Lake Chala – Tanzania’s Idyllic Crater Lake
Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern end of Kilimanjaro. This place is a real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation. In the morning, after the transfer to the lake, you will find yourself on the edge of the crater to see the wonderful views of the tropical forest and the lake.
On the way to the lake, you are highly likely to see baboons, monkeys, and over 200 bird species. At the lake, you can go canoeing, hiking, swimming, and even fishing, relishing the beautiful African nature. Your lunch will be served afterwards. On the way back to the hotel, you will see Mt Kilimanjaro, exploring the local culture and traditions of the Chagga people. By the end of the day, relax by floating on the lake or visiting a local bar before returning to your hotel – a perfect day trip or weekend getaway, easily accessible from Moshi and Arusha
The Unique Story Behind
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 around 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 at 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 elephants. Chala is an untouched part of a truly ancient land and a must-visit place.
The only native fish in this lake is the Lake Chala tilapia (Oreochromis hunteri), which is found nowhere else in the world. It is considered critically endangered by the IUCN, and now greatly outnumbered by other tilapia species that have been introduced to Lake Chala.