Kikuletwa Hot Springs

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
Location	Masama Rundugai, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region.  Tanzania
Coordinates	3°26′39.48″S 37°11′37.68″E / 3.4443000°S 37.1938000°E / -3.4443000; 37.1938000
Type	geothermal
Temperature	27°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

Access

Visitors can reach Kikuletwa Hot Springs by car, and there are several tour operators that offer guided tours to the area.^[10] Acess 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. "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. "Chemka Hotsprings in Tanzania - Hotsprings in Tanzania". Tanzania Safaris. 2022-08-12. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
5. "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. "Kikuletwa Hotsprings". Hofland Expeditions. 2018-10-10. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
9. 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.