The Momela Lakes or Momella Lakes, are seven shallow lakes located within Arusha National Park namely: Big Momela, Small Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro and Tulusia.
Each lake has a source of spring water separated from the others and also has a different color ranging from green to turquoise; the reason for these different colors depends on different minerals contained in the individual lakes, in fact, even if they are not far one from the others, each of these lakes has a particular composition of minerals, that makes them all different from one another; there are also different algae that grow there, as well as responsible for the different colors.
The Momela Lakes are alkaline formed from the volcanic debris created when Mount Meru blew its top 250,000 years ago. As the lakes are alkaline, animals do not drink from their waters, but you can spot zebras and birds on their banks.
The alkaline nature of the water has attracted a number of flamingoes to the craters, which has made bird watching a major activity around the lakes, as it attracts thousands of flamingoes and other bird species. In particular, you can see huge flocks of pink flamingos, both greater and lesser, who overcrowd the shores of the Great Momela, painting it pink.
Each lake, precisely as a result of its specific composition of minerals and algae attracts different birds from the others. These lakes are the perfect habitat for many aquatic birds, both resident, and migrant, who are located in the park, such as the greater pink flamingos, the lesser pink flamingos, pelicans, Egyptian geese, guinea fowls, African fish eagles, African jacanas, and many others.
Canoe ride, can as well be conducted in the lakes. You can carry out the canoe safari, an experience that you can only do here and nowhere else in the North Park of Tanzania; canoes glide silently across the lake and allow you to see up close the various species of animals that are found here; also from here, on a clear day, you can see the Kilimanjaro on one side and the Meru Mount on the other.
Moving towards the Ngurdoto crater you meet other small lakes, such as the Longil Lake, that, unlike the Momela lakes, is of freshwater; here you will often find buffalos and waterbucks who always live near the water on which they depend.
The Momela Lakes are the highlights of the Easter section of Arusha National Park, covering the forest of Mount Meru.
A picnic site that is situated atop a small hill, a short distance west of the Momella lakes. This makes it one of the few places inside Arusha national park where you could get spectacular views of the Momella lakes – far below, as well as Mount Meru and Ngurudoto crater.
The ViewPoint.
The Momella lakes viewpoint is located in northeastern Arusha national park, near the Momella lakes. It is also the highest point when compared to its immediate surroundings, mostly grasslands with a few short trees. Although hard to spot while on the road, it has a few concrete benches where visitors can sit. It is also a tranquil place, with not much to be heard but the occasional distant sounds of nature.
How to get there?
By vehicle, about a half-hour drive from the Ngurudoto museum, and 45 minutes from the Ngongongare gate. You could use any type of vehicle, though the last bit from the main road may at times prove tough for non 4 x 4’s.
Alternative methods of transport include walking and cycling, though you may need to consult with park authorities as well as the use of a park ranger. For more information on park fees and permits, please kindly get into touch with Enclose Africa Safaris team, and they have you attended too.