chala crater lake
The lake has a mean depth of 81 meters and it covers the area of 4.2 km2and it has the diameter of 3 km. When is the best time to travel to Tanzania? I also wanted to dispel some myths about Tanzania being an expensive destination to travel in, so I decided to visit Lake Chala completely by public transport. It is not at all advertised nor known. Lesson learned – avoid the crowds! Depending on the time of year, it ranges in colour from deep blue to turquoise and green and is surrounded by a 100 meter high crater rim. The experience got even better when I told the waiter that I planned to visit Chala by public transport. The drive from Moshi to Holili took about 2 hours. Lake Chala straddles Kenya and Tanzania. We drove through sisal farms with the backdrop of Mt. Breakfast was a feast at the restaurant, with fresh, local produce. I didn’t realise this, jumped off the bus and on seeing the amount of drivers waiting, found myself panicking and running into the nearest shop – “jamani, siwezi kula kwanza? I enjoyed every bit of the story. Lake Chala is a freshwater crater lake and shares the border with Kenya after Taveta and with Tanzania on the other side. This place is real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation. This is also a good place to spot baboons and other wildlife. There’s also a large bar and restaurant area, with spectacular views over the lake. On arrival in Moshi, I decided to take an hour or so to gather myself, have breakfast and plan my route. The shopkeeper told them to leave me be. To buy some time, I spent way too long choosing one packet of biscuits and ended up going with the first driver who had approached me at the bus. A border runs through it. For just 2000 shillings for a 2 hour journey, the cramped seating is definitely worth it. Holili is on the Kenyan border and is the last stop for the dala dala so you don’t need to worry about when to get off. The Government fees should be reduced, given that wildlife is no longer very present there. Deutsch: Chala-See, durch dessen Mitte die Grenze zwischen Tansania und Kenia verläuft. Safari Junkie 06/27/2016 at 9:39 am - Reply. Definitely it’s a great place. The journey was interesting, with a mixture of Swahili and Maa (the Maasai language) being spoken throughout the bus. The Liebster Award, The (Almost) Perfect 2 Week South Africa Backpacking Itinerary, Circle of Life: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Namibia: The Perfect ‘Bucket List’ Adventure, How to Get the Best Views of Victoria Falls, 5 Amazing Places to See Giraffe in the Wild, DoubleTree by Hilton, Stone Town, Zanzibar – Interview with Yehia El Mansoury, General Manager, The Best Beaches near Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Get Lost in Lamu Island - Why you need to visit this unique Kenyan gem, Best Tanzanian Songs 2018 (the list so far). Nowadays, people have settled on the Kenyan side and the government have put a fence, so the animals don’t come anymore. There are luxury tents and well-equipped campsites with hot water ablutions. Lake Chala is a caldera lake fed by clean, cold underground streams from Kilimanjaro itself, and it’s renowned for its gloriously changing colours; from deepest turquoise to emerald green to azure and all colours in between. I happily took the upgrade and found myself with a huge double bed, overlooking the plains below – heaven! A crater lake in a caldera at the border between Tanzania and Kenya and 52 km from Moshi town, Lake Chala is said to be the deepest inland water body in Africa with a depth of about 3 km. The walk is very scenic with great views of the lake and vegetation. Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern end of Kilimanjaro. The lake has a great diversity of life. I had been told that I could negotiate the price of the boda to 7,000 Tsh but in the end I paid 10,000 just to get on the road quicker. I luckily managed to get a window seat – highly recommended for some extra air – and settled in with my bag and tent under my feet. Lake Chala is a crater lake that straddles the border between Kenyan and Tanzania. It was such a peaceful way to start my day that I felt as if I had been there for days, not just one night! In the early 1900âs crocodiles were introduced to the lake. A combination of a day off (thank you flexi-time!) The crater rims are 560 feet tall. In Lake Chala gill nets with mesh 91 sizes from 12-22 mm were set at various depths in the benthic habitat in Lake Chala. Lake Chala is a destination that pops up now and again in various travel groups and social media pages I follow. Lake Chala is set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop, experience the tranquility and the timeless beauty of this area. This place is a real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation. Lake Chala is the Crater Lake that marks a border between Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro; it is 51 km from Moshi town and 8 km north of Taveta. Lake Chala and the surrounding area is spectacularly interesting, not just because of Kilimanjaro that can be seen on clear days towering in the background but also because it thrives with life. • Lake Chala is a c. 90 m deep meromictic, oligotrophic crater lake near Mt. Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera on the borders of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, an hours drive from Moshi town and 8 km north of Taveta. Lake Chala came into existence 250,000 years ago after volcanic activity on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is one of the oldest volcanic lakes in the country. Yet very few people I know have actually been there. However, over the years local fishermen have killed them and it is highly likely that none exist there today. Lake Chala is a crater lake that straddles the border between Kenyan and Tanzania. © 2015-2021 TANZANIA-EXPERIENCE.COM | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | SITEMAP | CREDITS, CALL US TOLL FREE +1 855 901 3570 (USA) +1 866 263 9907 (CAN) +44 800 411 8043 (UK) +61 180 017 5958 (AU), function GoToSendEmail(){setTimeout(function(){window.location.href='/contact/';},100);}, Lake Chala – a crater in the shadow of Kili, Where to travel despite Covid-19 (Corona): Social distancing on safari in Tanzania, Covid-19 (Coronavirus): Impact on nature conservation in Tanzania. Features of the crater lake. Disappointingly, the fee for foreigners is the same whether you are resident or tourist (unless you have a NIDA card apparently). He immediately phoned his friend who lives there to come meet me. On the Kenya side, this picturesque crater lake is just north of Taveta, and because of its volcanic formation (a caldera) it’s therefore very deep, which may account for its beautiful green/blue colour. The depth of the lake is between 70 to 90m with the walls almost vertical and as high as a 100m in some places. The lake … Kilimanjaro (Figure 1a). 90 Mungu Reservoir) and in Lake Babati in November 2014 (figure 1). Local fishermen can be seen in their dugouts drifting silently along, they come to fish there almost daily. Lake Chala (3°19′S, 37°42′E), located on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, is a freshwater lake filling a volcanic caldera at an altitude of 880 m above sea level (a.s.l.) As we walked through the grassland, he explained some of the background of the area. In the past, animals used the area as a route to move from Masai Mara to Serengeti. Lake Chala is located some 55km northeast of Moshi town on the south-eastern flank of Mt Kilimanjaro and on the Kenyan border. The lake it is between a border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, not far from Moshi town and 8 Km of Taveta. Walking at Lake Chala is a magical experience that will put you back in touch with nature. A border runs through it. I walked to Kilimanjaro Coffee Lounge and had a huge breakfast of omelette, bacon and fried potatoes, with coffee and juice, for just 15,000 Tsh. Instead I took a kayak and spent 2 hours on the lake with a guide. I have experience in Tanzania cultural tourism business since 2009 – have been working with different cultural tourism programmes and guiding tourists as local guide in my area since 2012, I know well the area through past life experience. knows the lake chala - a crater in the shadow of kili 3/16/2018 09:45:00 AM tourism , utalii Lake Chala is located some 55km northeast of Moshi town on the south … Lake Chala – a crater in the shadow of Kili. Myths and legends surround the lake and the local people believe a whole Maasai village disappeared into the lake. Nowadays, it is mostly dry apart from in rainy season. There is a seasonal river nearby where the water has eroded the walls into beautiful shapes. How do lions behave in the wild? Walking at Lake Chala is a magical experience that will put you back in touch with nature. I started my day with yoga on my balcony while I watched the sun rise. In fact, the international boundary between Tanzania and Kenya runs through the middle of the lake! I loved my time there and I’m already planning my return! Lake Chala straddles Kenya and Tanzania. However, the Kenyan government have since closed access to the lake on their side (more on that later!). In the past there were more, including one on the Kenyan side. Kilimanjaro in equatorial East Africa • A 215-m long fine-resolution continuous sediment sequence