The Momella Lakes are located in Momella Village, Meru District, in Arusha National Park in Tanzania.
These lakes are shallow and number to seven.
The Momella Lakes were formed as a result of volcanic debris from the eruption of Mount Meru thousands of years ago.
The shores of the Momella Lakes attract wildlife that grazes on the fertile soils, although the animals don’t like to drink the water due to its alkaline nature.
The seven Momella Lakes in Arusha National Park include Kushare Lake, Small Momella Lake, Big Momella Lake, Tuludia, Rishateni, Lekandiro, and El Kekhoioito.
Momella Lakes are mainly fed by underground water and attract a variety of water birds.
The stunning Momella Lakes vary in color depending on the mineral deposits in each lake, making each of these beautiful lakes unique.
Birding at Momella Lakes
Arusha National Park is a birder’s paradise and is home to over 400 species of birds, with most of them concentrated around the Momella Lake region.
Some of the birds include lesser and greater flamingoes, African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, white-faced whistling ducks, Egyptian geese, maccoa ducks, yellow-billed ducks, helmeted guinea fowl, scaly francolin, little grebe, eared grebe, emerald spotted wood dove, African green pigeon, ring-necked dove, red-chested cuckoo, Abyssinian nightjar, alpine swift, red-knobbed coot, grey-crowned crane, water thick-knee, spur-winged lapwing, African jacana, Ethiopian thrush, Abyssinian wheatear, moorland chat, common nightingale, collared palm thrush, southern black flycatcher, white-browed scrub robin, greater blue-eared starling, red-winged starling, arrow-marked babbler, brown woodland warbler, common bulbul, banded martin, fan-tailed grass bird, red-faced prinia, northern crombec, and short-tailed lark, among others.
Picnicking at Momella Lakes
There is a beautiful picnic site on a small hill, which is an ideal place for having a picnic lunch at Arusha National Park, with breathtaking views of Momella Lakes.
There is also the highest viewing point where you can see all of Momella Lakes and the surroundings of Arusha National Park.
Boat Cruises at Momella Lakes
Boat cruises can be organized at the Momella Lakes, offering great birding opportunities and wildlife viewing at the shores against the backdrop of the magnificent Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, located in the northeast, covering an area of 552 square kilometers.
Nevertheless, it’s a habitat for various wildlife and can be visited within a day from Moshi and Arusha towns.
Arusha National Park was established in 1960.
Some of the wildlife you can see while at Arusha National Park includes zebra, cape buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, hippos, wildebeests, and many others.
Arusha National Park has the highest population of giraffes in Africa.
It can be accessed within 40 minutes from Arusha town.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, at the backdrop of Momella Lakes, rising at an elevation of 4,562 meters above sea level.
Mount Meru is located 70 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Mount Meru is said to have been higher, but the summit collapsed 7,800 years ago.
The most recent eruption occurred in Mount Meru in 1910, and the caldera at the top is 3.5 kilometers wide.
Mount Meru can be climbed within 4 days, and the trekking routes start from Momella Gate.
This is the best mountain to summit before the climb to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tourists planning to climb Mount Meru should come with waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellents, hats, sunglasses, energy-giving foods, plenty of drinking water, raincoat, and other necessary items.
Ndgurdoto Crater
The stunning Ndgurdoto Crater is found around Arusha National Park, covering a 3.6-kilometer diameter.
It’s about 100 meters deep and surrounded by a forest.
The crater floor is a swamp.
The crater is home to various wildlife, with Ngurdoto Forest at the backdrop harboring primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, along with numerous birds.
Tululusia Hill
Tululusia Hill is an ideal place for hiking for those who don’t want to climb Mount Meru.
The hill provides spectacular views of Arusha Plains and was a lookout point during tribal wars in Tanzania’s past.
Ndgurdoto Museum
Ndgurdoto Museum acts as an information center for Arusha National Park.
It’s worth a visit as you can learn a lot about the park’s flora and fauna, with specimens of birds, insects, and animals on display.
Lake Longil
Lake Longil National Park is the only freshwater lake in Arusha National Park.
Its shores attract several wildlife species, especially during the dry season.
Nature Guided Walks
There are several walking trails established within Arusha National Park where you can take guided walks.
You will need an armed ranger to lead you on walking safaris, during which you can see various animals and birds.
