Chemka Hot Springs

It was our last night on mainland Tanzania and we were in for several surprises.

First, it was clear enough for us to see Mount Kilimanjaro with its snow covered top just before we had breakfast. Every other time that we were close enough to see it, the clouds around it hid it.

Breakfast was filling and healthy as usual. The lady at La Parlour is a good cook.

Our driver, Paul, picked us up at 9 a.m. and drove us to the Chemka or Kikuleta Hot Springs. We really didn’t know what to expect but were told to take our bathing suits.

An hour later we arrived at what appeared to be a dry area but amazingly there was an oasis with two beautiful hidden ponds in the middle of a stand of palm and fig trees. The water was warm, crystal clear and a beautiful turquoise colour. We could hardly wait to get in.

The hot springs are home to the unique Garra Rufa fish, famously known as “doctor fish.” These tiny fish are used in spa treatments worldwide for their natural ability to gently nibble away dead skin, providing a free, natural pedicure. Haha. We were surprised to feel a slight tickles/prickles on our legs and feet as we entered the water!

They had picnic tables in the shade, a Tarzan rope swing that Chris tried out and a bamboo raft that some young men were poling down the river.

So when we weren’t swimming we were sitting in the shade being entertained by the fun experiences people were having in the water.

At lunch, Paul took us to a lunch bbq place where we had bbq chicken, lamb and goat cooked over a wood fire with french fries and salad.

Then we headed back to the springs. What an idyllic way to end our time on the mainland.

At 4 pm, Paul drove us to the Kilimanjaro airport so we could catch the plane to Zanzibar Island. One hour later, we landed. A driver was there to take us to our hotel, the Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique Hotel.

Everything thing that Colours of Africa has arranged has been perfect. We are happy campers.Read more