After the safari, a major dilemma in our itinerary planning was whether to go diving in Mombasa to see the humpback whale migration or to relax at Kikuletwa. After repeatedly confirming with the diving guides in Mombasa, we learned that the humpback whales there usually don’t arrive until early October, so the chances of spotting them in mid-September were less than 50%. After much deliberation, we ultimately chose to head to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs for some “hakuna matata” time.
The nearly two-hour drive was instantly worth it the moment we stepped into the area. The weather in Tanzania had been overcast for days, with cooler temperatures, and since we arrived early, we were lucky enough to have the entire place to ourselves!
Though the air was chilly, the water was warm and crystal clear, teeming with tiny fish—it felt like a paradise on earth. After watching a local guide demonstrate, we let loose and enjoyed ourselves. Floating on our backs in the water, watching monkeys occasionally leap overhead, and breathing in the fresh air, all our previous exhaustion melted away.
**Some tips:**
1. **Getting there:** We booked a private car through a travel agency for $150 per day, which included entrance fees, transportation, and lunch—hassle-free. The drive from Arusha took about 2-3 hours, with some bumpy roads along the way.
2. **Essentials:** Swimwear and a towel are must-haves. If you can swim, bring goggles to admire the fish underwater. Non-swimmers can rent floaties on-site and tip a local guide to help them enjoy the water.
**Arusha Guide:**
1. **Hotel recommendation (Photo 7):** *Serengeti Villa Arusha*. I randomly booked it on Booking.com, but it turned out to be a great value—beautifully decorated and with excellent service. The staff even arranged for a mobile SIM card vendor to come to the hotel for one-on-one service (for $5). The warmth of Tanzanians truly moved us. Evenings were spent chatting by the bonfire, sipping local cocktails under the moonlight.
2. **Food (Photo 6):** *The Ribs Arusha*, right next to the hotel, was so delicious we ate there two nights in a row. Highly recommend their grilled ribs and roasted chicken. The service was so heartfelt—locals are incredibly kind and genuine.
3. **Souvenirs:** *Shoppers Supermarket* is a higher-end local grocery store where we bought Tanzanian coffee beans and wine. It’s not far from the Maasai Market.
