Kikuletwa Hot Springs

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)

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]

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

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

List of hot springs

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
  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.