Hot Springs and Caves!

We just so happened to stumble upon these delights on route to Moshi. After searching for this hot spring the evening before and failing dismally, we decided to wild camp, rest, and try again at daybreak.  A curious local man, Chombo approached as we were packing up camp and offered to show us the way to the hot spring. As we walked, he explained that many come to visit this spring, and the water is indeed healing. Most recently, a man had come here, upon recommendation from his traditional healer, to offer prayers to the waters and ask that his skin be made smooth again, after suffering for 3 years of painful pustules on his arms, torso, and legs. In just a few weeks, his health was restored, and his skin ailment had vanished. Once we arrived at the springs and made a monetary donation, we were able to enter, as many others do, the warm, sulphuric waters and bathe. What an experience!

After spending time basking in the Galanos sulphur hot springs, we were on our way to explore the Amboni caves, which were not far away. These caves were formed about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic age and cover an area of 234 km2. We noted at least two species of bat while we were there, as well as spiders and cockroaches on the cave floors. Our guide drew our attention to the various religious figures, animal and anatomical shapes that the stalactites and stalagmites made. And both David and I were elated at finding our first, ever wild-grown African violet, growing out of a crevice of the cave.Read more