Lake Chala Day Trip: Africa's Deepest Lake

The lake sits at a considerable depth below the surface.

A day trip to Lake Chala, Africa's deepest inland water body, with a guide who leads you down through forest to the shore. You'll walk the lakeside looking for lizards, baboons, monkeys and snakes, then rest at the bar overlooking the water. Lunch and all fees are included. The walk is moderately challenging.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lake Chala and surroundings

• Arrive at Lake Chala Safari Camp
• Walk down to the lakeside
• Hike around the lake area
• Observe wildlife and flora
• Relax at the lake view bar

The experience

Lake Chala is a private game reserve on the Tanzania-Kenya border, and the day starts with your guide taking you down from the camp through thick green forest to reach the water. The walk itself is the main event. It's not a casual stroll, and the terrain is steep enough that moderate fitness matters. What makes it worth the effort is what you see on the way: the lake water is so clear that fish are visible from the shore, and the wildlife along the path includes baboons, different monkey species, lizards and snakes. The bar at Lake Chala Safari Camp sits right at the water's edge, so after the walk you have a place to sit with a drink and look back out at what you've just crossed.

The day runs about seven hours from pickup to return. Lunch is included, and so are all fees and taxes. If you want to get on the water instead of walking the shore, kayaks are available to rent separately. They let you paddle across the border into Kenya. Swimming in the lake itself is not recommended, though the water's clarity makes it tempting. Your guide speaks English and stays with you throughout.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• all fees and taxes.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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 2 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

Moderate physical effort

Operated by KLM Safaris

Is this one for you?Pickup is included, so you don't need a car or your own transport to reach Lake Chala Safari Camp. The guide meets you and handles the rest of the day from there.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How deep is Lake Chala?

Lake Chala is more than 3,000 meters deep, making it the deepest inland water body in Africa.

What wildlife might I see on the walk?

Lizards, baboons, different species of monkeys and snakes are common sightings along the lakeside path.

Is the walk around the lake difficult?

The walk is moderately challenging with steep terrain, so a reasonable level of physical fitness helps, though it's not a technical hike.

Can I swim in Lake Chala?

Swimming is not recommended, even though the water is remarkably clear and you can see fish from the shore.

What happens if I want to get on the water?

Kayaks are available to rent on the day, so you can paddle across the border into Kenya if you prefer that to walking the shore.