Flamingos & waterbirds
Flamingos are often present, alongside pelicans, ducks and waders.
Lakes
Momella Lakes
Why visit the Momella Lakes
The Momella Lakes are a group of shallow alkaline lakes in the north-east of Arusha National Park. Each lake has a slightly different colour, flamingos and waterbirds feed in the shallows, and giraffes and buffalo graze along the shores — all within an hour of Arusha.
- Known for
- Flamingos & waterbirds
- Landscape
- Shallow alkaline lakes
- Setting
- Arusha National Park
- Experience
- Game drive & canoeing
Lakes of many colours
Minerals and algae give each lake its own shade of green or blue.
Meru & Kilimanjaro views
Mount Meru fills the skyline, with Kilimanjaro visible on clear days.
What you may see
The lakes attract many waterbirds, and lakeside grassland draws grazers. Numbers change with water levels and season.
SeasonalFlamingos
Numbers vary with water levels
CommonWaterbirds
Pelicans, ducks and waders on the shallows
CommonGiraffe
Browsing near the lake shores
CommonBuffalo
Grazing on lakeside grassland
SeasonalHippo
Possible in some of the lakes
SeasonalKilimanjaro & Meru views
Clear mornings are best
Best time to visit the Momella Lakes
The lakes can be visited all year. Dry months bring easy driving and clear mountain views; the green season brings fresh landscapes and plenty of birds.
Jun – Oct
Dry season
Easy driving, good walking and clear mountain views.
Nov – May
Green season
Fresh landscapes and lively birdlife; some tracks get muddy after rain.
Things To Do
Game drives, canoeing and birdwatching are the highlights of a visit.
Canoeing
Paddle Small Momella Lake for a quiet view of birds and wildlife.
Lake game drive
Drive the lake loop for birds, giraffes and buffalo.
Walking safari
A guided walk with an armed park ranger where permitted.
Birdwatching
Flamingos, pelicans and many smaller waterbirds.
Why explore the Momella Lakes with Topy Tours
Local Knowledge
Our guides know Arusha National Park and where the birds gather.
Private Safari Experience
Travel at your own pace with a private vehicle and guide.
Season-Based Planning
We plan your visit around water levels, birdlife and weather.
Flexible Itineraries
Combine Momella with Lake Duluti, Mount Meru or the Northern Circuit parks.
Other destinations
Pair this Park with other Northern Circuit highlights
Plan a Momella Lakes day
Tell us your interests — canoeing, birds or a walking safari — and we will plan Arusha National Park around them.