Location: 8 km North of Taveta Map
Durface area: 1.6 sq mi (4.2 sq km)
Length: 1.9 mi (3 km)
Width: 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
Max depth: 90 m (300 ft)
Nestled on the border between Kenya and Tanzania, Lake Chala (also known as Lake Challa) is a breathtaking crater lake renowned for its serene beauty, vibrant turquoise-to-green waters, and unique ecological and geological significance. Located approximately 8 kilometers north of Taveta, Kenya, and 55 kilometers east of Moshi, Tanzania, in the Taita-Taveta County (Kenya) and Rombo District (Tanzania), the lake lies on the southeastern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views of Africa’s highest peak on clear days. Formed about 250,000 years ago in a volcanic caldera, Lake Chala is one of East Africa’s deepest inland lakes, with a depth of approximately 90–95 meters. Its remote location, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance to local communities, including the Chagga and Maasai, make it a hidden gem for adventurers, naturalists, and eco-tourists.
Lake Chala is a caldera lake, formed by volcanic activity likely
linked to Mount Kilimanjaro’s early eruptions. Geological research
suggests that a magma chamber collapsed after a volcanic eruption,
creating the crater, though some theories propose a single explosive
event. The lake sits within a steep-sided caldera, with crater walls
rising up to 170 meters (560 feet) in some areas, enclosing a surface
area of about 4.2 square kilometers. The caldera’s near-vertical walls
and rocky terrain contribute to the lake’s dramatic, almost mystical
appearance.
The lake is primarily fed by underground springs
originating from Mount Kilimanjaro’s montane forest zone (1,800–2,800
meters elevation), which accounts for approximately 80% of its inflow.
These groundwater flows, estimated at 8.39–10 million cubic meters
annually, take about three months to reach the lake. The lake also
drains underground, feeding nearby Lake Jipe, 30 kilometers away,
through subterranean channels. High evaporation rates (1,735 mm
annually) and low rainfall (565 mm annually) mean the lake’s water level
fluctuates, with a recorded drop of 2.4 meters from 2005–2011, followed
by a partial recovery. Recent concerns about declining water levels are
linked to reduced rainfall and Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers,
potentially exacerbated by a collapsed underground cave system.
The lake’s water color varies seasonally, ranging from deep blue to
turquoise to emerald green, influenced by algae, sediment, and light
reflection. The surrounding landscape includes lush lakeshore forests,
volcanic savanna, dry riverbeds, and thick bush, creating a diverse
ecosystem. The climate is temperate but variable, with hot days
(December–March) reaching 30–35°C and cool nights, particularly at
higher elevations.
Lake Chala’s ecosystem supports a remarkable diversity of life, from
unique plant species to critically endangered fish and abundant
birdlife. Its isolation and varied habitats—lakeshore forests, savanna,
and rocky cliffs—make it a biodiversity hotspot.
Flora:
The
lake is surrounded by a mix of lush forest and savanna vegetation,
including acacias, figs, and endemic grasses. The crater rim hosts
unique trees and plants, some found nowhere else, such as rare orchids
and drought-resistant shrubs. Seasonal wildflowers attract butterflies,
with hundreds of species present during peak months (October–March). The
forest zone is critical for groundwater recharge, supporting the lake’s
pristine waters.
Fauna:
Fish: The lake is home to the Lake
Chala tilapia (Oreochromis hunteri), a critically endangered cichlid
species endemic to Chala and found nowhere else in the world. Introduced
tilapia species have outcompeted the native tilapia, threatening its
survival. Fishing is banned on the Kenyan side and restricted in
Tanzania to protect this species, though enforcement varies.
Mammals:
The area supports blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet
monkeys, dik-diks, kudus, and occasional elephants migrating from nearby
Tsavo National Park. Leopards and hyenas are rare but present in the
broader region.
Birds: With over 200 species, Lake Chala is a
birdwatcher’s paradise and an important migration corridor on
Kilimanjaro’s eastern flank. Notable species include the African fish
eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, augur buzzard, white-faced whistling duck, and
various hornbills. Raptors nest in the crater walls, and seasonal
migrants like the Amur falcon appear during October–April.
Reptiles
and Amphibians: Pythons, monitor lizards, and non-venomous snakes
inhabit the area. Crocodiles, introduced in the 1930s (possibly by
British explorer E.S. Grogan), were eradicated by the 1990s due to
unsuitable breeding conditions and fishermen’s efforts to protect nets.
