Main Info
A crater lake in a caldera at the border between Tanzania and Kenya and 52 km from Moshi town, Lake Chala is said to be the deepest inland water body in Africa with a depth of about 3 km. Well, there are a lot of fairy tales and rumors about the lake. It was measured at a depth of 95 meters, which makes it deeper than the famous Lake Victoria. Filled and drained by underground streams, the lake ranges in color from deep blue to turquoise and green. Take a walk down the 100m deep crater rim to the lakeshore and cool your feet at the water’s edge among the rocks as you watch the water ripple peacefully through the lake in shimmering delight.
Lake Chala presents a tranquil environment to behold. This magical caldera lake is conveniently placed on the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, giving you a breathtaking view. It boasts of clean and cold waters from an underground source.
What to Pack
This will depend on the activities you intend to take part in in the countryside.
We do advise good walking shoes. (comfortable sturdy shoes) , and maybe a stick to go down to the lake. It is a steep ascent. Bring binoculars for birding, sunscreen, hat, appropriate clothes for temperature changes, check ‘Taveta weather reports’. If you want to have a cold refreshing shower after the hike, please bring a towels and swimwear.
Our guides will provide you with a lunchbox and water.
Activities
Walking: Chala is a wonderful area in which to walk. All walks have to be accompanied by a staff Member of Lake Chala Safari Lodge.
Birding: The Chala bird survey is ongoing. Birds are plentiful and raptors, in particular, are many and spectacular in the area. Chala is thought to be an important migration corridor on the eastern flank of Kilimanjaro, and unexpected birds can be found here during migration time. We appreciate reports of birds seen by visitors to increase our bird survey.
Fish: The lake is home to Lake Chala Tilapia, a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. This fish is endemic to Chala but is now a threatened species due to overfishing, a concern that needs to be addressed. That’s why fishing is not allowed at Lake Chala.
Crocodiles: Crocodiles were introduced to Lake Chala in the 1930s. According to legend they were brought in by E.S. Grogan, a British explorer who became famous for walking from Cape Town to Cairo in 1898. The terrain is totally unsuitable for crocodiles to breed, there are no beaches or sandy areas to make their nests. In the early 1990s fishermen, angry that their nets were continually being destroyed, began a program to eradicate them. Since 2002 there are no longer any crocodiles left in Lake Chala.
8:00 AM
The day starts when your guide for the day arrives at your accommodation of choice immediately after breakfast, to pick you. With them is a bottle of water and a lunchbox filled with the delicacies that have been freshly prepared just for you. Please inform us if you have any special diet needs and we will prepare a lunch box according to your needs.
11:00 AM
You will arrive at the beautiful Lake Chala reserve. that overlooks the colored Crater Lake. From here, you will be guided down to the lake through lash green flora.
2:00 PM
At the lakeside, you can enjoy your time thereby engaging in bird watching, swimming, fishing, exploring, canoeing, kayaking across the lake to Kenya, or just sitting and enjoying the beauty of nature. The area is a habitat for several species of wildlife like monitor lizards, baboons, and varieties of birds that live in the enticing savannah regions.
Later on, you can enjoy a picnic in the bush surrounded by nature or lunch at the restaurant depending on the activities chosen for the day.
5:00 PM
After the day’s activities by the lake or/and beyond, you can enjoy a drink at the bar as you unwind. You can decide to camp by the lakeside with a campfire and under the night’s starry sky or retreat to the hotel.
The driver and guides will ensure you get back to the hotel and have the much-needed rest.
Price Includes
- Bottled Water
- Hotel – Mountain Base Transport
- Lunch Box
- Tour Guide Fee
- Park Fees
Price Excludes
- 3 Daily Meals
- Additional Bed & Breakfast
- Additional Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Climbing Gear
- Cooking Equipment
- Guide & Porter Tips
- Hut or Camping Fee
- Porter Fee
- Pre-Climb Accommodation
- Single Room Supplement
