We went through Moshi 45mins toward the Kenyan border to Lake Chala. We have heard good thing about this campsite from some of our friends so wanted to give it a try. We got there around 4-5 in the evening. Just enough time to set up camp and start dinner.
Sign in the parking area.
Lions grass.
Of course, If it has four legs and changes color leave it to Lexxi to find it! Tanzanians are scared of this beautiful creature.
The moon starting to show up in the sky.
The best thing about this campsite is that it has hot showers and normal toilets even though we came prepared to be self sufficient. It was so wonderful.
The kids taking serious snaps of eachother. :0)
When we arrived at Lake Chala there were 2 dala dalas full of orphan kids coming to camp. The Manager put us on the side where the bar was because she thought they would be noisy on the other side. They WERE noisy, but they were at the bar dancing near OUR side. We didnt mind for dinner, we know how those things go but at 10:30 Nick went out and asked them to stop. To turn the music down and basically to send the kids to bed. They did. But then the grown ups hung around till 12:30, we could hear thier drunk conversations and laughing that we both, Nick and I dissapointed, walked up to them. It wasnt just some grown ups making all the hoopla it was also the MANGERS! I was so dissapointed in them. Told them off and they finally left it quiet. They did say that the bar is usally open till 2 and that on the weekends its nothing but a big party with all the peace core coming in and camping with them. So they said to only come on weekdays if we want quiet time. Its just so different than any camp I ever went too here in TZ. The Managers seemed nice but they like to Party with random strangers. We like to camp in quiet!
The next morning we were all up early.
Getting the fire going for coffee and breakfast.
The next day we went for a walk trying to find the river bed. There is Kili from the backside and Mawenzi peak.
Trails, some made by man and many made by the elephants. For the last 8 months the elephants have been in the area.
It look like a fossil. When we were walking in the river bed you could see all the lava rocks.
View of Lake Chala from our camp.
Walking down to the water, it was steep!
Some spots were straight up and down.
Roots were what was keeping all the land from falling in!
Down at the lake. I wouldnt let the kids swim as some say thier are still crocs there and others say not anymore. There was an attack in 2002 and since then all the local fisherman tried to kill and poison all the crocs. No one knows for sure so I didnt want to take a chance on my two babies!
Walking back up was easy for the kids but it sure did make Nick and I feel the 30's!
After our walk the kids played gameboy for a while in the tent and then got their swim suits on and got in the cold shower to wash off from the hot day.
Nick and the kids went for a walk to the river bed that they think a metior hit it years ago. They even walked up on some elephants and then the kids came to get me to come see too.
River bed.
The kids are on a cliff, not far away are the Elephants bathing in the watering hole.
Earlier that day we walked right through there. The guide would wistle if he saw one, they would move away. If you run they will follow you and trample on you. You are suppose to make as much noise as possible and hold your ground if charged.
After the walk we went back, took showers then got dinner going. Then headed out for an evening stroll as the sun went down.
Great light for pictures!
That night we slept so good! All was quiet at camp, everyone left us alone, even shut the bar down at 8. it was so nice and quiet.
The next morning we decided to climb the highest part of Lake Chala and leave after lunch. It was a lot of work, and it felt so good. The breeze up there was amazing. Elephants fresh poo was before us most of the way so carefully treding as we kept an eye out. The view made you just want to jump off. It looked so blue and clear!
These were the gotcha bushes... when walking they kept snagging on our clothes. We headed back to camp for lunch and packed up. Went on to Moshi to the quest house we stay at to get ready for the next day.
In moshi we set up shop at the New Life foundation 10 year celebration. We were asked to come and sell our stuff for the department there. It wasnt the best venue for it but we had 2 fun days with some of our friends! Nick spoke the second day. There was a team there from New Zealand.
Our table and Jackson one of our fundi's. It was great prep work for when other venues come our way! Anyway we headed home the second day, got home late and unpacked. When we left for our trip the Arensens were visiting and they left the day we did and when we got back the Richardsons were in town. It was a quick turn over.
