The year was 2018, and I was at my wit’s end career-wise because things were not falling into place. I am sure we have all had this feeling — when you want something so bad but the thing does not want you.
I needed a break from everything that was happening around me. Earlier this year, a friend shared a Tanzania travel package that included visiting Kikuletwa Hot Springs. However, the plan did not work out because my friend made other plans. I was relieved because I was not working and my ability to splurge on trips was limited.
Later in the year, I stumbled upon another travel package to Kikuletwa hot springs — and this time my finances would not hold me back -I was ready to go! I shared it with my friend Andrew, who was keen on an adventure.
The tour company had planned the entire itinerary for the trip. My scepticism of tour companies in Nairobi held me back from fully paying for the trip — because if you are familiar with these Nairobi streets you will know that conmen exist. Therefore, I fully paid for my trip on the day of departure. Andrew had paid for the trip in full, but on the day of departure, he had arrived before me and started to panic. He couldn’t find our transport, and the tour guides were not answering their phones, which made him even more anxious. When I arrived, he looked angry, especially when he discovered I had not paid for my trip in full. However, fortunately, we managed to locate the tour guides and our transport, and we started our adventure.
Marangu waterfalls
Our itinerary started in Moshi, a stunning, lush green town. We hiked down to the Marangu waterfalls, the biggest waterfall I had ever seen. Unfortunately, the water was too cold to swim in, but we managed to dip our feet in and take some cool pictures. Going down to see the waterfalls was easy, but the hike back up to the minivan was exhausting. My thoughts of being physically fit were cut short that day. Andrew, on the other hand, sprinted to the top like it was a race. I finally reached the top, panting as if it was my last breath.
Now that I have seen these waterfalls I will never go down to see them again.
The drive to Moshi town after the waterfalls was a long one — but filled with scenic views. The parts of Tanzania I was able to see during my trip were incredibly beautiful. The journey to Moshi took longer than expected due to the speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour and frequent stops for food and alcohol. Some of the people on the bus were already drunk when the trip started and were still high by the time it ended. Alcoholic drinks in Tanzania are relatively cheaper than in Kenya. For instance, a Savanna cider which costs Ksh. 215 in Kenya is only Ksh. 150 in Tanzania (this was in 2018, and the prices may have changed since then).
Andrew had a tough time on our trip due to my antics, loud music, and people in the minivan. He may have thought the trip was a scam. The journey to the hot springs was long, bumpy, and dusty.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
The doubting Thomas—Andrew went silent after we got to Kikuletwa Hot Springs. That is how breathtaking the springs are, all your bad energy will be sucked away by the crystal blue oasis.
The Kikuletwa Hot Springs also known as Chemka (boil) by the locals has an interesting name because the waters are anything but hot. The name comes from the appearance of water bubbling/ boiling from the underground springs which can be seen through the crystal-clear blue water.
The hot springs are a unique phenomenon in Tanzania- the groundwater actively interacted with geothermal sources, forming a number of small lakes with warm, never-stagnating water — Tanzania Tourism
The water in the springs also contains high amounts of fluoride so it is advisable not to drink it. You may think that swimming in the spring is an easy task but the water has a high current and if you are not a good swimmer it is best for you to use a floater. Swimming in the spring is a workout but a worthy one. You can also get a free pedicure from the little fish in the water — it is a ticklish experience.
The best part about visiting the Kikuletwa springs is the rope swing — which is secured on a huge tree. It was one of the riskiest things I had ever done in my life. If you are short like me — you will need the assistance of the locals to get you on the swing — after that, you are on your own.
Once a year go somewhere you have never been — Dalai Lama
I know travelling outside of Kenya is not easy at the moment but if you can — take that trip within or outside the country. The best way to invest in yourself is through travel, it allows you to decompress and it is good for your mental health and well-being.
