Lake Chala — Attraction in Kilimanjaro

Lake Challa. Legend has it that all those years ago in the territory where the lake sits, there lived two clans, one of which was called the Mnene clan. Both clans lived side by side, with minimal dispute and worked as farmers and traders. As was the case every year, there was a season of bountiful harvest, and this always called for celebration usually in form of a sorghum beer-drinking festival. Food too was in plenty and the villagers danced to the beats of drums, sang, and cheered till the dead of night. In that darkness appeared a mysterious elderly woman in need of a place to lay her head for the night. She’d come while the festivities were still ongoing and the unnamed clan’s mellow and festivities may have given her hope that the clan members would extend their kindness to her, but when she arrived and made her request known, she was shunned away. They said, “Go away, get out of our village, you dirty, old woman!” Distraught, the woman made her way to the Mnene clan and asked the same favour. The Mnene people gladly welcomed her, gave her food and a warm place to rest for the night. When morning came, the woman was well rested. She thanked her hosts and almost immediately heeded warning to them. She told them that she was capable of great punishment, and she intended to teach them a lesson for their unkindness toward her. She told her Mnene listeners of a similar occurrence in the region called Simbi Nyaima where a village was cursed and sank – a calamity that was inevitable because the people were unhospitable. After her words of caution and tale of maladies north west of Taveta, the woman disappeared. The day went on normally for both clans in Taveta, but later that night, the chirps of the crickets suddenly stopped. An earthquake erupted causing distress among the livestock. Fear gripped the villagers as the tremors increased. Their houses then collapsed; screams filled the air. Then, a loud bang! Dust and smoke were all around them as the ground beneath them dropped. More cries, but who could save them? And then came water, out of nowhere; it drowned the villagers and their livestock. This became a moment in legend history: the creation of ABC. Today, a visit to Lake ABC can be termed as scenic by the lovers of outdoor adventures, and if you stay still and look keenly into the waters, you’ll see the whirlpools which are said to be the unsettled spirits of the...

We have been in lake chala twice: In 1991 and three days ago. What's the defference? The price, of course...

Than we were in the kenyan side of the border and it cost us nothing. We could swim in the cold water of this wonder small lava lake, which the border splits to kenya/tanzania.

Since than there were crocs here, we are told that they 'helped' a british volunteer to dive better...

Now the crocs are supposed to be gone, and you guys can check it...

Now for reality, in the tanzanian side: You get to a post, where you are asked to pay 10$ per person plus ten for the car...

You continue to discover that you enter a private property of the chala safari lodge.

We had to pay 6$ per person...

They offered a guide that will keep us safe, but we have refuesed, and decended through the dessert vegetation to the crater lake in to the dense tropical vegetation, near the water.

It takes about fifteen minutes, to get from the lodge to the lake, and you don't need a guide.

You might see the local monkeys, the hiraxes, the lizards, the local fisherman.

About the lodge: We did not stay there, but, there is not much to do, so:

If you just want to spend the night you can camp, or pay an realy over rated price...

We think this gem is overpriced, as most of the places in tanzania... but, it's not serengeti, it is not 'a must'.

We have continued in the small dirt roads to the foot of mt....

Cool... breathtaking view of Lake Challa from above

Did you know that its possible to have a lake on top of a hill?

Yes at Taita Taveta County such magnificent sites are a reality!! Located approximately 8Km north of Taveta Town, Lake Challa is a crater lake formed by volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and draws its water from groundwater flows from Mt. Kilimanjaro. The lake is home to Lake Challa Tilapia, a fish species not found anywhere in the world except L. Challa.

At approximately 4.5 sqaure kilometers and 94 meters deep, the lake offers a serene panoramic view, full of fresh air devoid of impurities that leaves a lasting impression to visitors. The lake is an ideal destination for weekend getaways, ‘a moment with nature’ expeditions, field excursions and anyone seeking to enjoy the view of wonders of nature and beauty!

Not visited yet? Make a date and visit the lake that will leave you a life time experience worth sharing with your...