Lake Chala is a sure destination for our customers who would want to like panoramic views and quiet recreation. It is a Crater Lake in caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of famous volcano Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro shuttle can facilitate your tours and excursions to Lake Chala for activities like walking safaris, canoeing, swimming and fishing.
Upon arrival you can walk down to the lake, enjoy swimming in the lake or you can hire a kayak and kayak around the edge of the lake, looking out for birds and monkeys playing in the trees. You can spot out for wildlife such as baboons and may be elephants during dry season as they cross from Tsavo National Park in Kenya. This is also a really great spot for bird enthusiasts! After this you can have your lunch, and then at around 4 pm you will drive back to your accommodation in Moshi. For those wishing to overnight you can enjoy the beautiful sunset! It is thought to be the deepest inland body of water in Africa. This lake is fed by underground springs from Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The lake has a great diversity of life. From lush lake shore forest to stunning volcanic savannah; from river beds marvelously carved through ancient rock, to thick bush or open ‘mbuga’. Walking at Lake Chala is a magical experience that will put you back in touch with nature.
The lake is fed by groundwater flows, which come from Mount Kilimanjaro, fed and drained underground with a rate of about 10 million m³ / year. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in colour from deep blue to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 metres high crater rim.
Chala has a huge variety of amazing trees, grasses and plants; some are unique to the area. According to the time of year there are hundreds of species of butterflies and birds, including spectacular birds of prey. The African Fish Eagle, with its haunting techniques, Verreaux’s Eagle, Augur Buzzards and many other species of birds can be seen around the crater walls. Wild mammals do vary including Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, kudu and elephant. Chala is an untouched part of a truly ancient land and a must visit place.