Kikuletwa Hot Springs, also known as Maji Moto(Maji Moto ya Kikuletwa in Swahili) [1] and also Chemka Hot Springs, is a natural geothermal oasis located in Masama Rundugai ward of Hai District in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.[2][3] Chemka means "boiling" in Swahili, referring to the appearance of how the water emerges from the ground.[4][5] The hot springs are located approximately 40 kilometers from the town of Moshi, which is a gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro in a village called Chemka.[2] The hot spring waters flow into the Kikuletwa River and eventually find its way to the Pangani River.[citation needed]

Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Maji Moto Hot Springs
Chemka Hot Springs
Map
LocationMasama Rundugai,
Hai District,
Kilimanjaro Region.
 Tanzania
Coordinates3°26′39.48″S 37°11′37.68″E / 3.4443000°S 37.1938000°E / -3.4443000; 37.1938000
Typegeothermal
Temperature27°C (81°F)

Historically, the Chagga people the site as sacred.[4]

The hot springs are situated in a lush and tranquil environment, surrounded by palm trees and other tropical vegetation.[2] The water is clear and the temperature is around 27°C (81°F), ideal for swimming and relaxing.[2][6] It can be as deep as 6 to 10 meters.[2][5]

Kikuletwa Hot Springs is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of the location.[4][7] The area is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as there are many species of birds that inhabit the surrounding forests and wetlands.[8] Cat fish[9] and Red garra, that eat the dead skin off the feet of visitors, can be found in the water.[5][8]

Cat fish at Kikuletwa hot springs
Cat fish at Kikuletwa hot springs

Access

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Visitors can reach Kikuletwa Hot Springs by car, and there are several tour operators that offer guided tours to the area.[10] Access by Tuk Tuk is also possible from the nearby town of Boma Ng’ombe[9] The hot springs are open year-round, and there is sometimes a small entrance fee to access the site.[4][11] A souvenir shop and restaurant and bar are located nearby.[4] Camping is also available.[4]

See also

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List of hot springs

References

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  1. ^ Hochstein, M.P.; Temu, E.P.; Moshy, C.M.A. (2000). "Geothermal Resources of Tanzania" (PDF). Proceedings of the World Geothermal Congress, 2000, Kyushu–Tohuku, Japan: 1233–1238. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hotsprings Tour - An Unexpected Paradise to visit". Kiwoito Africa Safaris. 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  3. ^ Chengula, F. (2023). Tansania: Mit Serengeti, Ngorongoro-Krater, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Tanganyika-See, Nyasa-See, Dar es Salaam und Sansibar. Trescher-Reihe Reisen (in Kinyarwanda). Trescher Verlag GmbH. p. 224. ISBN 978-3-89794-561-6. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Chemka Hotsprings in Tanzania - Hotsprings in Tanzania". Tanzania Safaris. 2022-08-12. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  5. ^ a b c "Chemka Hot Springs Moshi, Tanzania". Born Park Adventures. 2019-08-21. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  6. ^ "Chemka Hotspring – Kilimanjaro and Beyond Tours & Safaris". Kilimanjaro and Beyond Tours & Safaris. 2014-01-12. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  7. ^ "Chemka Hot Springs -Location, Booking, Experience & More". UnitedRepublicofTanzania.com. 2022-04-25. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  8. ^ a b "Kikuletwa Hotsprings". Hofland Expeditions. 2018-10-10. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  9. ^ a b Pilar (2022-05-07). "CHEMKA (KIKULETWA) HOT SPRINGS, TANZANIA - GUIDE". TravelTheWorldPages. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
  10. ^ "CHEMKA HOT SPRINGS (KIKULETWA) IN TANZANIA". Journey Era. 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  11. ^ "Kikuletwa Hot Springs (Chemka) in Moshi, Tanzania: 14+ Things to Know Before You Go". Maps & Merlot. 2022-11-11. Retrieved 2023-04-08.