Visit Lake Manyara National Park
Situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest parks. It is well known for its diverse ecosystem which ranges from the Alkaline Lake itself to the dense woodlands. The Park is located in the Northern region of Tanzania and 100km from Arusha.
On a visit to the Lake Manyara National Park, visitors should expect to spot several wildlife species such as; giraffes, elephants, monkeys, hippos, as well as bird species such as Pengani long claw, Narina trogon, emerald cuckoo, crowned eagles and many more. The tree climbing lions make Lake Manyara National Park very unique tourist destination for Tanzania Safaris.
Establishment of Lake Manyara National Park
Early in the 1920s, Lake Manyara was known as an area for sport hunting and later established as a game reserve in 1957. In 1960, the area was given a National Park status covering a total surface area of about 330 square kilometers in Northern Tanzania.
In 1974, an area of about 1400 acres was added to the southern end of the park and later declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1981. The park is now famous for its diverse ecosystems, including the dense woodlands, alkaline lake and steep cliffs of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
What to see in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park features a great tourist attraction list that makes it a sought after destination for most of the travelers in Tanzania. Among the main attractions are;
Tree Climbing Lions
Tree climbing lions are a very unique attraction in Lake Manyara National Park as they attracts big numbers of tourists. It said that they usually climb in order to avoid insect bites and also hide from elephants and buffaloes which always charge at them.
Huge herds of Elephants
Lake Manyara National Park harbors a very large number of African Elephants which usually reside in the savannah plains of the park. Elephants are spotted in large herds as they move around in search for water and pasture.
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara itself is a great attraction in the park as it attracts a very big concentration of animals, large flocks of flamingoes and other species of water birds. Animals are always at Lake Manyara during hot hours as they refresh and drink water.
The Maasai Community
The Maasai Community is an ethnic group of people who live in Northern Tanzania and Central and Southern part of Kenya. The Maasai People are well known for their unique culture and way of living as nomadic pastoralists. The Maasai people always perform their amazing culture dances and share their interesting history with the visitors.
Maji Moto Springs
The Maji Moto Springs is a large swamp of boiling water on situated on the western shores of Lake Manyara National Park. Many other Hot springs in Tanzania seep from the Maji Moto springs which bubbles at over 60 °C. Enjoy swimming in the clear warm waters as you relax and take cold drinks for refreshments.
Other Wildlife
Apart from the tree climbing lions and big herds of elephants, Lake Manyara National Park harbors a variety of wild animals such as; giraffes, hippos, zebras, monkeys, antelopes, hyenas, baboons among others. The park is also home to several species of birds such as; Goliath Heron, little-bee eater, black bishop, superb starling among others.
What to do in Lake Manyara National Park
Game drives
Game driving is the most done activity in Lake Manyara NP as it gives a huge chance of spotting most of the park’s wildlife. There are both Day and Night Game drives the park.
During Night game drives, there are chances of viewing a lot of nocturnal animals such as civet cats, porcupines, hyenas, genets and hippos among others. During Day game drives, visitors can spot a variety of animals such as; buffaloes, giraffes, monkeys, zebras among others.
Canoeing
Boat canoe safaris in the park are conducted on the Lake Manyara which is an alkaline lake. The area on the lake where canoe safaris are specifically done is covered with saline flats, marshes and grassy flood plains.
While canoeing on Lake Manyara, visitors will have a chance to view a number of hippos at the hippo pool on the southern part of the lake. Apart hippos, visitors will have a chance to view huge herds of different species of animals refreshing on the shores of the Lake.
Treetop walk away
Another tourist attraction in Lake Manyara National Park is the treetop walk away. During nature walks through the park, visitors get a chance to walk through a trail that is elevated about 18 meters of the ground. The trail is a series of suspension bridges that are equipped with thick nets on either sides. Travelers get a very memorable experience as they move through the trail spotting different species of birds.
Bird watching
Lake Manyara National Park is home to over 400 bird species which can best be sported on the Lake Manyara and during Treetop walk away. Birds that are easily spotted include; Abdim’s stork, Baglafecht weaver, Black heron, little bee-eater, Glossy ibis among others.
Visit the Masai People
Visiting the Maasai People in Lake Manyara National Park gives a very rewarding cultural experience as the visitors enjoy cultural dance performances. The Maasai people also narrate interesting stories of their history to the visitors giving them a memorable cultural experience.
Best Time to visit Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a very interesting destination open for visitors all year regardless of the seasons. However, there is a time when tourists find it easier to navigate through the harsh terrains of the park. During the dry season which runs from late June to October, the area receives little all no rainfalls at all. This gives a chance to visitors who are interested in driving through the park to easily access all corners.
Since little all no rainfall is expected in the dry season, tourists are very free to carry out their activities at any time of the day unlike in the wet season.
During the rainy season which happens in the months of November to May and March to April, the park is covered with lush green vegetation creating stunning views. In the Wet season is when animals are easily seen grazing. However, during this time of the year, the area receives very heavy rainfalls which may hinder tourist movements.
How to get to Lake Manyara National Park
The Park is part of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and the gateway route to get there is from Arusha. The most convenient and recommended option to reach Arusha town is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport situated just 46 kilometers from the town.
Tourists can also fly directly into Julius Nyerere International Airport which is located near Dar-es-Salaam and then get another flight to Arusha airport. By road, you can drive for approximately 1 to two hours to Lake Manyara National Park. By air, you can board a flight from Arusha Airport to Lake Manyara Airstrip which will take approximately 30 minutes.
Accommodation in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater different budgets of travelers. From high-class lodges to budget tented camps situated in the heart of the park.
These lodges offer spacious rooms, gourmet dining options, spars, swimming pools and stunning views of Lake Manyara.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is a luxury accommodation option situated on top of the Mto WA Mbu escarpment which is elevated about 900 meters above the sea level. The lodge characterized by the scenic views of Lake Manyara National Park and its ecosystem.
Lake Manyara Serena offers a unique experience for visitors seeking a luxurious safari adventure. Its design portraits the traditional African architecture. After a long day on safari, travelers can relax by the pool or opt for a spa treatment as they take in the scenic views of the diverse landscape.
Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Situated near Lake Manyara National Park, Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse African wilderness.
It offers luxurious rooms and focuses on conservation efforts. After a long day of safari, visitors can refresh in the infinity swimming pool.
A stay at Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp will not only give you the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife but you will also be taking part in the conservation of the area.
Twiga Lodge and Campsite
Twiga Lodge and Campsite offers a unique safari experience for travelers seeking for an immersive safari. With its comfortable rooms and perfect scenic views of the surrounding landscape, visitors can relax as they enjoy sights and sounds of the wildlife. The Lodge’s facilities are well-maintained, offering basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for guests
Twiga Lodge offers a campsite which provides a true outdoor experience for travelers looking to connect with wild nature. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful acacia trees where campers enjoy sleeping under the stars.
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