For those who do not wish to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to the top and yet want to experience the magic of the Mountain then a day trip to the first hut will be ideal for them. This hike to the first hut will allow you to have a feel of the mountain for one day. The hike through the rain forest will be breathtaking as you come close to nature while making your body enjoy a nice walk without feeling too exhausted at the end. If you have been doing a driving safari for most part of your trip, a break from the car and a chance to stretch your muscles in Nature will make you appreciate nature as you explore Kilimanjaro region.
On a clear day you will be in a position to see and hear birds singing in the bushes, monkeys jumping from tree to tree and the breathtaking landscape and vegetation on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The good thing about the Kilimanjaro day hike, you can do it alone, with friends or family. Either way you will appreciate the exercise nature. Children are also allowed to do the Kilimanjaro day hike and it will be a good family hike as you introduce your young ones to the highest Mountain in Africa without taking them all the way to the top.
They say that, “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness”. Heading to the hot springs, swimsuit neatly packed well. But with the one and a half hour drive from Moshi town.
The road will take you through gorgeous African country side past bush land, dry riverbeds, baobab and acacia trees among many others. This vast area, which used to be a hunting ground for Europeans during the 1800s, is home to members of many different tribes, peacefully co-existing as neighbors. Although the game has long since migrated, it is still a haven to many animal species, including a variety of birds.
When you reach Kikuletwa it will appear as an oasis surrounded by sprawling fig trees, in the middle of this semi arid landscape. You will see crystal clear water bubbling from underground caves, giving the impression that it is boiling, hence the name "Hotsprings". An oasis with scenic, warm, blue, clear water, a spot where you can take some time out and relax.
Deep middle – The spring is quite deep in middle, and the current is quite strong when you try to swim to the other side so you will need your energy.
Garra Rufa Fish is in the water – These smart little fish are used for pedicures around the world. They work by sucking and nibbling on your skin, tenderly removing dead skin cells through natural exfoliation. So you will emerge with shiny, revitalized feet.
“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness”
Lake Chala is a unique caldera lake, and 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.
Activities at this lake: walking safaris, canoeing, swimming and fishing.
The waterfalls are situated in the Kilimanjaro National Park, to the foot of the Kilimanjaro. About 40 minute drive from Moshi town, from which you have a very nice view on Mt. Kilimanjaro, located in the beautiful country side of Marangu surrounded by lush landscapes, you will find this hidden waterfall.
At the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ndoro Waterfall is one of the most popular and largest waterfalls in the area. A one hour hike, descending through the stunning green landscapes of Chagga (the largest tribe in Tanzania) land will bring you to this huge waterfall, here you will have the opportunity to you can stand underneath the waterfall, even jump off one and go swimming in the refreshing water and have a well-deserved break for lunch in the beautiful valley.
The word “Marangu” means a place with too many water streams. This is one of the most popular places in Tanzania.
The source of the water comes directly from the glacier on top of Kilimanjaro. Splendid, green areas where also grow the most fantastic trees and exotic plants.
If you want more information about our daytrips and excursions, please feel free to contact us.
This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level.
It traverses thru valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana and avocado “shambas”, the Kiswahili word for farms. On a clear day great views of Kibo and Moshi town can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. As this trip is so close to Moshi town it is ideal for those people with limited time but who would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania has to offer.
Materuni is one of the few villages of wonder in Northern Tanzania sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The village is blessed with full of all the beauty worth much visiting for holiday, week-end outing or vacation. While in the village, scenic view of Moshi Town and Mount Kilimanjaro is astonishing. This green village with fresh air from green vegetations welcomes visitors to explore the beauty of the land and cultural heritage of the Chagga people.
A cultural experience such as banana beer brewed or coffee roasted the traditional way can be added to your hike.
Welcome to "Olpopongi" Maasai Cultural Village & Museum - the first authentic Maasai Boma with Maasai-Museum & overnight facilities in Tanzania. "Olpopongi" provides a unique Maasai & Wildlife experience in the West-Kilimanjaro Maasailand; Just 74 km from Moshi and 85 km from Arusha.
Our aim is YOU to share the authentic Maasai life & culture in a 100% traditional built village (Boma) with a unique museum, rather than taking tourists to private Maasai-Villages and destroy the Maasai native homes, behaviors and environment. Our Eco-Tourism Tours do provide the maximum respect to the Maasai tribe and a maximum education & excitement to our valuable clients.
The "Olpopongi Maasai-Village" was planned and built by a multi-cultural construction team, dominated by more than 50 Maasai women & men from the nearby Tinga-Tinga Maasai-Village. All houses are built the traditional way with local and natural materials only - similar to those ones of the nearby Maasai people. Only some additions, such as exterior washrooms and the kitchen, are different from the Maasai culture, but built for your hygienic comfort & full satisfaction.
Your "Olpopongi" visit does also support local Maasai families with water, food, employment, personal income, medical treatments and education. All Maasai-Jewellery on sale is hand-made and produced by the local Maasai women of other nearby villages.
All Museum tours & Walking Safaris are performed by experienced English speaking Maasai-guides. Guides translation into other languages (German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese) upon special request and additional charges.