Lake Momella

The Momella Lakes are a chain of shallow, alkaline lakes situated in the north-eastern region of Arusha National Park, in northern Tanzania. Arusha National Park itself is located just 25 kilometers east of Arusha city, making the lakes easily accessible for day trips from the “safari capital.

There are typically seven distinct Momella Lakes: Big Momella, Small Momella, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Rishateni, Lekandiro, and Tulusia. Their unique features include:

• Volcanic Origin: They were formed from volcanic debris during a massive eruption of Mount Meru approximately 250,000 years ago.
• Alkaline Composition: They are alkaline (soda) lakes, fed by underground springs.
• Changing Colors: Each lake has a different mineral composition and supports varying types of algae, causing their waters to display a stunning array of colors, from vibrant green to turquoise and deep blue, depending on the light and time of year.
• Birdlife Magnet: Their high alkalinity attracts a phenomenal concentration of waterbirds, especially flamingos.

The Momella Lakes offer a range of nature-focused activities within Arusha National Park:

• Birdwatching: This is a top activity. The lakes are a haven for numerous bird species, including large flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, Egyptian geese, African Fish Eagles, herons, and many migratory birds.
• Canoeing Safaris: Unique to Arusha National Park among Tanzania’s Northern Circuit parks, you can take a canoe safari on Small Momella Lake. This offers a peaceful way to get close to waterbirds, hippos, and grazing animals along the shoreline with stunning views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
• Game Drives: Drive around the lake shores for wildlife viewing. While animals typically don’t drink the alkaline water, you can often spot giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, buffalo, dik-diks, and duikers in the surrounding areas. Hippos are constant residents in the lakes.
• Walking Safaris: Guided walks are permitted in parts of Arusha National Park, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty and approach wildlife on foot.
• Photography: The colorful lakes, abundant birds, and the backdrop of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
• Picnicking: There are designated picnic sites with great views of the lakes.

No, swimming in the Momella Lakes is generally not permitted or advised.

• Alkalinity: The lakes are highly alkaline, which makes their water unsuitable for human consumption or prolonged contact.
• Wildlife: While safer than some other lakes for large predators, the presence of hippos in the water and other wild animals on the shore means it’s still a wildlife area.
• Park Regulations: As part of a national park, strict regulations are in place to ensure both visitor safety and wildlife conservation.

The best time to visit the Momella Lakes depends on your primary interest:

• For Wildlife (mammals) and Clear Skies: The dry season (June to October and January-February) is ideal. Wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation is less dense. This period also offers the best chances for clear views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.
• For Birdwatching (especially migratory birds and flamingos): The wet seasons (November-December for short rains, and March-May for long rains) can be excellent, as migratory birds arrive, and the lakes often host larger flocks of flamingos, though rainfall can occur.

The Momella Lakes and their immediate surroundings within Arusha National Park are rich in wildlife:

• Birds: Thousands of flamingos (both Greater and Lesser), pelicans, herons, cormorants, Egyptian geese, African Fish Eagles, pied kingfishers, and many more. The park has over 400 bird species recorded.
• Mammals: Hippos (in the lakes), giraffes, zebras, Cape buffalo, waterbucks, bushbucks, dik-diks, and various primate species like blue monkeys and colobus monkeys in the nearby forest. Elephants and leopards are present in the park but are more elusive.

Yes, like many delicate ecosystems, the Momella Lakes face environmental pressures:

• Pollution & Eutrophication: Runoff from surrounding agricultural areas and human settlements outside the park boundary can introduce nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), leading to algal blooms (eutrophication). While some algae are natural food for flamingos, excessive or harmful algal blooms can negatively impact the lake’s ecology and the flamingo populations.
• Habitat Degradation: Land-use changes and deforestation in the wider catchment area can lead to soil erosion, impacting water quality.
• Climate Change: Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature can affect the delicate water balance and chemical composition of these unique alkaline lakes.
• Conservation Efforts: Efforts are ongoing to monitor water quality and manage human impacts to protect this vital habitat, especially for the near-threatened Lesser Flamingo.