Canoeing Safari in an African Lake
Arusha National Park is only a few Kilometers from Arusha and is
a small but beautiful park set in the shadow of Mount Meru.
There is a sting of lakes in this park and canoeing has recently
been added to the tourist activities in this park
One lake known as 'Small Momela' successful launched the
canoeing safari this year. This is a great way to see the park
from a new perspective. It is good to get out of your vehicle
and actually get some exercise and get 'down and personal' with
the African Bush. This chance to view the animals in their
natural habitat should not be passed by.
The Tanzania Government have handed the operation of this
canoeing safari to an Arusha based company called Green
Footprints Adventure. These canoes can be booked direct or
though your operator, or even you driver/guide will be able to
organize this mini-adventure for you.
>From the lake you are able to get a closer look at hippos and
the amazing bird life that normally would go unnoticed from your
safari vehicle. Even though this park is very accessible the
parks authority claim only 7,000 visitors in 1995 this has
dramatically increased to an expected 50,000 for this year.
Lying between the peaks of Kilimanjaro and Meru, Arusha National
Park is outstandingly beautiful, with a wide range of habitats,
form a string of crater lakes where many water birds can be
watched through the highland mountain forest to the imposing
summit of Mount Meru at 4,500 meters above sea level.
The forest contains a wealth of birds and other animals like the
bushbuck which are easily glimpsed between ancient cedar trees
or the striking black and white colobus monkeys climbing along
their branches.
The interesting geology of the area is reflected in the
impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the
summit of Mount Meru. Those who ascend the summit of the
mountain are rewarded with unparalleled views of the majestic
Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valleys.
I would recommend a visit to this most underrated park. It is
very accessible to any itinerary based in the north of Tanzania.