A 2002 crocodile attack on a British tourist led to warnings, but recent
reports confirm no crocodiles remain.
Insects: The lake hosts 100–200
butterfly species, including the African monarch and citrus swallowtail,
peaking during the wet season. Bees and beetles support pollination,
enhancing the forest’s ecological health.
Lake Chala’s remote location and unspoiled beauty make it ideal for
immersive, low-impact tourism. The Tanzanian side is more developed,
with lodges and guided tours, while the Kenyan side remains largely
untouched, offering a raw, authentic experience. Key activities include:
Hiking and Walking Safaris:
Guided walks along the crater rim
(100–170 meters high) offer panoramic views of the lake, Kilimanjaro,
and the Chala savanna. The descent to the lakeshore, a steep
20–30-minute hike, passes through lush forest and rocky terrain,
requiring sturdy shoes and a guide (mandatory in Tanzania, recommended
in Kenya). The riverbed tour explores a seasonal dry river with eroded
rock formations. Early morning or late afternoon walks (6–9 AM, 4–6 PM)
maximize wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures.
Birdwatching:
The lake’s diverse habitats attract birders, with
guided tours targeting raptors and forest species. Binoculars and a
checklist from Lake Chala Safari Lodge enhance the experience. The
ongoing Chala bird survey encourages visitors to report sightings,
contributing to conservation.
Swimming:
Swimming is permitted
but advised near the shore due to the lake’s depth (up to 95 meters) and
a steep drop-off. The water is clear and cool, with no dangerous aquatic
creatures reported since the crocodile eradication. However, the Kenyan
side lacks safety rails, and overgrown bush can make access treacherous.
Canoeing and Kayaking:
Available on the Tanzanian side through
Lake Chala Safari Lodge, kayaking (1 hour, ~20,000 TZS) offers a
peaceful way to explore the lake. Canoeing is not permitted on the
Kenyan side due to limited infrastructure.
Fishing:
Catch-and-release fishing is allowed in Tanzania with permits, targeting
introduced tilapia species. Fishing the endangered Lake Chala tilapia is
prohibited, and all fishing is banned on the Kenyan side to protect the
species.
Camping and Lodging:
The Lake Chala Safari Lodge
(Tanzania) offers luxury tented camps with en-suite tents, fine dining
at the Caldera Restaurant, and views of the lake and Kilimanjaro.
Campsites with hot showers and cooking facilities cater to budget
travelers. The Kenyan side has no formal accommodations, but informal
camping is possible with local Maasai guides.
Photography:
The
lake’s color-changing waters, framed by the crater rim and Kilimanjaro,
are a photographer’s dream. Sunrise and sunset shots capture the lake’s
turquoise-to-green hues, while macro photography highlights butterflies
and wildflowers.
Cultural Experiences:
The region is home to
the Chagga (Tanzania) and Maasai (Kenya/Tanzania) communities. Visitors
can engage with Chagga villages near Moshi or Maasai herders on the
Kenyan side, learning about traditions, folklore, and sustainable
practices. Some locals view the lake as spiritually significant, with
myths of a vanished Maasai village adding mystique.
Lake Chala faces significant ecological and management challenges,
balanced by conservation efforts to protect its unique ecosystem:
Endangered Species: The Lake Chala tilapia is critically endangered
due to competition from introduced tilapia and historical overfishing.
Tanzania’s fishing regulations and Kenya’s ban aim to protect it, but
enforcement is inconsistent.
Water Level Decline: Reduced groundwater
inflow, linked to Kilimanjaro’s glacier melt and erratic rainfall,
threatens the lake’s volume. A potential cave collapse in the
underground system may also disrupt flows to Lake Jipe.
Deforestation: Historical forest loss on the Tanzanian side has reduced
habitat, though reforestation by lodges like Lake Chala Safari Lodge is
ongoing. The Kenyan side’s untouched forest is at risk from grazing and
charcoal burning.
Tourism Disparity: Tanzania’s developed
infrastructure (lodges, guides) contrasts with Kenya’s neglect, where no
signposts, facilities, or picnic sites exist. This limits Kenya’s
tourism potential but preserves its pristine state.
