Lake Chala is a caldera lake fed by clean, cold underground streams from Kilimanjaro itself, and it’s renowned for its gloriously changing colours; from deepest turquoise to emerald green to azure and all colours in between. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind and you’ve the choice of hiking the picture-perfect countryside around the lake, swimming in its sparkling waters or kayaking across the border to Kenya. Or all three! It’s a day full of getting up close and personal to one of the greatest (and quietest) treasures of Tanzania. You will leave the lodge armed with tasty packed lunch and head to Lake Chala Safari Camp. On the way you’ll journey through the everyday life of Moshi and on to the freeway, and you can spend a relaxing, comfortable hour-and-a-bit taking in the sights.
Lake Chala Safari Camp is a beautiful private game reserve overlooking Lake Chala. It gets quite rocky near the lake so wear sturdy footwear. It’s a stunning area perfect for hikers and birdwatchers, and in 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 ba-boons, vervet monkeys and blue monkeys as well as (perhaps) the shy dik-dik and graceful kudu, too. After your hike, spend some time sitting by the lakeside enjoying the stillness, only disturbed by bird-song and the gently lapping waters.
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. After your adven-tures, you’ll be driven back to the lodge in the late afternoon.