Lake Chala Day Trip
Nestled in a volcanic caldera on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, just 52 km from Moshi, Lake Chala is a hidden gem of East Africa. With a depth of 95 meters, it is deeper than the famous Lake Victoria. Fed and drained by underground springs, the lake’s colours shift from deep blue to vibrant green, currently more green due to algae blooms.
Take a scenic walk down the 100-meter crater rim to the shoreline, where you can dip your feet among the rocks and watch the shimmering ripples dance across the water.
What to do at Lake Chala
Walking: The steep descent makes sturdy shoes and a walking stick highly recommended. All hikes must be accompanied by a guide.
Birding: Lake Chala is a vital migration corridor on Kilimanjaro’s eastern flank. Raptors are especially abundant, and unexpected species often appear during migration.
Fish: The lake is home to the Lake Chala Tilapia, an endemic species now threatened by overfishing. To protect it, fishing is strictly prohibited.
Crocodiles (History): Crocodiles were introduced in the 1930s by explorer E.S. Grogan. However, due to unsuitable terrain, they never bred successfully. By the early 1990s, fishermen eradicated them, and since 2002, Lake Chala has been crocodile-free.
What to Bring
Good walking shoes (and a stick for the descent), Binoculars for birdwatching, Sunscreen, hat, and layered clothing, Towel (if you’d like a refreshing shower after the hike).
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Let our local travel specialists create a personalized safari and/or beach itinerary tailored to your interests, travel dates, and budget. From iconic wildlife adventures to relaxing island escapes, we'll help you design an unforgettable African journey.
Travel Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your Tanzania safari? Here are answers to the questions we receive most often. If you need further assistance, our travel specialists are always happy to help.
Absolutely. Every Usari Safaris itinerary is tailor-made and can be customized to match your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences, budget, and pace of travel. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family holiday, luxury safari, or adventure expedition, we'll create an itinerary that perfectly suits your needs.
Most safari packages include accommodation, private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, professional English-speaking safari guide, park entrance fees (where specified), meals as indicated in the itinerary, and scheduled activities. Please refer to the specific itinerary for complete inclusions.
No. International and domestic flights are only included if specifically mentioned in the itinerary or quotation. We can assist you with flight recommendations and bookings upon request.
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. The best time depends on your interests, whether it's witnessing the Great Migration, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoying a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or experiencing exceptional wildlife viewing during the dry season.
Yes. Combining a wildlife safari with a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday is one of our most popular experiences. We can tailor a seamless itinerary that includes Tanzania's national parks and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
Most visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Our travel consultants will guide you through the visa application process before your departure.
We recommend packing lightweight clothing, a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, camera equipment, binoculars, insect repellent, and any personal medications.
We use specially designed 4×4 safari vehicles equipped with pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing, comfortable seating, charging ports, and driven by experienced professional safari guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage, and evacuation to ensure peace of mind throughout your journey.
Simply click the Request Custom Quote button or contact us via WhatsApp with your preferred travel dates and requirements. One of our safari specialists will prepare a personalized itinerary and detailed quotation, guiding you through every step of the booking process.
