Lake Chala
Lake Chala
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
190 reviews
Excellent
107
Very good
57
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Sibylle
Interlaken, Switzerland7 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
It is way too expensive. We drove ourselves by motorcycle (for us$20 per day)from moshi there (because the tours were all too expensive. There is a gate and they charge us$29.50 per person entry fee. This is way too much so we did turn around.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sukesha D
Mombasa, Kenya529 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Lake Chala is a freshwater crater lake and shares the border with Kenya after Taveta and with Tanzania on the other side.
The Kenya side has no signposts nor any facilities nit even a nice tree or a picnic site for visitors. It is not at all advertised nor known.
However the Tanzanian side has fully utilized this tourist potential and constructed a.few.lodges along the cliff of the lake which would give a fantastic view to their guests and a serene holiday.
The Kenya side... has a couple of rough roads before you reach it and then a slight steep climb of about 7 minutes in the dry heat and then you get the beautiful view of the lake with its pristine blue waters.... beautiful. So sad our tourism industry has done nothing to capitalize on this lovely spot. There is a way to go down to the lake but the bush has overgrown and with no safety rails etx it could be treacherous
The Kenya side has no signposts nor any facilities nit even a nice tree or a picnic site for visitors. It is not at all advertised nor known.
However the Tanzanian side has fully utilized this tourist potential and constructed a.few.lodges along the cliff of the lake which would give a fantastic view to their guests and a serene holiday.
The Kenya side... has a couple of rough roads before you reach it and then a slight steep climb of about 7 minutes in the dry heat and then you get the beautiful view of the lake with its pristine blue waters.... beautiful. So sad our tourism industry has done nothing to capitalize on this lovely spot. There is a way to go down to the lake but the bush has overgrown and with no safety rails etx it could be treacherous
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathalie A
27 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The canyon / riverbed walk was awesome. The walk down to the lake was quite hard on the way up so one must be aware. Nice swim in a fresh water after a long walk was highly appreciated. I am not super super fit I agree but consider myself average. The steps are high so it might be challenging going up. The restaurant up, the food was OK for what we took. The building itself is a shame though.
Unfortunately the lake was green and not the usual blue.
I think that the amount to be paid ( 2 paying spots... ) to enter is a bit on the high side for what you get.
Overall experience, I am happy I saw it. If you are in the vicinity , one might pop in but not sure a long drive to go there is worth it.
Unfortunately the lake was green and not the usual blue.
I think that the amount to be paid ( 2 paying spots... ) to enter is a bit on the high side for what you get.
Overall experience, I am happy I saw it. If you are in the vicinity , one might pop in but not sure a long drive to go there is worth it.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moonlight Tours Expedition
Arusha, Tanzania60 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We had the lovely moment in lake nyala it was so nice to us creating for the new life time experience in our mind we spent one day here for enjoyment i can not explain my feeling in wide way but what i can say is the area is well gifted for nature and we have to experience this go and see
Written 12 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrFatma_Makame
Tanga, Tanzania69 contributions
Mar 2014
I'm not against private development that preserve the environment and natural attractions. With a charge of 5000Tshs just to get a view of the lake, the managers of lake Chala park are walling off this natural wonder from the majority of the population. I don't really know how to rate it; I'm agitated!
Written 15 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa G
Tanzania12 contributions
Jan 2011
I went to Lake Chala for four days and had an amazing time. I was seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Moshi and Arusha and I couldn't think of a more appropriate place. It is so tranquil. My days were spent hiking, reading, going on safari and just relaxing by the lake. It's gorgeous! The managers are an adorable couple who are so friendly and accommodating and the food was delicious.
I have also brought my volunteers and the children from our orphanage to Lake Chala from my organization Make A Difference for retreat. They have loved it as well.
I have also brought my volunteers and the children from our orphanage to Lake Chala from my organization Make A Difference for retreat. They have loved it as well.
Written 9 February 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erik Jones
Karen, Kenya57 contributions
I went to Lake Chala with 7 of my friends this last weekend. We all live in Arusha and we wanted to escape the rain in town. It's about a 2 - 2.5 hour drive from town and it has great views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather depending) and beautiful views of the Pare Mountains and you get closer to Chala.
The sun came out all of Saturday morning and afternoon while we were there so we hiked down to the lake. Great place for birds, and a lot of different types to vegetation to be seen on the way there.
We based ourselves at the deck by the lake and took the Kayaks out. The light was great and showed the clarity and blue of the water. It wasn't too cold either, perfect temperature to go swimming. There is a large tree in the water which you can jump from, or slide down.
We brought our dog, and one of my friends brought their dog too. We took one out on the kayak and they really enjoyed swimming in the shallows and climbing the rocks.