was recovered in 2016 • This provides a unique opportunity to study tropical long-term climate dynamics and aquatic ecosystem response during the past c. 260 From lush lake shore forest to stunning volcanic savannah; from river beds marvelously carved through ancient rock, to thick bush or open ‘mbuga’. My name is Linus born in a village near lake Chala known as Witini Makana and grown at Mkuu village 25 km from Chala Crater Lake. Lake Chala – Tanzania’s Idyllic Crater Lake, Get Lost in Lamu Island – Why you need to visit this Kenyan paradise, 9 of the Best Tanzanian Songs to Know Before you Go, Where to Go: The Best African Safari Destinations, Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Outside Ireland. Header modified from a photo by Ryan Maple under a creative commons licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. I also enjoyed some local food with the sounds of the jungle around me. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It mostly lives in relatively deep water, at depths between 20–45 m (66–148 ft). After a short drive on tarmac, we turned onto the dirt road and the real journey began. The Kenya side has no signposts nor … Arusha/Moshi - to Lake Chala - Moshi/Arusha It’s water comes from groundwater from Mount Kilimanjaro. Mesh sizes of the 92 nets were chosen to catch fish of comparable size of all species present in Lake Chala… Probably a must-do when at Lake Chala is to go on a walk down the steep crater walls to the water. Just outside the gate to Lake Chala, there is a compulsory stop at the Tanzanian Wildlife Authority where you must pay the conservation area fees. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Still, the guides on the Tanzanian side keep the bush cut short to ensure safe passage, in case animals find their way there. This place is a real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation. I paid 10,000 tsh to rent the kayak. This place is real find for tourists who like panoramic views and quiet recreation. It is said that the lake is fed via underwater streams from Mt. LAKE CHALA. With my tent and backpack in tow, I headed from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro Internation Airport (KIA) on a Friday morning. Kilimanjaro and drains again into neighbouring Lake Jipe also via underground tunnels. A visit to Lake Chala makes an excellent day trip. Lake Chala was amazing place indeed! Lake Chala is a water-filled caldera that was formed after volcanic activity (probably from Mt Kilimanjaro) caused it to collapse. Lake Chala (Crater Lake). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lake Chala is Crater Lake in caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of famous volcano Kilimanjaro. Thank you for sharing your story. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in colour from deep blue to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 metres high crater rim – the “top” of crater where wonderful views on the tropical forest and lake is. So is it’s proximity to Kilimanjaro. Swimming is possible but it is advised to stay close to the shore. Another interesting walk is the river bed tour. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in color from deep blue to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 meters high crater … The Ethics of Travel Photography: Should we take photos of children? "An Ancient Crater Lake"View Photos. Accommodation is possible at Lake Chala Safari Camp. As much as I love organising group trips, I am something of an introvert, so for this one I decided to roll solo. This beautiful Crater Lake is located in North Taveta. !” (Can I not eat something first?!) The Best Zanzibar Beaches (and where to stay), Travellers Share their Best Tips for Sustainable Travel, 6 Unique Backpacker Hostels in South Africa, My first blogging Award! Kilimanjaro (Fig. It is a caldera lake, therefore it is very deep, accounting for its beautiful turquoise blue-green appearance. I always say that travelling in rainy season has more advantages than disadvantages. The journey took around half an hour and the bus was comfortable. However, it’s still worth visiting, especially if you are Tanzanian, as you will pay lower fees. Lake Chala. Visit Lake Chala on a day trip or stay overnight to experience the tranquillity of the lake and wake up by birdsong. Lake Chala is a freshwater crater lake and shares the border with Kenya after Taveta and with Tanzania on the other side. Lake Chala exceeded my expectations. Lake Chala (3°19′S, 37°42′E) is a permanently stratified (meromictic) crater lake filling a volcanic caldera on the south-eastern flank of Mt. Yet very few people I know have actually been there. Upload media Lake Chala