While most visitors explore Tanzania’s wilderness from the seat of a 4×4, Arusha National Park offers a rare opportunity to break away from the vehicle and engage with nature from the water. A canoe safari on Small Lake Momella provides a quiet, rhythmic perspective on the landscape that a traditional game drive simply cannot match.
The Small Lake Momella Experience
This guided excursion lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours, taking you along the winding shorelines of Small Momella. Because the lake is soda-rich (alkaline), it supports a specific ecosystem that attracts a vibrant array of wildlife. Navigating the water in stable, two-person fiberglass canoes, you move silently, allowing you to observe animals without the rumble of an engine.
Wildlife Encounters from the Water
Paddling on the lake brings you eye-to-eye with the park’s residents. It is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can safely view “land” animals from a waterborne vantage point.
Large Mammals: It is common to see Cape Buffaloes grazing near the reeds or Giraffes bending awkwardly to drink at the water’s edge. Bushbucks often emerge from the thickets for a drink, and Waterbucks are frequent sightings along the grassy banks.
The Hippos: Small Momella is home to a resident population of Hippos. Your guide will ensure you maintain a respectful and safe distance while you watch them surface and vocalize.
Avian Life: The lake is a haven for water birds. Depending on the season, you may see colonies of Pink Flamingos, Maccoa Ducks, Little Grebes, and the striking African Fish Eagle surveying the water from above.
