The Lake Chala Day Trip is a full-day adventure to one of Tanzania's most spectacular hidden gems — a pristine volcanic crater lake nestled in the mountains on the Tanzanian-Kenyan border, just 30 kilometres east of Moshi. Lake Chala sits in the caldera of an extinct volcano, its crystal-clear waters shifting from deep sapphire blue to emerald green depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun.
Unlike the crowded tourist lakes of the Northern Circuit, Lake Chala remains virtually unknown to mass tourism. The lake has no visible inlet or outlet — its water is fed entirely by underground springs flowing from Mount Kilimanjaro's volcanic aquifers, making it one of the purest bodies of water in East Africa. The crater walls rise steeply from the lakeshore, covered in dense tropical forest alive with birds, butterflies, and the occasional flash of a colobus monkey's white tail.
The lake is home to a small population of hippos and crocodiles, which are most often seen basking on the far shore in the early morning. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and the vibrant malachite sunbird. The surrounding forest is home to blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and a remarkable diversity of plant life.
Your day at Lake Chala includes a scenic drive through the Kilimanjaro foothills, a guided nature walk along the crater rim with panoramic views, optional canoeing on the crystal-clear water, and a relaxing afternoon at the lakeside campsite. This is the perfect escape for travellers seeking a unique, uncrowded experience in one of Tanzania's most beautiful natural settings.
Book This Trip
