Lake Manyara National Park encompasses an area of 330 square kilometers (with the lake occupying 200 square kilometers). It was declared a game reserve in 1957 and then into a national park after three years. we find the park between the escarpments of the Great Rift Valley, 130 km from Arusha. You can visit can on day tour excursions. In addition to the Majimoto (hot Sulphur springs) at the southern end of the park, this protected area is composed of woodlands, swamps and grasslands. Tucked at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park tempts travelers with its spectacular beauty. The park’s lush habitats isn’t only restricted to birdlife, but there are also abundant animals such as hippos, giraffes, elephants and buffaloes. Lake Manyara is famous for the tree-climbing lions that spend most of their time in branches of acacia trees which are about 6-7 meters above the ground.
This protected area is occupied by lush forests that are home to blue monkeys, troops of baboons, buffaloes and more. Its flat acacia woodlands are a sanctuary for prides of lions. One can see them laying on the tree branches. Besides the rarely seen tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara has animals such as the banded mongoose, grazers and browsers. Part of this area is occupied by alkaline lakes that are home to a variety of water birds. To add on that, Lake Manyara hosts over 400 other species of birds. Some of them are pelicans, red- billed quelea, storks, sacred ibis, cormorants, Egyptian geese, African spoonbill, white-faced duck and flamingoes.
These excursions take place daily and grant visitors opportunities to walk through the forest while they are accompanied by ranger guides to provide protection. The tour includes visits to old trees which are over 200 years and are near the rift valley escarpment. This area offers a beautiful view of the park and surrounding villages.
Offered in a suitable vehicle with pop up roof, game driving is one of the best ways to see Lake
Manyara’s diverse Wildlife. Besides being home to the famous tree climbing lions, Lake Manyara delights travelers with views of numerous wild animals during day varying from the smaller mammals (dik-dik, rabbits) to giant elephants, buffaloes and zebras. Not all animal species in this park are common during day. Some of them are nocturnal and the best time to see them is at night. Safari jeeps used for night game drive differentiate themselves from those used during day with top roof lights and are open on both sides.
This activity takes place on Lake Manyara and allows tourists to interact with the fishermen who spend most of their time fishing. The tourists explore and admire the natural beauty of this alkaline soda lake using the local canoes.
Bird watching.
Lake Manyara National Park has over 500 species of birds. This makes it a must visit for bird watching excursions in Tanzania. There are many unique species to see including the pink flamingo that migrates from Lake Natron to Lake Manyara. Other species on the list are pelicans, weavers, turkey, goose, marabou storks, and hundreds of yellow-billed storks.
Lake Manyara is dotted by abundant campsites that treat tourists with good accommodation in the wild and provide suitable grounds to engage in varied activities. There are both luxury and budget camps, so it is your choice to choose what you are more interested in.
Hiking
Lake Manyara National Park has numerous trails that are perfect for hiking expeditions. Make sure to partake in this activity while in the Park for body fitness and health. It also offers endless views of the Park’s beauty