Extraordinary African Safaris
Glide across the Momella Lakes or Lake Manyara by canoe — a peaceful, water-level safari among hippo, waterbuck, and birdlife.
Canoeing is a rare chance to experience a Tanzanian safari from the water. On the alkaline Momella Lakes in Arusha National Park — and on Lake Manyara in high-water years — you paddle quietly past hippo, waterbuck, buffalo grazing the shallows, and flamingos and waterbirds wading the margins, with the slopes of Meru or the Rift wall rising beyond.
It’s a serene, low-impact activity led by a guide, suitable for beginners, and a beautiful change of pace from the game-drive vehicle. The quiet of the paddle lets you get close to wildlife without an engine to disturb it.
A short lesson and safety briefing.
Glide out across the still water.
Approach hippo, waterbuck, and waterbirds quietly.
Cruise back beneath the mountains.
A genuinely special, peaceful way to add variety to a safari — Arusha NP's Momella Lakes are the reliable spot, since Manyara canoeing only runs in high-water years. It's gentle and safe with a guide, but you keep a respectful distance from hippo. A lovely half-day, especially on an arrival or departure day.

These are the destinations we most often pair with Canoeing Safari, based on route flow, season, and how the wider itinerary fits together.
Crater forests, the Momella Lakes, and giraffe on foot — a remarkably varied park just 45 minutes from town, and Tanzania's best...
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A jewel-box park beneath the Rift Valley wall — groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, pink flamingo shorelines, and elephants at arm's length.
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The highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth — a guided trek to 5,895 m that requires no...
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The gateway to the Northern Circuit — a green, lively town beneath Mount Meru where almost every Tanzanian safari begins.
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Contact us now — we are always here to help with honest, expert advice at no cost.
Tell us about your dream trip and our Tanzania safari specialists will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and no-obligation quote.
A short planning brief gives our team enough context to suggest the right parks, route, pace and accommodation level.