Day Tour to Lake Chala
Duration
1 day
Tour Overview
Tour Overview:
Lake Chala, a serene crater lake located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, offers a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This unique destination is perfect for those who enjoy nature, scenic views, and a touch of adventure. A day tour to Lake Chala provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing by the tranquil waters.
Itinerary Details:
Early Morning:
- Pickup from Hotel: Depart from your hotel in Arusha around 6:00 AM for the drive to Lake Chala.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the drive through the beautiful Tanzanian countryside, passing through local villages and lush landscapes. The journey to Lake Chala takes approximately 3 hours.
Mid-Morning:
- Arrival and Briefing: Arrive at Lake Chala and receive a brief introduction to the area from your guide.
- Lake Viewpoint: Start with a visit to a viewpoint overlooking the lake, where you can take in the stunning views of the crater lake surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation.
Late Morning:
- Guided Hike: Embark on a guided hike around the lake. The trail offers varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for all fitness levels. As you hike, enjoy the beautiful scenery, spot various bird species, and learn about the local flora and fauna from your guide.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as baboons, vervet monkeys, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the area.
Midday:
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at a scenic spot by the lake. Relax and take in the tranquil surroundings while savoring your meal.
Afternoon:
- Optional Activities: After lunch, you can choose to engage in optional activities such as kayaking on the lake or taking a refreshing swim in the clear waters.
- Leisure Time: Spend some free time exploring the lakeshore, relaxing, or taking photos. The peaceful environment is perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature.
Late Afternoon:
- Return Drive: Begin the drive back to Arusha in the late afternoon, reflecting on the serene beauty and unique experiences of the day.
- Hotel Drop-Off: Arrive back at your hotel in Arusha by early evening, around 6:00 PM.
Highlights:
- Experience the serene beauty of Lake Chala
- Guided hike with opportunities to see wildlife and birds
- Stunning viewpoints and photo opportunities
- Picnic lunch by the tranquil lake
- Optional activities such as kayaking and swimming
Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Don’t forget your camera for capturing the stunning scenery.
- Pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
A day tour to Lake Chala offers a peaceful retreat into nature, with opportunities for adventure and relaxation by one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and lesser-known lakes.
Tour Itinerary
Morning:
- Departure from Arusha/Moshi: Your day starts with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi. Enjoy a comfortable drive through the scenic Tanzanian countryside, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
- Arrival at Lake Chala: Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the sight of the beautiful crater lake with its clear blue waters surrounded by steep, verdant walls.
Mid-Morning:
- Guided Walk Around the Lake: Begin with a guided walk around the lake. Your guide will provide insights into the geological formation of the lake, its ecological significance, and the local flora and fauna.
- Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting: The area around Lake Chala is rich in birdlife and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, monkeys, and other animals.
Midday:
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot near the lake. Relax and take in the serene surroundings while you enjoy your meal.
- Leisure Time by the Lake: After lunch, you have the option to relax by the lake, take photos, or explore further on your own.
Early Afternoon:
- Canoeing on the Lake: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a canoe and paddle on the calm waters of Lake Chala. This is a fantastic way to experience the lake from a different perspective and enjoy the tranquility.
- Hiking and Exploration: Alternatively, you can choose to hike one of the trails around the lake. The trails offer different viewpoints and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Late Afternoon:
- Departure from Lake Chala: In the late afternoon, begin your journey back to Arusha or Moshi. Enjoy the scenic drive and reflect on the day’s experiences.
- Arrival in Arusha/Moshi: Arrive back at your accommodation in the early evening, concluding your peaceful and adventurous day at Lake Chala.
Highlights
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Chala, a crystal-clear crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Bird Watching: Spot a variety of bird species and other wildlife in the area.
- Canoeing: Experience the tranquility of the lake by renting a canoe.
- Hiking and Exploration: Explore the scenic trails around the lake with opportunities for great photography.
- Guided Insights: Learn about the geological and ecological significance of Lake Chala from your guide.
Tips for the Tour
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, swimwear (if you plan to canoe or swim), a water bottle, and a light jacket or raincoat.
- Fitness Level: The tour involves moderate walking and optional hiking or canoeing, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The area can be warm during the day, but cooler in the early morning and late afternoon.
