Menu
+255 752 223 389 | +255 749 501 010

Manyara National Park

Overview of Lake Manyara National Park:

  • Location: The park is located about 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha and is easily accessible by road. It lies between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and Lake Manyara.
  • Size: Approximately 330 square kilometers, with the lake itself covering up to two-thirds of the park during the wet season.
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) for wildlife viewing, though the park can be visited year-round

Lake Manyara National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers a unique safari experience. Though smaller in size compared to other parks in Tanzania’s northern circuit, it is famous for its varied ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and rich wildlife.  Lake Manyara National Park is one of the oldest and most popular sanctuaries in East Africa. The park has a large variety of habitats, making it possible to support a wealth of wildlife in its small area. The main habitats include the shallow soda lake itself which occupies 77% of the National Park total area of 330 sq. km, the ground water forest, open grassland, acacia woodland and the rift wall.The most famous spectacle in the park is the tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally seen along branches of acacia trees. Other animals found in the park include buffalo, elephants, leopards, baboons, impala, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and hippos. Popularly referred to as an ornithologist’s paradise, Lake Manyara National Park contains over 400 bird species found in most savanna and river habitats in East Africa. Common water birds to be seen here are pelicans, spoonbills, Egyptian geese, hammerkops and the migratory flamingoes, which arrive in hundreds of thousands creating one of Africa’s great natural sights over the soda lake.

On the floor of the Great Rift Valley,lies Lake Manyara National Park. The rift valley escarpment wall give the Park a spectacular view.Famous for its tree-climbing lions, the Park, with its underground water forest support many lives especially the primates. Hot water springs is one of the rare geological feature that give visitors to this area an opportunity to explore. The springs are 70 degrees warm enough to boil an egg! For birdwatchers ,the Park is a paradise with more than 350 species of birds identified. More than two million flamingoes have been counted in the lake at the same time. An opportunity to walk on canopy is also available giving a bird-eye view of the ground water forest. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Lake Manyara National Park with Embrace Africa Tour and Safari.

Key Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park:

1. Wildlife:

  • Tree-Climbing Lions: One of the park’s most famous attractions is its population of tree-climbing lions. Although rare, these lions can often be seen lounging on the branches of acacia trees, a behavior not commonly observed in other regions.
  • Elephants: Lake Manyara is home to large elephant herds, making it a great destination for close encounters with these gentle giants.
  • Hippos: The hippo pool near the lake offers excellent opportunities to observe these massive creatures up close.
  • Birdlife: With over 400 bird species, Lake Manyara is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable species include flamingos, pelicans, storks, and the African fish eagle.
  • Other Wildlife: The park is also home to giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, baboons, and various antelope species, including impala and bushbuck.

2. Diverse Ecosystems:

  • Groundwater Forest: Entering the park, you’ll pass through a lush groundwater forest, which is fed by underground springs. This dense forest is home to a variety of animals, including blue monkeys, baboons, and elephants.
  • Acacia Woodlands: Beyond the forest, the park opens into acacia woodlands, where you may spot giraffes, zebras, and tree-climbing lions.
  • Swamps and Marshlands: These areas attract large herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as numerous water birds.
  • Soda Lake: Lake Manyara itself is a shallow, alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos during the wet season, creating a pink-hued spectacle.

3. Scenic Beauty:

  • Great Rift Valley Escarpment: The dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment adds to the park’s scenic beauty. The escarpment rises sharply from the valley floor, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Lake Manyara: The shimmering waters of Lake Manyara, especially during the wet season, create a breathtaking sight. The lake’s edges are often dotted with pink flamingos, adding to the park’s allure.

Activities in Lake Manyara National Park:

1. Game Drives:

  • Morning and Afternoon Safaris: Game drives are the most popular way to explore the park. The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active.
  • Night Game Drives: Lake Manyara is one of the few parks in Tanzania that offers night game drives. This unique experience allows you to spot nocturnal animals like porcupines, genets, and bush babies.

2. Canoeing Safaris (Seasonal):

  • Lake Exploration: During the wet season, when water levels are high, you can explore Lake Manyara by canoe. This offers a unique perspective on the park and allows you to see wildlife, such as hippos and waterbirds, from the water.

3. Walking Safaris:

  • Guided Nature Walks: For a more intimate experience with nature, guided walking safaris are available. Accompanied by a ranger, you can explore the park on foot and learn about the flora and fauna up close.

4. Bird Watching:

  • Specialized Birding Tours: With its diverse birdlife, Lake Manyara is a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. A guided birding tour can help you spot and identify the various species that inhabit the park.

5. Treetop Walkway:

  • Aerial Adventure: One of the newer attractions in the park is the Treetop Walkway, a series of suspension bridges that take you above the forest canopy. This offers a unique vantage point for observing the park’s wildlife and birdlife.

Accommodation in Lake Manyara National Park:

  • Luxury Lodges: There are several luxury lodges both within and near the park, such as Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, which offers high-end accommodations with stunning views of the park.
  • Tented Camps: For those seeking a more immersive experience, tented camps provide comfortable stays in the heart of nature. Examples include Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp and Manyara Green Camp.
  • Budget Options: There are also more affordable lodges and campsites available in the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu and around the park.

Best Time to Visit:

  • Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot them.
  • Wet Season (November to May): While wildlife is more dispersed during the rainy season, this is the best time for birdwatching, especially with the arrival of migratory birds. The park is lush and green, and you can witness the spectacle of flamingos on the lake.

Getting There:

  • By Road: Lake Manyara National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Arusha, making it easily accessible by road. It’s often included as a stopover on the way to Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti.
  • By Air: The park is served by a small airstrip, with charter flights available from Arusha and other nearby destinations.

What to Pack:

  • Clothing: Light, breathable clothing for the daytime and warmer layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. Neutral colors are recommended for safaris.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and walking safaris.
  • Sunscreen and Hat: Protection from the sun is essential, especially during the dry season.
  • Binoculars and Camera: To capture the stunning wildlife and landscapes of Lake Manyara.

Whether you’re drawn by the chance to see tree-climbing lions, witness thousands of flamingos, or simply soak in the scenic beauty of the Great Rift Valley, a visit to Lake Manyara with Embrace Africa Tour and Safari promises to be an unforgettable experience.