5.0 Excellent
Momella Lakes: Arusha National Park's Canoe Safari55
When people picture a Tanzania safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro come to mind first. The Momella Lakes, inside Arusha National Park, are a different kind of morning — seven shallow, alkaline lakes about an hour's drive from Arusha, where the main activity is a canoe rather than a vehicle.
What the Momella Lakes actually are
Seven lakes, each with its own mineral chemistry, which is why they show up in photos ranging from emerald green to deep blue to pink depending on the season: Big Momella, Small Momella, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia and Rishateni. They formed from volcanic activity on nearby Mount Meru.
The birdlife is the real draw
Arusha National Park has recorded more than 400 bird species, and the lakes are where most of them show up. Depending on the season, expect Greater and Lesser Flamingos, African Fish Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, Sacred Ibises, Egyptian Geese, African Jacanas and Yellow-billed Storks — flamingo numbers specifically vary a lot year to year, so it's worth asking what's been seen recently before you go in expecting a guaranteed pink lake.
A canoe safari, not a game drive
This is the park's signature activity: paddling quietly across the water instead of driving past it. You'll pass grazing giraffe and buffalo at the shoreline, flamingos feeding in the shallows, and fish eagles overhead — at a pace and quiet a vehicle can't match. It's a genuinely different way to experience wildlife, not a novelty add-on.
What else is here
Beyond the canoe safari: walking safaris with an armed ranger (one of the few places in the northern circuit where this is straightforward, since the park has no lions), a standard game drive for giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and both blue and black-and-white colobus monkeys, and reliably good views of Mount Meru — Tanzania's second-highest mountain — reflected in the water on a still morning.
When to go
June to October (dry season) is best for wildlife viewing and canoe safaris — animals concentrate near the water and the weather is comfortable. November to May (green season) brings migratory birds and lush scenery, and is the stronger choice specifically for birding.
Where it fits in a longer trip
Momella Lakes works well as a first or last stop — close enough to Arusha for a half-day or full-day trip, and a calmer contrast before or after the bigger parks. See our Arusha day trips for how this combines with a longer itinerary, or talk to us about adding a canoe safari to your Northern Circuit route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a canoe safari safe?
Yes — it's guided, kept at a safe distance from hippos and other wildlife, and doesn't require prior canoeing experience.
How far is it from Arusha?
About 35–40km, roughly an hour's drive.
Will I definitely see flamingos?
Not guaranteed — their numbers on the lakes vary significantly by year and season. Ask us for the most recent sightings when you're planning your dates.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes — the pace is gentle, there are no lions, and the canoe safari and short walks work well for kids old enough to sit still in a canoe for an hour or so.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us your dates and what you're after — no obligation.
