JOIN US ON A LAKE MANYARA SAFARI
This wonderfully scenic park, located on the road from Arusha to Ngorongoro, is set between the Great Rift Valley and the sodiforous lake, and is therefore often visited on Tanzania safaris headed to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Lake Manyara is a scenic diamond, stretching 50 kilometers along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, with a setting described as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa” by Ernest Hemingway. Although the concentration of wildlife is less impressive than in some of Tanzania’s other parks, Lake Manyara National Park is known for its famous tree-climbing lions, habituated baboons, large elephant populations and impressive birdlife. It offers varied ecosystems and breathtaking views that make in an ideal stop on anyone planning a Tanzania Photography Safari. The game-viewing circuit through Lake Manyara National Park offers a virtual microcosm of a Tanzania safari. After you pass through the entrance gate, you experience a road winding through a lush jungle-like groundwater forest where baboon troops lounge casually beside the road; blue monkeys scamper between mahogany trees; bushbuck tread carefully through the shadows, and the forest hornbills honk noisily in the high canopy.
Birdwatching on a LAKE Manyara Safari
Lake Manyara is home to an incredible variety of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. More than 400 species have been noted, and even a first-time visitor to Africa can reasonably expect to see 100 of these in one day. Thousands of pink flamingo stoop and graze and present colorful specks against the gray minerals of the lake shore. It’s impossible to predict how many flamingos you might see, as they flit between here and other East African lakes...it really comes down to the luck on the day. From inside Lake Manyara National Park, even reluctant bird-watchers will find something to marvel at as yellow-billed storks swoop on the winds rising from the escarpment and herons flap their wings against the sun-drenched sky.
wildlife in manyara: Tree-Climbing Lions, baboons, elephants and more
The famous tree-climbing lions are another attraction of Lake Manyara. The only kind of their species in the world, they make the mahogany and elegant acacias their home during rainy season and are a well-known but rare feature of the northern park. Lake Manyara National Park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons found anywhere in the world, which makes it the perfect spot for people who love primate-focused safaris. In contrast with the intimate forest, you’ll find the grassy floodplain and its expansive views to the east across the lake to jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the vast, endless Maasai steppes. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds meet on these grassy plains, and so do the giraffes – some so dark in coloration that from a distance they appear to be black. Inland, you can see squadrons of banded mongoose dart between the acacias, whereas the diminutive Kirk’s dik-dik forages in their shade. In the far south area of the park, pairs of klipspringer can often be seen silhouetted on the rocks above a field of blazing hot springs steaming and bubbling next to the lakeshore. The uniqueness of Lake Manyara’s wildlife make it ideal for first-time Tanzania Family Safaris and for veterans alike.
ACCESS to lake manyara national PARK
Since Lake Manyara National Park is a relatively small park and can easily be reached from Arusha on your way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, most visitors spend just a day or half a day here. Don’t get us wrong: there is so much to see, it’s just that we know the area really well and can show visitors most things in a relatively short period of time.
WHEN TO VISIT LAKE MANYARA
Manyara's peak season is officially from July to October but for a park as small as this, that should not be a deciding factor. If you’re in the area and have the time, Lake Manyara is consistently good as a soft game viewing park throughout the course of the year. Lake Manyara is a great way to start your Tanzania safari and we recommend visiting it on your Northern Tanzania circuit when on your way to the Ngorongoro Crater.
ACCOMMODATIONs in lake manyara national park
The most famous lodge at Manyara is Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, which is the only accommodation inside the park. Most visitors stay outside the park but near the park gate. You can explore the whole park by entering from here early in the morning. Along the Rift Valley escarpment, there are many accommodations that offer great views of the valley and the lake. Staying in the Rift Valley outside the park opens up a wealth of possibilities, with activities such as village walks, hiking and mountain biking. We also recommend staying in the nearby Karatu area.
We hope you have been inspired to add Lake Manyara National Park as a stop on their big Tanzania Safari Tour. If you have any questions for us or you’d like us to create a bespoke itinerary for you, please feel free to get in touch. What are you waiting for? Start planning your next big adventure with Sababu Safaris!