Altitude: 1000 m.a.m.s.l.
A large swampy area on the western shores of
lake Manyara national park, through which flows several hot springs that seep from the nearby rift valley wall. Bubbling at over 60°C they are hot enough to pass the 'boil an egg’ test, with some part having the distinctive yellow of sulfur.
What to do there?Cook your eggs...Just joking. On a more serious note, you could spend some time exploring this amazing phenomenon and its unique views, with a board walkway that passes through the swamp, ending in an observation platform – a jetty of some sort above the lake.
For a list of other things to see in the area, please see our
attractions page.
Best time to visit?Any time of the year
Location of Maji moto kubwa hot springThese hot springs are located on a narrow strip of land between the rift valley escarpment and lake Manyara's western shores, that widens in the dry seasons. It is also near the southern border of the park and
Marang forest reserve.
For more information on this location, please see the map below.
How to get there?By driving from the park's main gate at the northern end, a journey about two hours long – and even longer if stopping at other sites. The gate itself can be reached by air or by road, with the latter using lake Manyara airstrip near Mto wa Mbu.
There are passenger buses through Mto wa Mbu from
Arusha, Mwanza and other major regions of the country, though you still may need a vehicle to get into the park. This could be a rental or private vehicle – with no preference as to the type, though 4x4's are recommended for night game drives.
For more information on park fees and tariffs, please see the
TANAPA website. Tariffs for a normal self game drive usually include conservation fees, vehicle fees and possibly camping or accommodation fees.
