Rundugai hot springs

The Rundugai Hot Water Springs, also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs or Chemka Hot Springs, are a hidden oasis outside of Boma.

Rundugai Springs are located in the Sanya Plains, about 35 kilometers from Moshi. They emerge suddenly from underground in the middle of a deserted and dusty landscape, and they are a remarkable phenomenon. This is referred to as Chemka in the local language, which means “boiling,” because of the way the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. In actuality, the water is a pleasant temperature rather than hot. This is a great location for swimming and having a picnic. On a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro also offers stunning views. Unfortunately, the fluoride content of the water prevents the locals from drinking it. The palm trees and winding roots that surround the turquoise, crystal-clear waters make for a picturesque setting for an afternoon swim.

Although you can see the bottom of the water wherever you are, the spring is actually quite large and over 6 meters deep in some places. The water can also flow by as you relax by wrapping your arms around one of the roots and daydreaming while listening to the monkeys and birds in the trees. You can enjoy yourself or unwind to the extent that your heart desires and your mind and body require.

RUNDUGAI HOT WATER SPRINGS TOUR: WHAT TO EXPECT

The main road leading to Moshi or Arusha (depending on where you are) is where the journey to Rundugai Hot Water Springs from Arusha begins. We’ll leave the main road and take an adventurous off-road path that leads directly into no man’s land after traveling on it and hopefully catching a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro. The road will lead you past baobab and acacia trees, dry riverbeds, and beautiful African countryside. On our way to the Rundugai Hot Water Springs, we will pass by some of the numerous tribes that call this vast region home.

As soon as you get to the hot springs, you can swim, rope swim, explore, unwind, and take in the lovely green oasis. To view the underwater environment and look for turtles that are hiding, you can rent snorkeling goggles. Put your towel out, get a coconut, or even get a very local massage if you want to unwind.

The Garra Rufa fish, a very particular species of fish, is found only in the Rundugai Hot Water Springs.  If that doesn’t sound familiar, think of the fish used in pedicures to remove the dead skin from your feet. Do not be alarmed if you feel something nibbling on your feet because the Rundugai Hot Springs are their natural habitat. Enjoy the complimentary pedicure while you relax and recline. People actually pay a lot of money for this treatment outside of the hot springs, but it’s totally free here! In the hot springs, there’s also a possibility of seeing turtles and catfish.

THE CONFUSING NAME OF THE HOT SPRINGS

There are numerous names for the hot springs, which can be very confusing. It is also known as Maji Moto, Rundugai Hot springs, Kikuletwa Hot springs, and Chemka Hot springs. They continue to be the same. Chemka means “boiling” in the local language, referring to the way that water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. Maji Moto is Swahili for “hot water. If you’re interested in learning more about the names’ etymologies, consult our local expert! You’ll learn everything from him!

HOW TO BOOK A RUNDUGAI HOT SPRINGS TOUR

Either drive your own vehicle to the location or take the local bus, followed by a Tuk-Tuk or a Boda-Boda, to get there. If you have plenty of time, that should be acceptable, but if your schedule is tight, I advise booking a tour.

Booking a trip to the springs can be done in numerous ways. It can be reserved online or at a nearby office in Moshi or Arusha. A day trip can be scheduled from Moshi or Arusha. A combined tour is an option as well. Great options include the Masai village nearby the springs or the Materuni waterfalls in Moshi. Customized hiking tours that end at Rundugai Hot Springs are offered by some tour companies including us at Select Adventure Safari.

PACKING LIST: WHAT TO BRING TO THE RUNDUGAI HOT WATER SPRINGS

• Snorkel Mask: These hot springs offer stunning underwater scenery in addition to being a swimming paradise.
• Remember to bring your underwater camera if you want to document the underwater world.
• Sunscreen: Because the sun is so strong in the area, you should remember to wear sunscreen on your whole body when relaxing outside the water and on your back when snorkeling.
• You will regret it greatly if you forget you’re swimming suit. You must go swimming in the springs, and you will adore it.
• Towels: In the area, renting towels is not an option. Unless this service is part of your tour, bring your own towel. Don’t forget to inquire with your tour guide.
• Lunch: You can pack your own, or your tour package may include it. However, I advise you to eat at some of the local eateries. The food is excellent and very reasonably priced. Support the community.

ENTRANCE FEE FOR RUNDUGAI HOT WATER SPRINGS

The entrance fee will be included in the package if you choose to go on a tour of the springs with the Tour Company such as Select Adventure safari. If you travel alone, the entrance fee is approximately 10,000 Tanzanian shillings, or $4.

HOW TO SPEND THE DAY AT RUNDUGAI HOT WATER SPRINGS

Many locals visit this location on the weekends to spend the day at the springs because it is ideal for relaxation. Foreign tourists are still not very prevalent at the location. The main draw is swimming and diving. You can also eat a nice meal while relaxing in the picnic area outside the site with a cold beer or Coke. In the neighborhood, there are monkeys and monitor lizards. It might be a good idea to take some time to walk around the area, looking for these creatures.

OTHER THINGS TO DO AROUND RUNDUGAI HOT WATER SPRINGS

The location is so amazing that a day trip to the springs is worthwhile. Early in the morning is the best time to visit the site. Nearly no one is there, and the few people who are there are frequently surrounded by monkeys.

You will pass the village of Rundugai on your way to the hot springs. Rundugai is home to the Masai and a number of other ethnic groups. The hot springs can be visited in addition to your visit. A visit to an herbalist, a taste of banana beer, and time spent with Masai people are all options to add to your Rundugai Hot Water Springs tour itinerary.

Also Known as Kikuletwa, this waterfall is quite lovely. The waterfall is 30 minutes’ worth of walking distance from the springs. You can either plan a specialized tour package with Best of Tanzania safaris  or go on your own and walk to the waterfall. If you don’t speak Swahili, it might be a little difficult for you to travel there by yourself. Tourists around the waterfall are unusual for the locals.