Diving Expedition to Lake Chala, Kenya

Scuba Diving Expedition to Lake Chala- Report by Ocean Tribe Instructor and Club Expedition Organiser Chris

Lake Chala is a hidden gem on the Kenya-Tanzania border, a volcanic crater lake shrouded in mystery and natural beauty. Our team set out from Diani Beach, heading west for an expedition into this remote and breathtaking location.

The Journey to Lake Chala

The drive took us from the coastal plains, through the bustling roads of Mombasa, and onto Mombasa Road heading inland. Once we turned off onto the route leading to the lake, the landscape transformed. The road wound through conservancies and Tsavo National Park, offering us a stunning safari experience along the way. Elephants lumbered in the distance, giraffes moved gracefully between the trees, and herds of antelopes darted across the savannah. The journey itself was a reminder of the wild beauty that Kenya has to offer.

Camping by the Crater Lake

Arriving at Lake Chala, we were immediately captivated by the serene waters cradled within the steep crater walls. After setting up camp, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lake with the mighty silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The stillness of the evening, punctuated only by the sounds of nature, set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.

Diving in Lake Chala: An Altitude Challenge

The next morning, we geared up for four dives—two from the Kenyan shore and two from a boat on the Tanzanian side. But before we could even get in the water, we had to tackle the challenging descent, carrying our gear down the steep crater wall to the lake’s edge.

Diving in Lake Chala is unique. At an altitude of over 800 meters, it required careful dive planning to account for the reduced atmospheric pressure. Once underwater, the experience was both eerie and exhilarating. The initial visibility was poor, but as we descended past 20 meters and broke through the thermocline, the scene changed dramatically. The murky water gave way to an underwater world teeming with life. Schools of tilapia swam past, freshwater crabs scuttled along the rocks, and the lakebed was dotted with sunken fishing boats—silent reminders of the human connection to this place.

The volcanic crater walls were perhaps the most mesmerizing feature. They loomed around us, full of caverns and caves that hinted at the lake’s ancient past. Looking down into the depths, the bottom of the lake was nowhere in sight, adding to the mystery of this crater lake.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Diving Expedition to Lake Chala

Lake Chala is a diver’s dream for those seeking adventure beyond the usual dive spots. The combination of altitude diving, challenging conditions, and a unique underwater landscape made this trip unforgettable. With the echoes of the wild from Tsavo behind us and the silent depths of the crater below, this expedition was a perfect blend of Africa’s land and water wonders.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. But next time, we might bring a few extra hands to help haul the gear down that crater wall!

What Certification Should I be to Come on a Diving Expedition to Lake Chala

You should be an Advanced / Deep Qualified diver at least to sign up for a Lake Chala trip. It is also good to be knowledgeable about altitude and computer diving. Chris might even teach an Altitude diving specialty course on the next expedition. Contact us for more information.