LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park is a pristine gem in Tanzania’s Rift Valley region. This park boasts diverse terrains, from acacia woodlands and savannah grasslands to the dramatic rift valley escarpment. One of the unique Lake Manyara Attractions is the sight of tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon in the wild. The park is also home to herds of elephants, which once faced threats such as poaching but now thrive due to the park’s conservation efforts.
The shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara is at the heart of the park, covering nearly two-thirds of its expanse. This lake is a primary draw for both wildlife and tourists. Lake Manyara Safari Tours offer glimpses of diverse wildlife and bird species, especially along the lake’s shores. Among the Things to Do in Lake Manyara, tourists can enjoy game drives to spot active wildlife, particularly during morning hours, or relish the serene experience of canoeing on the lake. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like flamingos, pelicans, and hornbills. Beyond wildlife, the park’s proximity to other Tanzania Safari Tours destinations and Arusha makes it a strategic stopover. For a more cultural experience, tourists can engage with the Maasai tribe in nearby Mto wa Mbu town, enriching their understanding of local traditions and lifestyles.
Lake Manyara National Park Highlights:
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.
Best time to go to Lake Manyara National Park
You can visit Lake Manyara almost all-year-round. During the dry season from June to late October, the weather is warm and pleasant with low humidity levels and minimal chance of rain. It is the best time to see the wildlife as animals and birds congregate near water sources during the five-month period of no rain. The short rains occur less predictably in November and December in short afternoon showers. A second dry period from January and February is another good time to visit, whilst the long rains, which occur in daily thunderstorms from March to May, render parts of the park inaccessible.
Wildlife Encounters
Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania boasts a rich diversity of wildlife amidst its breathtaking landscapes. Visitors to the park can witness the iconic sight of elephants gracefully traversing the plains and woodlands, while the park’s renowned tree-climbing lions offer a unique spectacle as they lounge in the branches of acacia trees. Massive herds of buffalo roam the grassy expanses, sharing the terrain with elegant giraffes browsing on acacia leaves. The park’s namesake lake is teeming with hippos and crocodiles, providing a glimpse into the aquatic realm of African wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the park’s avian abundance, with over 400 species recorded, including vibrant flamingos and majestic raptors. Among the plains-dwelling herbivores, zebras and wildebeests graze alongside antelope species like impalas and waterbucks. While leopards lurk in the dense vegetation, their elusive nature adding to the park’s allure for wildlife enthusiasts. Lake Manyara National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience, where every turn reveals a new marvel of the African wilderness.
Facts about Lake Manyara
Colonies of pink flamingos migrate from one lake to another throughout the year coming to Lake Manyara National Park in the period from June to September. As their abode they choose the mud flats where crustaceans, which are their main diet, live. Without it their feathers have grey-white color. While newly hatched flamingos are always grey, they become pink as they get older – in a year, thanks to the pigment carotene which is contained in their food.
