Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Home to the tree-climbing lions, the park is located in northern Tanzania, 130km from Arusha, about a 2-hour drive. The park lies between lake Manyara and the great rift valley which offers spectacular views of the escarpment and the various tourist attractions visitors can be sure to see as they go through the park.

A Complete Overview

Location and Accessibility

Location: Northern Tanzania, in the Arusha Region, about 125 kilometers (78 miles) southwest of Arusha city.
Coordinates: Latitude 3°30′S, Longitude 35°45′E.
Size: 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), with Lake Manyara covering about 200 square kilometers.
Accessibility:
- By Road:
  - A 2-hour drive from Arusha on a well-paved road.
  - The park is en route to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, making it a popular stop on the Northern Circuit.
- By Air: Daily flights are available to the Manyara airstrip, near the park entrance.

Key Features and Ecosystems

Lake Manyara
- A shallow alkaline (soda) lake that covers most of the park.
- Seasonal fluctuations affect its size and the abundance of flamingos and other waterbirds.
Groundwater Forest
- Lush evergreen forests fed by underground springs dominate the park’s entrance.
- These forests are home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and forest-dwelling birds.
Savannah Plains
- Open grasslands stretch along the lake’s shores, providing grazing grounds for herbivores and hunting grounds for predators.
Rift Valley Escarpment
- The dramatic backdrop of the 600-meter-high escarpment creates stunning vistas and habitats for cliff-dwelling animals.
Hot Springs (Maji Moto)
- Located near the southern end of the park, these geothermal springs bubble up and steam, adding a unique feature to the landscape.

Birdlife

Lake Manyara is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species recorded.

Waterbirds: Flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and spoonbills thrive along the lake’s edge.
Raptors: Eagles, vultures, and hawks patrol the skies and escarpments.
Forest Birds: Hornbills, turacos, and kingfishers inhabit the lush forests.

Activities

Lake Manyara National Park offers diverse activities, making it a versatile destination:

Game Drives
- Explore the park’s varied habitats and spot iconic wildlife.
- Morning and evening drives are particularly rewarding for wildlife sightings.
Birdwatching
- A highlight for ornithologists, especially during the wet season when migratory birds arrive.
Canoeing (Seasonal)
- During the wet season, canoeing on Lake Manyara provides a unique perspective of the park and its wildlife.
Guided Walking Safaris
- Experience the park on foot, focusing on smaller details like insects, plants, and birds.
Cultural Tours
- Visit nearby Mto wa Mbu village to engage with local communities, learn about their cultures, and taste traditional food.
Treetop Walkway
- A suspended walkway through the forest canopy near the park entrance offers an adventurous way to explore the treetops.
Hot Springs Visit
- The geothermal hot springs are a scenic spot for photography and relaxation.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October)

Best for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources.

Clear skies and open terrain make wildlife easier to spot.

Wet Season (November to May)

Ideal for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive.

The landscape is lush and green, though some roads may be muddy.

Accommodations

Inside the Park
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: A luxury lodge offering elegant suites and close proximity to wildlife.
Outside the Park
- Luxury Lodges: Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, offering stunning views of the lake and escarpment.
- Mid-Range Options: Numerous lodges and camps in Mto wa Mbu, just outside the park gate.
- Budget Campsites: Affordable options for backpackers and adventurers.

Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park?

Compact and Diverse: Offers varied habitats and wildlife in a small area.
Unique Features: See tree-climbing lions, massive flamingo flocks, and geothermal springs.
Accessibility: Easy to reach, making it perfect for a day trip or as part of a Northern Circuit safari.
Cultural Integration: Combines natural beauty with nearby Maasai and other community experiences.

Attractions in the park

Visitors can be sure to see large elephant herds that migrate to the park during dry season. Animals such as buffalos, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras and warthogs are sure to excite visitors with their presence in the park.

The park is also an excellent place for bird-lovers. The lake attracts large flocks of pink flamingoes, pelicans and around other 300 species of birds spread across the park from spoonbills, egret, stilts and stalks can be seen wandering around the park all year.

Maasai cultural visit and village tour bicycling are other great activities to undertake while at Lake Manyara Area.

Uniqueness of the park

The park is home to the famous tree-climbing lions, a feature rarely seen elsewhere in Tanzania. The rare sighting often gives visitors a lasting experience to remember.

The Tree-top canopy walk is another way visitors can enjoy seeing wildlife in the park in yet a unique way. Walking at tree-top height you will be able to see some primates and various birds within the forest.