Challa Charm
Few people
know of its existence. Its story is as mystical as its existence Tucked deep within
a crater on a remote part of the Kenya-Tanzania border lies an exquisite piece
of gem. A caldera lake like no other, this beautiful 4.5 square kilometer and
94-metre deep water mass actually changes color from hues of green to blue and turquoise
depending on the season. The experience is just breathtaking. Welcome to Lake Challa!
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| Lake challa |
Lake Challa lies 100 metres deep within a
crater, with heavily forested rims. It is said to have been formed thousands of
years ago through explosive volcanic eruptions. It gets its crystal-clear
waters from underground streams originating from the Kilimanjaro.
The nearest
town and easiest way to get to Challa
is via the town of Taveta, from which you can drive North to the lake. Like Taita
Hills, you’ll need more than an estate wagon to manouvre through the rocky
dry-weather access roads that link up to Challa.
The descent
down the caldera slope to the surface of the lake isn’t any easier; safari
boots will come in handy. And you’ll have to watch out for slithery reptiles;
We encountered at least two serpents during our visit there. Word has it that
some white settler introduced crocs into the lake in the early 1900s. However,
the last documented case of a crocodile attack was way back in 2001, so a
plunge into the crystalline waters shouldn't be that a risky affair.
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| 'You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to challa' |
There are no
notable places of accommodation on the Kenyan side near the lake. For the
adventurous, a tented weekend out should be quite an experience. The upper
slopes provide ample grounds for this.
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| 'The crystal-clear waters of Challa' |
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