DAY TOUR FROM MOSHI
Lake Chala Day Trip
A quiet turquoise crater lake on the Kenya border
- Duration7–8 hours
- DriveAbout 1h 45m each way
- DistanceAbout 90 km from Moshi
- Activity levelEasy to moderate
- PickupHotel pickup in Moshi around 08:00
- Best timeJune–October and January–February for clear skies
About this day tour
Lake Chala fills a steep volcanic crater on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro, half in Tanzania and half in Kenya. Its colour shifts from deep blue to jade through the day. Walk the crater rim, look for birds, head down to the water if you like, and enjoy a calm picnic far from the busy safari routes.
Good for: Photographers, birders and travellers looking for somewhere peaceful.
Highlights
- Viewpoints over a turquoise crater lake
- Guided rim walk with Kilimanjaro views
- Optional steep path down to the shore
- Optional kayaking (extra cost)
- Very few other visitors
Hour by hour
Pickup in Moshi
Head east with Kilimanjaro beside you for much of the drive.
Crater rim
Your first view over the lake and across into Kenya.
Rim walk
A relaxed one to two hours with stops for birds and photos.
Down to the water (optional)
A short, steep descent for those who want to kayak.
Picnic lunch
Packed lunch at a shady spot on the rim.
Drive back
Arrive at your Moshi hotel late afternoon.
Included
- Private transport with driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi
- Lake Chala entrance fees
- Guided rim walk
- Packed lunch and bottled water
Not included
- Kayak hire
- Tips for your guide
- Drinks bought on site
- Travel insurance
What to bring
- Walking shoes with grip
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Binoculars for birding
- Camera
- Swimwear if kayaking
