It is divided by 2 yellow thin ropes which you can use to support yourself. The water in the first section is remarkably clear, carry snorkeling gear to fully enjoy the underwater experience. The 2nd section of the springs is less clear but no less impressive, you, however, have to swim against a current. The current was especially strong on our visit making it hard to swim in certain places in the pool, but there are also inner tubes and life vests for those who cannot swim. Little fish nibble at your feet when you first get in (as they like to eat away the dead skin from your feet). It’s pretty ticklish and may take some getting used to, but as you keep moving they eventually leave you alone.
Without a doubt, my favorite part of the springs is the rope tree swing. A treacherous walk barefoot through the mud will get you to the rope section. It is very basic, a rope and a twig, and is advisable that your hands are dry to maintain a steady grip. I know it sounds like it is just jumping into the water, but the process is so much fun – swing, jump, and repeat … somehow the rope swing makes it so exhilarating! The locals are professional rope swingers (if such a thing exists). Some are crazy enough and do a lot of stunts with the rope and even jump off a tree branch.