Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s smaller parks, covering an area of approximately 330 square kilometers. The park is located in the northern region of Tanzania, close to the city of Arusha, and is named after the alkaline lake it surrounds, Lake Manyara. The lake is an important habitat for flamingos and other water birds and is a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The park is known for its diverse wildlife, which includes elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a large population of baboons. However, the park is most famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are a rare sight in Tanzania. The lions are often seen lounging on the branches of acacia trees, and their behavior is still a mystery to researchers.

The park is known for its scenic beauty. The park is situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and the views of the valley are spectacular. The park also has lush forests, hot springs, and a variety of habitats, including grassy plains and acacia woodlands.

Things to do

Bird Watching

Lake Manyara National Park is a remarkable destination for anyone seeking to explore the vast avian diversity of Tanzania. Boasting over 400 recorded bird species, the park offers an unparalleled introduction to the region’s feathered inhabitants. In fact, even a novice visitor to Africa can easily spot approximately 100 bird species in just one day.

Among the notable bird species that call the park home are the stunning pink flamingos, numbering in the thousands, as well as other impressive avians such as storks, pelicans, and cormorants. Visitors can also observe a diverse array of migratory birds from November to April each year.

Here are just a few of the iconic bird species that visitors can encounter in Lake Manyara National Park:

• Glossy ibis
• Martial Eagle
• Silvery-cheeked
• Black heron
• Baglafecht weaver
• Little bee-eater

Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular activity in Lake Manyara National Park. The park’s diverse wildlife makes it an excellent destination for game viewing. You can spot herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras grazing on the savannah. The park’s tree-climbing lions are a highlight for many visitors, as they are a rare sight in Tanzania. You can also see baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys swinging through the trees. Birdwatchers can spot over 300 species of birds in the park, including pink flamingos, pelicans, and storks.

Canoe Safaris

Another exciting way to explore Lake Manyara National Park is by canoe. Canoe safaris allow visitors to get up close and personal with the park’s wildlife and birdlife. You can paddle along the shores of Lake Manyara and watch as hippos wallow in the water and elephants come to drink. Canoe safaris are also an excellent way to see the park’s birdlife up close, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.

Guided Walks

Guided walks are an excellent way to experience the park’s diverse ecosystem. You can take a walk through the forested areas of the park and learn about the plants and animals that call it home. The park’s hot springs are also an excellent place to explore on foot. You can take a guided walk to the hot springs and see the geysers and bubbling mud pools.

Cultural Visits

Lake Manyara National Park is home to the Maasai people, one of Tanzania’s most well-known tribes. Visitors can take a cultural tour and learn about the Maasai’s traditional way of life. You can visit a Maasai village and see how they live, learn about their culture, and watch traditional dances and ceremonies.

When to visit?

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, making it an excellent time for game viewing. The grass is also shorter, making it easier to spot wildlife. The dry season is also the best time for canoe safaris, as the water levels are lower.

The wet season, which runs from November to May, is also a good time to visit the park. The park is lush and green during this time, and the birdlife is abundant. The wet season is also an excellent time for guided walks, as the forested areas of the park are teeming with life. However, the wet season can make game viewing more challenging, as the animals are more dispersed, and the grass is taller.

Tours & Safaris

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