Kilimanjaro Waterfalls Hike & Chemka Hot Springs from Arusha

The waterfalls sit high enough that you hike down to them, not up.

A full-day tour from Arusha that combines a hike to waterfalls in the Kilimanjaro valleys with a midday picnic and an afternoon swim in Chemka's hot springs, ending back in Arusha by early evening. Pickup starts at 8am and the day wraps by 5pm. Private transport, lunch and all fees are included. Children from age 13 are welcome.

The experience

The day starts with pickup at 8am from your location in Arusha, then heads toward Kilimanjaro's valleys where the waterfalls sit. You hike down to reach them (the descent is the route itself), and stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint before making your way back up and out. The hike covers the morning and early afternoon, so you're moving at a steady pace through the landscape rather than standing still.

Once you're back down, the tour shifts to Chemka, where the thermal springs let you swim in warm water to recover from the hike. The water stays heated year-round, fed by underground springs. After time in the springs, the drive back takes you through Moshi and into Arusha, arriving by 5pm. A private car and driver handle all the transport, so you don't arrange pickups between stops.

Lunch and all entrance fees are built into the price, so there are no surprise costs at the sites. The tour runs as a private booking, meaning the car and driver are yours for the day: no shared stops or waiting for other groups.

What’s included

• Private car and driver for the full day.
• lunch at a scenic viewpoint during the hike.
• all entrance fees to the waterfalls and Chemka hot springs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Siret Trip

Is this one for you?The morning hike to the waterfalls is the core of the day, so book this if you're comfortable walking downhill and back up in the Kilimanjaro foothills. The afternoon swim at Chemka gives you time to recover before the drive home.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much walking and hiking is involved in this day trip?

The hike to the waterfalls in Kilimanjaro's valleys is the main physical part of the day. You descend to reach them and then hike back out. The pace is steady but not rushed, and the picnic break at the viewpoint gives you time to rest. After the hike, the afternoon at Chemka's hot springs is relaxed. You're swimming and soaking rather than walking.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation for the full day, lunch at the scenic viewpoint, and all entrance fees to the waterfalls and Chemka hot springs are included. You don't pay extra at either site.

What time does the day start and end?

Pickup happens at 8am from your location in Arusha, and the tour aims to drop you back by 5pm. The full day is roughly six hours of activity and travel combined.

Is there time to swim at Chemka, or is it just a quick stop?

Chemka is built into the afternoon schedule as a proper stop where you can swim and soak in the thermal springs. It's not a rushed visit. It's the cool-down part of the day after the morning hike.