Momella Wildlife Lodge Hotel is among the most famous wildlife lodges in Tanzania, is situated in the lower slopes within easy reach of Arusha National Park and its ecological wonders. Momella Wildlife Lodge Hotel served as the temporary home of John Wayne and Hardy Krueger while filming the famous "Hatari" in 1960 - it offers every comfort to the discerning traveler. Arusha National Park is near the city of Arusha, and lies between majestic Mt. Meru and the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The Park includes four distinct land features: Mt. Meru slopes, Highland forest, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella Lakes. Animal life is abundant near the Lodge. Watch for primates, (including the black and white colobus monkey) and a mixed variety of mammals (herds of buffalo and hippo). Avid birdwatchers will be rewarded - over 400 species have been recorded! Some migrant species can be spotted between April-October. Close to 50 species of waterfowl reside at the alkaline Momella Lakes and swamps. 

It's the perfect starting point for more widely reaching safaris to Ngorongoro Crater or the vast planes of Serengeti to observe African Wildlife. Momella is set in beautiful gardens and comprises a cluster of two person bandas surrounding the main building which houses a restaurant and bar. Each banda (hut) is twin-bedded, has electric lighting and hot showers. There is a swimming pool in the gardens. Wild animals including elephant and buffalo are frequently seen roaming just a short distance away from the lodge grounds.

Momella is the ideal base for climbing Mount Meru and a pleasant place to relax after the climb.
Arusha National Park is one of the few in Tanzania to allow walking safaris, in part because it is a small park with few dangerous predators. The park contains a variety of habitats including forest. The 1962 film Hatari! Starring John Wayne was filmed in the area. Momella Wildlife Lodge, where we spent two nights, was home base for the production. Forty years on, the lodge proudly displays film memoribilia and screens the film on request.