Momella Lakes Canoe Safari in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is the only park within an hour of Arusha where the rules let you leave the vehicle. Two activities come out of that, and this day does both: canoeing on the Momella lakes, and a walking safari with an armed ranger.

Why the canoe is worth it. The Momella lakes are shallow, alkaline and separate from one another, each a slightly different colour. Giraffe and buffalo come down to the shore and pay a canoe no attention at all, so you end up closer, and quieter, than a vehicle would ever get you. Flamingo work the shallows in the wetter months. There are no crocodile or hippo in these lakes, which is why paddling is permitted here and not in most Tanzanian parks.

The walk. An armed park ranger takes you out on foot, usually in the Ngurdoto area or along the lakes. Walking changes what you notice: tracks, dung, termite mounds, the smell of the place. You will see less than you would from a vehicle and understand more of it.

How it differs from our other Arusha park day. The Arusha National Park day safari is a driving day that covers Ngurdoto Crater, the lakes and the fig arch. This one trades some of that ground for two hours on the water and an hour or two on foot. Take the game drive if you want to cover the park; take this if you want to be in it.

Mount Meru stands over the whole park, and on a clear morning Kilimanjaro shows behind it. See our other day trips or tell us your dates.

We collect you from your hotel, guesthouse or Airbnb anywhere in Arusha town, and from Usa River, Tengeru and the Kilimanjaro Airport road on request. Give us the property name when you book and we confirm the pickup time the evening before. Drop-off is at the same address unless you tell us otherwise.

Closed walking shoes for the ranger walk. Long trousers and long sleeves in neutral colours. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Binoculars. A dry bag or a camera you are happy to have in a canoe. A light waterproof.

The walking safari is led by an armed park ranger and you follow his instructions without exception: single file, no loud noise, no walking ahead. Swimming and paddling are at your own risk and there is no lifeguard. Buoyancy aids are provided on the water and we ask that you wear one. Tell your guide before you set off if anyone in the group is not a confident swimmer. Children stay with an adult at all times. You travel in a maintained 4x4 with a licensed Tanzanian driver-guide. Seat belts are fitted in every seat. We carry a first aid kit and drinking water, and the guide stays contactable through the day. Travel insurance is not included and we recommend you arrange it before you come.