It was a great stay, and I didn't want to get out of the water.
The sun came out all of Saturday morning and afternoon while we were there so we hiked down to the lake. Great place for birds, and a lot of different types to vegetation to be seen on the way there.
We based ourselves at the deck by the lake and took the Kayaks out. The light was great and showed the clarity and blue of the water. It wasn't too cold either, perfect temperature to go swimming. There is a large tree in the water which you can jump from, or slide down.
We brought our dog, and one of my friends brought their dog too. We took one out on the kayak and they really enjoyed swimming in the shallows and climbing the rocks.
It was a great stay, and I didn't want to get out of the water.
Written 12 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Primus-OK
Moshi, Tanzania21 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
This very beautiful area is now limited to the locals. whether an adult or a child you have to pay to enter. for a fee of 5000, which seen as very little by tourists is in deed exorbitantly higher to Tanzanians (I don't want emphasize more).
I think the management can do better to see that the locals can also enjoy the beauty of their given land. in some places such as the Kilimanjaro national park, water falls around Marangu they have it clearly that this is the fees for adult locals, children, etc.
I have been to the lake a number of times but my last visit twisted my feelings as the employees were not so welcoming to my questions on the fee structure.
The Question I ask myself is 'what is the benefit to privatize and to protect such an area by limiting access to the people living around it?.
I think the management can do better to see that the locals can also enjoy the beauty of their given land. in some places such as the Kilimanjaro national park, water falls around Marangu they have it clearly that this is the fees for adult locals, children, etc.
I have been to the lake a number of times but my last visit twisted my feelings as the employees were not so welcoming to my questions on the fee structure.
The Question I ask myself is 'what is the benefit to privatize and to protect such an area by limiting access to the people living around it?.
Written 22 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian D
Asheville, NC1,730 contributions
Jan 2020
While in Moshi if you have some extra time go visit Lake Chala. It is absolutely beautiful and offers some time to take in the surrounding nature.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Brian, thanks for your visit and thanks for your comment. Welcome back at Lake Chala.
Written 1 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Selma S
Boras, Sweden12 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
One incredibly relaxing and fun place at the same time😍 wonderful place which was not at all crowded by tourists!
Written 20 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Chala Family is happy to read that you enjoyed your stay. Welcome back.
Written 21 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lake Chala Safari Lodge
Himo, Tanzania
Hi there, for residents entrance fee at Lake Chala itself is 10.000 TSH, forn nin residents it is 15.000 TSH. It includes a guided walk up to three hours and using toilets and showers. Please note, that there is a governmental gate before you reach Lake Chala, where you have to pay a Wildlife Management Fee (WMA). This is 2360 TSH for Tanzanian citizen and residents, if they have the NIDA id-card. For non Tanzanian and other residents it is 11,80 USD. Also you will have to pay 11.800 TSH there if you come with a (Tanzanian registered) car. Hope you will come to visit us, kind regards from Lake Chala
Written 22 December 2018
Over an hour, depending on what sort of car you are in and if you are pulled over by the traffic police.
The road from the airport to Moshi and onto Lake Chala, until the turn off is excellent but after that theres no tarmac. Its a really beautiful place and deserves a good morning.
Written 11 April 2018
How do you get here from Moshi?? Is it a day trip or do you stay there?? I can't find any information about it on here. Feedback would be appreciated thanks
Written 31 October 2017
I used Deo. An excellent, friendly taxi driver with good english, good car and does a deal (he took us to Kilimanjaro View Lodge over none roads and then to the airport) 255 686 129 292
Nice blok, good sense of humour, lots of local knowledge.
Written 11 April 2018
Hallo,
wir wollen den Lake Chala im Juli 2017 auf einer Tagestour von Moshi aus besuchen. Ist die Wassertemperatur zu dieser Zeit zum Baden geeignet, also um die 20 Grad? Muss man auch auf der tansanischen Seeseite klettern um baden zu koennen? Ich konnte keine Uebernachtungspreise der Lake Chala Lodge finden, falls wir doch vom Tagesausflug auf Uebernachtung umschwenken.
Harka
Written 26 August 2016
I went there in May 2016. No problem swimming. I recommend contacting Eric+255 755 515 738 (what's up app) or through facebook (just put Joining Safari's Ltd or eric urassa in fb search). He is a CEO of Joining's Ltd. My professor introduced me to him. I went to Lake Chala, Safari, and Kilimanjaro hiking through his company. good price and very welcoming. He is a nice guy.I invited him to support people living with HIV when I stayed in Tanzania. He has supported the HIV organization vigorously since his first experience.
Written 11 April 2017
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