Maji Moto, the hot springs at Lake Manyara
Maji Moto means "hot water" in Swahili. At Lake Manyara it is the name of the thermal springs in the park, a natural feature on the lakeshore drive. It is one of the park's attractions, together with the hippo pools and the tree-climbing lions. The springs lie in the south of the park, away from the entrance gate.
Treat Maji Moto as a nature stop and a photo stop on a game drive. It is not a spa, a pool or a place to soak. Water that hot is not for bathing, so do not plan a swim. Stay on the path and keep clear of the edge.
The easiest way to reach the springs is on a vehicle safari that follows the shore. If you want a trip that includes it, look at the Lake Manyara safari page and ask the operator whether Maji Moto is on the route.
Lake Manyara tours with the lakeshore route
Guided drives through Lake Manyara National Park, with live prices and availability. Ask whether the hot springs are on the route.
Lake Manyara hot springs: how hot is the water
Two figures, both very hot.
The spring water runs from about 40 up to about 76 °C, so read it as "very hot". The hottest water is far above any temperature you could touch.
Keep to the path
Stay on the path and do not step to the edge of the pools or channels.
Do not touch the water
Water at the upper end of the range can scald. Keep children close to an adult.
No healing claims
The springs are a natural feature. There are no health claims, and the guide will not make any.
Where Maji Moto fits in a visit
On the shore route, south of the entrance.
The springs sit on the lakeshore route, so you reach them after the forest and on the way along the water. A visit to Maji Moto means a longer drive from the gate. Plan a full morning or a full day, and ask the guide how much time each stop will take. The park gate closes in the evening, so leave enough time to get back.
Two other stops lie on the same side of the park. The hippo pools are described on the Lake Manyara animals page, and the shore is the place for the birds on the flamingos and birds page. Together they make a good morning along the water.
| Stop | What it offers | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Maji Moto | Hot springs, a natural feature | Photos and a short stop |
| Hippo pools | Hippos in the water, wetlands | Animals and quiet watching |
| Lakeshore | Birds and open views | Pelicans, waders, flamingos in season |
| Groundwater forest | Shade, baboons, monkeys | The start of the drive |
For most visitors, Maji Moto is a short stop inside a longer game drive, not a reason for a separate trip.
Why the water is hot
A rift valley feature.
Lake Manyara sits in the East African Rift Valley, in the Manyara basin. The hot springs are one of the signs of that setting. The Rift Valley wall rises above the park and shapes the landscape, the water and the springs along its foot. The longer story of the wall and the basin is on the Rift Valley page.
Permanent springs below the wall also feed the groundwater forest near the entrance, the park's northern forest. That is a separate matter from the hot springs in the south.
Do not confuse this spring with other springs called Maji Moto elsewhere in Tanzania. The place described here is the one inside the park, on the lakeshore route.
Practical tips
Before you go.
Ask about access
Ask your guide or operator whether the springs can be reached on your day.
Wear closed shoes
Closed shoes are the better choice for walking near the springs.
Bring water and sun cover
The lakeshore route has little shade. Bring drinking water, a hat and sun cream.
Plan the time
Get an early start so the shore, the springs and the way back all fit before the gate closes.
More at Lake Manyara
Pages that go with the springs.
Maji Moto hot springs: frequently asked questions
What is Maji Moto?
It is the name of the thermal springs inside Lake Manyara National Park, a natural feature on the lakeshore route.
Can I swim in the hot springs?
Do not plan a swim. The water is very hot, and the stop is a nature and photo stop.
How hot is the water?
The water runs from about 40 up to about 76 °C. That is hot enough to burn, so keep clear of the water.
Where are the springs?
In the south of the park, on the lakeshore route. They are not near the entrance gate.
Can the springs heal anything?
No health claims are made for them. They are a natural feature.
Is this the official website of the park?
No. This is a visitor guide that is not run by TANAPA or the park. Ask the park or your operator for current access rules.