Included
- Park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
- Picnic lunch
- Bottled water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- Optional activities (e.g., canoeing safari)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Flights
Price From
$120.00
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Why Choose Us?
Local Expertise
With deep roots in the region, our team of experienced guides has in-depth knowledge of Tanzania’s parks, wildlife, and culture.
Tailor-Made Itineraries
We design each safari to match your unique preferences and ensure that you experience the best of Tanzania.
Sustainable Tourism
We are committed to responsible tourism that supports local communities and conserves our precious natural heritage
Comfort & Safety
From luxury lodges to well-maintained vehicles, we ensure you enjoy your journey with peace of mind
Create Your Perfect Safari
Each itinerary is customizable, allowing us to craft a journey that reflects your unique tastes and priorities.
Let’s Design Your Perfect Trip
Our Guests Speak for Us
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The Extra mile Alex Baridi was our exzellent driver and Guido and did the Extra mile for us to enjoy a great holiday. Thanks again. To a very nice guy![]()
Christof M2024-10-01Verified
Tansania - what a very nice place It was our first time in East Africa and it was a great trip. The organization, food and accommodation left nothing to be desired. Alex, our German- and English-speaking guide during the safari, drove us safely along the Tanzanian roads. He imparted a lot of knowledge about the country, the people and the animals and made sure we had a lot of fun. Thanks to him in particular and to the whole team, it was a great experience.![]()
Volker S2024-09-21Verified
Alex you are great Alex Baridi was our driver who was excellent and very trustworthy. The trip with him was really great and he is an really great Organizer.We would always travel with him again Thanks very much![]()
Christoph P2024-09-15Verified
Unforgetable experience Thank you, Alex,for an unforgetable experience. We always felt safe and welcome. And sooo much Gnus...;) We appreciated all the hints and explanations.![]()
Susi S2024-08-28Verified
Unpublished Safari in Tanzania with SunDown African Advantures Limited I did this safari in March 2023. It was very great, with a very welcoming and very professional team, led by Mr. Alex.In addition to Safari, we had the opportunity to be close to Tanzanian culture through the tribes....![]()
Abdelhamid Z2024-08-23Verified
Excellent safari with Alex We had the pleasure of having Alex from Sundown as our guide and driver for a 4 day safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. We stayed in fabulous accommodation, saw so much amazing wildlife, and met many warm, friendly and kind people. We can’t recommend a safari holiday highly enough for fun, adventure and learning. Alex was an excellent guide and by the time he dropped us at Seronera airport for our flight to Zanzibar, we had become friends. We hope to be back to beautiful Tanzania.![]()
Jade S2024-08-22Verified
Great experience We had a great time. Our guide Alex was a good driver and his knowledge about the animals was really impressive. Apart from that, the whole tour is well organized.![]()
Jan W2024-08-21Verified
Highly recommend! We had a great trip and the wonderful experience with the sundown Africa Adventure travel Agency. Our tourist guide, Alex, is a funny and friendly person. He knows the area well to find animals. He always asks us what we would like to see tomorrow and tries his best to satisfy our preferences. Alex comes highly recommended.![]()
Excursion484387113992024-04-14Verified
1,000 times more amazing than what I had guessed If you’re thinking that going on an African Safari will be wonderful, let me share with you that my trip with Sundown African Adventures was seriously 1,000 times more incredible than I had guessed. The lodgings that Sundown African Adventures chose were all top-notch and the places they took us to were all magnificent. We received excellent service from our Guide-Driver, “Alex”. He was very professional, kind, and always aware of our safety. His extraordinary knowledge of the animals and the environment were remarkable. Alex had a sixth-sense about what the animals were actually thinking. I’m planning on sending my daughter and son-in-law for their honeymoon on tour with Sundown.![]()
Companion4647512024-02-06Verified
SunDown - Wonderful place that is definitely worth visiting! Wonderful place that is definitely worth visiting! The service is great, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Everything is worth every penny. Highly recommended!Tanzania is a country that has something for everyone. From the stunning beaches of Zanzibar to the breathtaking wildlife in the Serengeti, Tanzania is a destination that will leave you in awe. The country is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, which is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. Tanzania is also known for its rich cultural heritage and friendly people. The country is home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs and traditions. The people of Tanzania are warm and welcoming, and they will make you feel right at home![]()
Katarzyna B2024-01-19