Crocodile
Misconceptions: Despite no crocodiles since the 1990s, outdated warnings
persist, deterring visitors. Community education is needed to dispel
myths.
Conservation efforts include:
KWS and Tanzania National
Parks (TANAPA): Patrols protect wildlife and enforce fishing bans.
Lake Chala Safari Lodge: Reforestation, bird surveys, and community
employment support conservation.
DeepCHALLA Project: This
International Continental Scientific Drilling Programme (ICDP)
initiative studies lake sediments (up to 214.8 meters deep) to
reconstruct 250,000 years of climate and environmental change, aiding
global climate research.
Lake Chala holds spiritual and cultural importance for local
communities. The Chagga and Maasai associate the lake with ancestral
spirits and myths, including a legend of a Maasai village swallowed by
the lake. These stories, though unverified, add to its mystique. The
lake’s exploration history includes American adventurer May French
Sheldon, who circumnavigated it in 1891, one of the first Western women
to document the region.
The lake’s sediments, studied by the
DeepCHALLA project, provide a 250,000-year record of East Africa’s
climate, with finely laminated deposits revealing inter-annual to
glacial-interglacial changes. This makes Chala a globally significant
paleo-environmental archive.
Access:
From Tanzania: A 48–55 km drive (1–1.5 hours) from Moshi
via the Holili/Taveta border post. The road is paved until the turn-off,
then rough dirt, requiring a 4x4 in the wet season (April–May,
November). Tour operators like Lake Chala Safari Lodge offer transfers.
From Kenya: An 8 km drive from Taveta (30 minutes) or 200 km from
Nairobi (4–5 hours) via the A23 to Taveta. The Kenyan side has rough
roads and a 7-minute steep climb to the crater rim, with no facilities.
By Air: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, 80 km) or Mombasa’s Moi
International Airport (200 km) are the nearest hubs, followed by road
transfers.
By Public Transport: Buses from Moshi or Taveta to Chala
village (10 km from the lake) run on market days (Wednesday, Saturday)
for ~KSh 80. From Chala village, hire a boda-boda or walk.
Best
Time to Visit:
The dry seasons (June–October, January–February) offer
clear views of Kilimanjaro, accessible trails, and vibrant birdlife. The
wet seasons (March–May, November) bring lush greenery but muddy paths
and algae-induced green water.
Entry Fees:
Tanzania: ~15,000
TZS (non-residents) or 10,000 TZS (residents) for lake access, including
a guided walk (7,000–10,000 TZS). A Wildlife Management Area (WMA) fee
of 11.80 USD (non-residents) or 2,360 TZS (residents) applies at the
government gate. Vehicle fees are 11,800 TZS.
Kenya: No formal fees
due to lack of infrastructure, but local Maasai guides may charge ~KSh
500–1,000.
Accommodation:
Tanzania:
Lake Chala Safari
Lodge: Luxury tents (USD 100–200/night) and campsites (USD 10–20/night)
with en-suite facilities, dining, and lake views.
Nearby Moshi offers
budget (Weru Weru River Lodge) and luxury (Kili Wonders Hotel) options.
Kenya: No formal lodges; campers can arrange with locals. Taveta has
basic guesthouses (~USD 20/night). Nearby Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp (35
km) offers luxury near Lake Jipe.
Activities and Tips:
Book
guides through Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Tanzania) or local Maasai
(Kenya) for safety and insights.
Bring binoculars, sunscreen, a hat,
sturdy shoes, and a towel for swimming or post-hike showers.
Check
Taveta weather reports for temperature swings (cool nights, hot days).
Combine with Tsavo West, Lake Jipe, or Kilimanjaro day trips for a
broader itinerary.
Respect local beliefs; ask permission before
photographing Chagga or Maasai people.
Lake Chala’s sediments, studied by the DeepCHALLA project, provide a
250,000-year climate record, with 214.8 meters of deposits revealing
past rainfall, temperature, and vegetation changes. This data informs
global climate models, particularly for equatorial East Africa. The
lake’s role as a migration corridor for birds and its endemic tilapia
highlight its ecological importance, while its tourism potential
supports local economies.
Globally, Lake Chala’s pristine state
and low tourist footprint offer a model for sustainable eco-tourism. Its
contrast with over-visited parks like Serengeti or Maasai Mara appeals
to travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity, as noted in reviews
praising its “grand tranquility” and “magical” walks.