Discover Lake Chala on a private day trip combining crater-rim hiking, dramatic scenery and peaceful canoeing on one of northern Tanzania’s most striking volcanic lakes.
Lake Chala is a striking volcanic crater lake on the Tanzania–Kenya border, set beneath the southeastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Its deep blue and turquoise water, steep crater walls and quiet natural setting make it feel very different from Tanzania’s national parks and safari landscapes.
The experience combines light adventure with scenery — usually a guided hike around parts of the crater, time at viewpoints and canoeing on the lake, depending on current conditions.
The terrain can be steep in places, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. The experience is best suited to travellers who enjoy walking, nature and a slower day away from the busier safari circuit.
After breakfast, depart from Moshi for the drive to Lake Chala, a striking volcanic crater lake set close to the Tanzania–Kenya border.
On arrival, meet your guide and begin a walk along the crater rim. The trail offers changing views across the lake, surrounding countryside and, on clear days, toward Mount Kilimanjaro.
From the rim, descend toward the water’s edge for a canoeing experience on the lake. The calm setting and steep crater walls create a very different atmosphere from Tanzania’s safari parks, with the experience focused more on scenery, movement and quiet time in nature.
After canoeing, enjoy lunch in a scenic setting before making your way back toward the crater rim and returning to Moshi in the afternoon.
Highlights
• Guided walk along the Lake Chala crater rim
• Scenic views across the crater lake
• Canoeing on Lake Chala
• Quiet natural surroundings away from busier attractions
• Lunch with lake or crater views
• Private return transfer to Moshi
Meals: Lunch
Included
• Private return transport from Moshi
• Professional local guide
• Lake Chala entrance fees
• Guided crater-rim hike
• Canoeing experience
• Lunch
• Bottled drinking water
• Applicable activity fees as outlined in the itinerary
Not Included
• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Any activities not specifically listed as included
Tell us when you’d like to visit and how many people are travelling. We’ll help arrange the transport, hiking, canoeing and timing around your day
