Tucked away in the picturesque Arusha Region of northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park stands as the crowning jewel of the Lake Manyara National Park. This majestic soda lake sprawls across 230km², encompassing a staggering two-thirds of the park’s total area.
Established as a national park in 1960, Lake Manyara National Park is a treasure trove of diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes. The park’s terrain is a rich mosaic of marshlands, dense acacia woodlands, and rugged rocky slopes, creating a dramatic and ever-changing backdrop.
Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its incredible wealth of wildlife, earning it a reputation as one of Tanzania’s most spectacular national parks. The park is home to vast flocks of flamingos, which paint the horizon with their vibrant pink hues. Tree-climbing lions, with their fearless and agile nature, are another highlight, while the park’s impressive elephant population is one of the highest concentrations in all of Tanzania.
More about Lake Manyara
With its unique blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant ecosystems, Lake Manyara National Park is an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting to discover the wonders of the natural world, this incredible park is sure to leave you in awe.
Located in the northern part of Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a treasure trove of fascinating tourist attractions. Spanning 330 square kilometers, of which 220 square kilometers form the majestic lake when water levels are high during the rainy season, this park is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast.
Lake Manyara National Park is situated 126 kilometers west of Arusha Town, making it an ideal stopover for those exploring the renowned Tanzanian Northern Circuit. The park’s proximity to Tarangire National Park, connected by the Kwakuchinja corridor, allows for the free movement of wildlife between the two parks, creating an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.
Top Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara
Nestled within the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park, the shallow Lake Manyara is a striking alkaline lake that ebbs and flows with the seasons. Situated within a vast, silvery bowl of salt deposits, this natural wonder covers an impressive 220 square kilometers, and accounting for two-thirds of the park’s total surface area.
Lake Manyara is renowned for its vibrant pink flamingo populations, which thrive in the lake’s alkaline waters. However, the lake is also home to a diverse array of other wildlife, including Hippos, Numerous Bird Species and Other Wildlife elephants, giraffes, and lions.
Lake Manyara’s water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, influenced by the seasonal rainfall and evaporation patterns. This dynamic ecosystem supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life, making it a fascinating destination for scientists, conservationists, and tourists alike.
Wildlife
Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its incredible wealth of African wildlife. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range of species, including large Mammals such as Elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, and buffaloes, Antelopes, Ungulate, Zebras, impalas, warthogs, waterbucks, Kirk’s dik dik and klipspringer
Tree Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara National Park is home to a remarkable population of tree-climbing lions, a unique and fascinating phenomenon that can only be observed in two places worldwide. The other location is the Ishasha Area in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. These extraordinary lions have adapted to climbing trees, often to escape the heat, find shelter, or stalk prey. Witnessing this unusual behavior is a thrilling experience, and many tourists and photographers flock to Lake Manyara to capture the majesty of these arboreal felines.
The tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara are an important part of the park’s ecosystem and a key attraction for tourism. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect these remarkable animals and their habitat, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at their unique behavior.
Birds
Lake Manyara National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting an incredible diversity of avian species that vary across different habitats. With over 400 species documented, the park offers a thrilling experience for birdwatchers. These can spotted along Lake Shoreline, woodlands, floodplains, evergreen forests. Witness huge flocks of pelicans, pink flamingos, egrets, stilts, erons, spoonbills, stalks, crowned eagles, crested guinea fowl Silvery-cheeked hornbills
The best time for birdwatching in Lake Manyara National Park is during the wet season (November to May), when the park’s vegetation is lush and the birdlife is most active.
Vegetation
Tucked beneath the majestic Great Rift Valley’s steep western escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park boasts a diverse and fascinating vegetation landscape. The park’s vegetation can be broadly categorized into Grassy Flood Plains, mixed acacia woodlands, ever green forests, and escarpment vegetation. The park’s groundwater forests are a unique feature, supported by underground water sources. The diverse vegetation in Lake Manyara National Park Support a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, maintain the local ecosystem’s balance.
Elephant Paradise
Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its impressive elephant population. With large numbers of these majestic creatures roaming the park’s evergreen forests and acacia woodlands. The park’s unique geography and climate create an ideal habitat for elephants. The park has high water tables that ensure a constant supply of freshwater, essential for the elephants’ survival and verdant forests and woodlands provide a diverse array of plants, including juicy fruits, leaves, and bark, which sustain the elephants throughout the year.
Tourist activities to do at Lake Manyara National park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and preferences. From game drives to birding, tree-top canopy walks, canoeing, and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Game Drives: Day and Night
Embark on thrilling game drives through the park’s diverse landscapes, including the lower slopes of the Great Rift Valley. Spot an array of wildlife, such as elephants, buffalo, lions, antelopes, and cheetahs, as well as over 400 species of birds. Nighttime game drives offer a unique opportunity to encounter nocturnal creatures like genets, leopards, and hippos.
Birding Paradise
Lake Manyara is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its varied habitats supporting an incredible array of bird species. Explore the savanna plains, wooded regions, and lake shores to spot birds. For example pelicans, woodpeckers, flycatchers, herons, hornbills, storks, eagles, and egrets, among others. The park’s famous colonies of pink flamingoes are a must-see.
Tree-Top Canopy Walk
Take a stroll through the treetops on Tanzania’s first and only tree-top canopy walkway. This unique experience offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and the opportunity to spot monkeys and birds up close. You may also catch a glimpse of the Maasai pastoralists who inhabit the area.
Canoeing on Lake Manyara
Paddle silently along the lake’s shoreline on a guided canoe tour. This tranquil experience allows you to get up close to several wildlife. Like hippos, elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife that gather at the water’s edge. Keep an eye out for water birds like fish eagles, cormorants, and pink flamingoes.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the traditional village of Mto Wa Mbu, located at the park’s entrance, and immerse yourself in local culture. Interact with the friendly villagers, learn about their customs and traditions, and experience their daily life. You can also visit local farmlands, health centers, and schools, and enjoy traditional entertainment and cuisine.
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park
The Park is accessible year-round, with each season offering unique benefits and experiences. The dry season (June to October and December to February) is ideal for wildlife sightings and photography. Because the vegetation is less dense and animals congregate near remaining water sources. In contrast, the wet season (November to May) transforms the park into a lush green-blue oasis. With gushing waterfalls and abundant birdlife, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Particularly during the migratory seasons (November to April). Additionally, the wet season coincides with the calving season. Hence offering a heartwarming experience of witnessing young herbivores taking their first steps. However, some roads may be closed during the wet season, and the dense vegetation can make wildlife sightings more challenging. Overall, the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park depends on your preferences and interests. With each season offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Getting to Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park is a convenient stopover on Tanzania’s northern circuit safaris
By road
The park is approximately 130 km (80 miles) west of Arusha, and the journey typically takes two hours by vehicle. The route passes through the town of Mto WA Mbu, which serves as a tourism gateway to the park.
By air
For those short on time or looking for a more luxurious way to travel, consider charter flights. This option allows for a scenic aerial tour of the surrounding landscapes.
When planning a visit to this Park, feel free to contact our team at Vibrant Holiday Safaris to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Visitors should also plan ahead, booking accommodations and flights in advance, especially during peak season.
Accommodation and Amenities
Mto WA Mbu town offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury lodges. Visitors can also enjoy various restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences in the town. Additionally, the Mantra Mto WA Mbu features private chalets, basic camping facilities, and other amenities. Other accommodation facilities around Lake Manyara National Park include Lake Manyara kilimamoja lodge. Also Lake Manyara Serena safari lodge, Lake Manyara tree lodge, Kirurumu Manyara lodge among others.