Manyara National Park
- Popular destination for nature enthusiasts and safari-goers.
- A scenic gem in Northern part of Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in Tanzania‘s Arusha and Manyara Regions, situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. It is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority and covers an area of 325 km2 (125 sq mi) including about 230 km2 (89 sq mi) lake surface. More than 350 bird species have been observed on the lake.
Best Time to Visit
Watching wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but is at its best from June to October, during the Dry season.
However, this very scenic park is at its most beautiful during the Wet season, from November to May, when the vegetation is lush and waterfalls cascade down the escarpment.
It is an alkaline lake surrounded by vegetation that transitions from groundwater forests to flood plains and finally to grasslands dotted with acacia trees. The lake is fed from the northern Simba River and the eastern Makuyuni River. Plus, it forms part of the Rift Valley catchment during the rainy seasons. In recent years the lake’s water level has risen significantly and skeletons of waterlogged trees mark the old shoreline.
Park inhabitants include buffalos, hippos, baboons, waterbucks, impalas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. There is a healthy population of leopards, but sightings are rare due to the thick vegetation. In the past, the park was renowned for large populations of elephants and tree-climbing lions, however, since the lake’s water levels have risen sightings are rarer.
On entry, visitors to Lake Manyara National Park are greeted by a green forest which boasts ancient Mahogany, Sycamore fig, Kapok and huge Baobabs trees. The park is home to large groups of olive baboons with as many as 150 individuals in the troop. They can be seen playing and foraging in the forest and rivers.
Views of the lake are stunning with 670 flowering species and 180 butterfly species found here. For bird enthusiasts, this park is truly rewarding as over 390 species of birds have been recorded. The peace of the forest can be disrupted by the trumpeting calls of the Silvery-cheeked Hornbills, Ground Hornbills and Red-billed Hornbills. Water birds like Blacksmith Plovers, Little Egrets, Black Herons, Spoonbills and Pink Backed Pelicans can be seen here. Flamingos, once abundant, are now seasonal visitors due to the increased water level.
Large herds of wildebeests, zebras and buffaloes like to gather on the open flood plains from where they graze and can keep a lookout for approaching predators.
Exceptional
-
Tree-Climbing Lions:
One of the park’s most unique attractions is its population of tree-climbing lions. While lions typically prefer open grasslands, the lions of Lake Manyara have adapted to climbing trees, offering visitors a rare and unforgettable sight.
Overall, Lake Manyara National Park stands out for its unique combination of wildlife, birdlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it a special destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Activities
-
Game Drives:
-
Walking Safaris:
-
Birdwatching:
-
Night Drives:
Driving through Lake Manyara diverse habitats, where you can spot the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural environment. Game drives can be done in open-top safari vehicles, allowing for excellent viewing and photography opportunities, there is a hance to see large number of Hippos in the lake and other aquatic animals including many varieties of bird species.
Explore the Lake shores on foot with experienced guides, offering a different perspective and a chance to observe the smaller details of the ecosystem, such as tracks, plants, and insects and across the nearby villages is always breathtaking.
Manyara is a habitat to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Look out for colourful species like lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds, various raptors, Flamingos, and varieties of Stocks.
Experience Lake Manyara after dark on a guided night drive, where you can search for night active animals such as the big cats i.e. lions, leopards, hyenas, and smaller mammals like genets and civets.