is the Crater Lake that marks the border between Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, not far from the town of Moshi and 8 km north of Taveta. English: Lake Chala on the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Welcome to Tanzania’s most beautiful corner, Lake Chala is a gorgeous crater lake that straddles the border of Tanzania and Kenya and lies on the western slopes of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and a steep crater rim surrounds the lake with a maximum height of 170 meters (560ft). Unfortunately the friend wasn’t available, so instead the waiter walked me to the busy dala dala (public bus) stand and found the correct bus for me. Lake Chala is a destination that pops up now and again in various travel groups and social media pages I follow. They all have double beds, full bathrooms with hot water and a balcony with a view. was measured at a depth of 95 meters, which makes it deeper than famous Lake Victoria. If you don’t speak Swahili, I recommend staying back on the bus for a minute and choosing one of the drivers while on the bus. I paid US$28 (I think Tanzanians pay around 8000 tsh). On the Kenya side, this picturesque crater lake is just north of Taveta, and because of its volcanic formation Lake Chala's legacy lives on Lake Chala in Taveta is a deep four-square kilometre crater lake straddling the border of Kenya and Tanzania. There’s only one resort in operation at Lake Chala – Lake Chala Safari Lodge. The highlight of our walk was when we reached the dry riverbed. In fact, the international boundary between Tanzania and Kenya runs through the middle of the lake! Disembarking at Holili was a bit overwhelming. More activities would attract more visitors, but as a place to relax it’s perfect. Lake Chala is a crater lake in a caldera on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro north of Taveta County. Lake Chala, also known as Lake Challa, is a crater lake that straddles the border between Kenya and Tanzania. The critically endangered Lake Chala tilapia (which actually belongs to the cichlid family) is found only in Lake Chala. It reminded me of something from another planet! Lake Chala is set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop, experience the tranquility and the timeless beauty of this area. Sounds like a real trip into the wilderness (apart from the drunken tourists that is!) Lake Chala Lake Chala is Crater Lake in caldera located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of famous volcano Kilimanjaro. In the past, the river passed through, bringing water to the land and the animals. There had been a lot of rain so the surroundings were completely lush and the air was fresh. I was advised that swimming isn’t allowed on the lake due to a number of accidents that took place there. It is also known as Dschalla. Itinerary. After breakfast, I decided to explore the area. It would be the perfect place to unwind after a climb. Our guide Max recalls wildlife scenarios on safari in Tanzania, Tanzania: Where to go on safari, and why it matters where you go. and a one day flight sale, meant that I was finally able to take a trip there last year. Lake Chala: Stunning crater lake - See 186 traveler reviews, 142 candid photos, and great deals for Moshi, Tanzania, at Tripadvisor. The drive to Chala is beautiful. Attractions on the lower east slope of Mt. The water in the lake majorly comes from … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Lake Chala is located some 55km northeast of Moshi town on the south-eastern flank of Mt Kilimanjaro and on the Kenyan border. It’s water comes from groundwater from Mount Kilimanjaro. I spent hours reading there. The camp managers have really made an effort to improve the quality of accommodation and services. I cheated in the Dar part and took Uber to the airport for 20,000 Tanzanian Shillings (tsh) (actual charge – 16,000 but I rounded up because Uber is stingy!). The lodge consists of 6 luxury tents. The Lake Chala tilapia (Oreochromis hunteri) is a species of cichlid fish that is endemic to Lake Chala, a small crater lake on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Chala is a unique caldera lake, also known as Dschalla and is thought to be the deepest inland body of water in Africa. Chala-crater-lake, Tanzania Prayer Times and Qiblah, distance from Makkah and Madina, Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, Ramadan, 930 أوقات الصلاة In the afternoon, I went for a short walk with the same guide as before. The lake formed approximately 250,000 years ago. Being so close to Tsavo National Park you might be able to see large herds of elephants that migrate back and forth between Kenya and Tanzania.