Kikuletwa Hot Springs Day Tour Arusha: Swim in Turquoise Water

Turquoise water fed by Kilimanjaro, quiet in the early morning before other visitors arrive

A day tour from Arusha to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs, a natural pool surrounded by fig and palm trees where you swim in clear, geothermally warmed water sourced from Kilimanjaro. The tour departs early to reach the springs before midday crowds, giving you a chance to spot blue monkeys in the trees. Hotel pickup, lunch, snorkeling equipment and an English-speaking guide are included. The round trip takes about 6.5 hours with roughly 1 hour 20 minutes of driving each way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Kikuletwa Hot Springs

• Depart from Arusha early morning
• Arrive at Kikuletwa Hot Springs
• Spot blue monkeys in tree tops
• Swim in crystal clear turquoise waters
• Relax and enjoy the natural surroundings
• Return to Arusha

The experience

The Kikuletwa Hot Springs sit 69 kilometers from Arusha, surrounded by winding tree roots and dense vegetation that makes the place feel removed from the usual tourist circuit. The water itself is not hot despite the name. It's refreshed constantly by a geothermal source deep underground, which keeps it clear and cool enough to swim comfortably. The early departure is the key difference: most visitors arrive around noon when the site fills up, but this tour gets you there while it's still quiet, which is when the blue monkeys are active in the canopy overhead.

You'll have a couple of hours to swim, wade and explore the pool itself. Snorkeling gear is provided if you want to see what's beneath the surface. The water stays fresh and clean because of the constant underground renewal, so there's no stagnant feeling to it. A box lunch is included, and you can eat by the water or find a shaded spot among the trees. Your English-speaking driver and guide handle the transportation and can arrange vegetarian meals if you need them. Tips for the guide are optional.

The full excursion runs 6.5 hours door-to-door, with the bulk of that time split between the drive and your time at the springs themselves. The route is accessible by vehicle, and the site itself is wheelchair accessible if you need that option. This works well as a standalone day out from Arusha, or as a way to ease into the region before or after a Kilimanjaro climb or a safari.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha.
• round-trip transportation to the springs.
• an English-speaking guide.
• admission to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
• a box lunch.
• snorkeling equipment. Tips for the guide and driver are optional.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travel Africa Safari Agency

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to reach the springs early and avoid the midday crowds: that timing is what makes spotting the blue monkeys possible and keeps the water feeling like a quiet retreat rather than a busy swimming hole.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (5 to 13 years); Infant (under 5).

How early does the tour leave Arusha, and why does that timing matter?

The tour departs early in the morning so you reach the Kikuletwa Hot Springs before the midday crowds arrive. That early timing is what gives you a chance to spot the blue monkeys in the trees, since they disappear into the bush once the site gets busy.

Is the water actually hot, or is that just the name?

The water is not hot. It's refreshingly cool because it's sourced from deep underground near Kilimanjaro and constantly renewed by geothermal flow. That circulation keeps it clear and clean, which is why it's so pleasant for swimming.

What's included in the tour, and what should I bring?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha, an English-speaking guide, lunch in a box, snorkeling equipment, and admission to the springs are all included. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The guide can arrange vegetarian meals if you request them when you book.

How far is it from Arusha to the hot springs, and how much time do I spend driving?

The springs are 69 kilometers from Arusha, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes each way. The full tour is about 6.5 hours, so you'll have a couple of hours to swim and relax at the site itself.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility concerns or use a wheelchair?

The site and the transportation are both wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy, so check with your doctor if you have any of those concerns.