Lake Chala Day Trip

Lake Chala is a caldera lake about eight square kilometres in area and up to 90 metres deep, set in a steep crater on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, roughly 55 km east of Moshi. Fed by groundwater from Kilimanjaro, its colour shifts through the year from deep blue to jade green, and the crater walls keep it sheltered and still.

The day is spent on and around the lake: a guided kayak on the water (kayaks are run from the lakeside camp), a walk along part of the forested rim with views into the crater and, on a clear morning, up to Kibo. The crater is a good raptor and water-bird spot. Note that the lake is not used for swimming — there are Nile crocodiles — so the activities are kayaking and walking. Often combined with Marangu or a Chemka stop on the way back.