Nyumba ya Mungu Part II

We have visited Nyumba ya Mungu on a few occasions (one documented here), but we decided we would try to drive around Nyumba ya Mungu. We typically enter from the north and arrive at the northwestern most point. The dam is at the southern tip of Nyumba ya Mungu so this areas waterline fluctuates dramatically depending on the time of the year (i.e. rains). This allows for prime birding and also prime grazing for the locals donkeys and cows.

Our attempts to drive around the west side of the lake were successful, though challenging. We initially drove along the coast of the lake, which was easy and scenic. There are a few very small villages connected with a labyrinth of smaller roads and trails. About half way down the lake it became too rocky and we had to take trails inland which were unclear and rough. I would guess at which trail to take but then I'd be presented with another trail and another and soon realized it would be difficult to trace my steps backwards. It was easy to generally keep going south but a few times I underestimated the varying width of the lake and we had to double back and find another route.

Eventually we reached the dam and we realized the latter half of the journey was much less scenic and the lake was much rougher with a more abrupt coastline. The bonanza of birds in the shallows was replaced with a few groups of cormorants and flamingos. Still, the acacia landscape was beautiful in its own way and the villages added some character to the place.

After reaching the lake we then went directly east towards the main highway (yellow line on the map below) and then back to Moshi. It's then about an hour back to Moshi and we agreed that our next trip would be exploring the eastern side of Nyumba ya Mungu!

Map of the area: note from Moshi to Nyumba ya Mungu, scale is in bottom right

The hills to the west of Nyumba ya Mungu. 

Looking southeast across Nyumba ya Mungu toward the North Pare mountains. 

Greater flamingos wade in the shallows with the North Pares in the background. 

A look directly east across the lake with the North Pares. 

Because the lake is artificial, the landscape changes abruptly to acacia dominated savanna. 

The south point and dam!