Experience Tanzania’s National Parks From the Water With Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions

Canoeing inside Tanzania’s national parks offers one of the most serene and immersive safari experiences available. Unlike game drives, exploring by canoe allows travelers to glide quietly along natural waterways, providing uninterrupted views of wildlife, birdlife, and dramatic landscapes. At Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions, we specialize in guided canoe safaris across Northern Tanzania’s top national parks, where calm waters and rich ecosystems create unforgettable close-to-nature adventures.

Our canoeing experiences are suitable for beginners, families, photographers, and seasoned safari enthusiasts. With expert guides, high-quality equipment, and a strong commitment to safety, guests enjoy a peaceful yet thrilling safari from a completely new perspective.

Canoeing in Northern Tanzania’s National Parks

These are the primary and most rewarding canoeing destinations we focus on.

Lake Manyara National Park

The Most Popular Canoe Safari in Northern Tanzania

Location: Northern Tanzania, near Mto wa Mbu
Best For: Birdwatching, calm waters, up-close wildlife views
Duration: Half-day or full-day canoe safaris

Lake Manyara is the crown jewel of Tanzania’s canoeing destinations. Its shallow alkaline waters and extensive wetlands create ideal conditions for gentle paddling and exceptional wildlife encounters. While moving silently along the shoreline, guests often spot:

• Hippos resting in shallow water
• Elephants approaching the lake edge
• Flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and spoonbills
• Troops of baboons and antelopes grazing near the water

The lake’s papyrus-lined channels provide perfect birdwatching opportunities, making it one of the most rewarding canoe safari locations in East Africa. The water remains calm year-round, making it ideal for first-time paddlers.

Arusha National Park

Canoeing on Small Crater Lakes With Majestic Mount Meru Views

Location: Just outside Arusha
Best For: Scenery, birdlife, and tranquil paddling
Duration: 2–4 hours

Arusha National Park is known for its lush forest, volcanic craters, and tranquil alkaline lakes. Canoeing here is peaceful and scenic, with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meru, wildlife grazing along the forested slopes, and a variety of birds nesting in the surrounding vegetation.

Guests may encounter buffalo, waterbuck, and monkeys near the shoreline. The experience is gentle and extremely photogenic, perfect for travelers wanting a relaxing yet immersive activity.

Lake Duluti

A Quiet Canoeing Gem Near Arusha

Location: Eastern Arusha
Best For: Birdwatching, nature lovers, peaceful paddling
Duration: 2–3 hours

Although not inside a national park, Lake Duluti is one of the most popular canoeing lakes in the northern circuit and is often included in national-park-based trips. The volcanic crater lake is surrounded by dense forest, providing habitat for:

• African fish eagles
• Kingfishers
• Herons
• Monitor lizards

The waters are calm and ideal for short, beginner-friendly excursions before or after a safari.

Additional Canoeing Destinations

These options are offered as extras for travelers who want to expand their water-based experiences beyond the northern parks.

Lake Victoria

East Africa’s largest lake offers longer canoeing routes, cultural encounters with fishing villages, and island visits. Recommended for travelers wanting a mix of water adventure and local community interaction.

Lake Tanganyika

One of the world’s deepest and oldest lakes, Lake Tanganyika offers crystal-clear waters and scenic shorelines. Perfect for multi-hour paddling, photography, and exploring remote lake communities.

Nyerere National Park Formerly Selous

Southern Tanzania’s massive river and lake system is ideal for adventurous canoeing on the Rufiji River, offering close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous waterbirds. These full-day canoe safaris provide a much wilder, more remote experience.

What to Expect on a Canoe Safari

Our canoe trips typically include:

• Professional safety briefing
• High-quality canoeing equipment
• Expert naturalist or ranger guides
• Relaxed paddling suitable for all skill levels
• Frequent stops for wildlife viewing and photography

We prioritize safety and environmental protection by maintaining respectful distances from hippos and crocodiles while ensuring minimal disturbance to delicate wetlands.

What to Bring

• Quick-dry or lightweight clothing
• Water shoes or sandals with straps
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Camera or waterproof device
• Water bottle
• Small dry bag
• Optional binoculars

Best Time for Canoeing in Tanzania

• Dry Season (June–October): Best visibility, calmer waters, excellent wildlife viewing
• Green Season (November–May): Lush landscapes and quieter canoe routes

Early morning departures always offer the most comfortable temperatures and most active wildlife.

Why Choose Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions

We are specialists in canoeing and eco-focused safaris across Tanzania. Our team offers:

• Highly trained water safari guides
• Safe, well-planned canoe routes
• Quality equipment and life jackets
• Eco-friendly operations that protect fragile wetland habitats
• Personalized experiences for individuals, families, and groups

Whether paddling through the iconic waters of Lake Manyara or exploring Arusha National Park’s crater lakes, we provide a seamless, professional, and richly rewarding canoe safari experience.

Experience the Waterways of Tanzania With Us

Discover a different side of Tanzania’s wilderness with a peaceful, scenic, and wildlife-filled canoe safari. Let Mountains 2 Marshes Tanzania Expeditions guide you through the country’s most beautiful water ecosystems and reveal the magic of exploring nature from the water.