Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a beautiful and diverse wildlife haven, located in northern Tanzania, and it’s one of the more unique parks on the Tanzanian safari circuit. It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, including the vast alkaline lake, and its wide variety of wildlife, from tree-climbing lions to an array of bird species.

Here’s a deeper look at Lake Manyara National Park:

1. Location and Size

  • Lake Manyara National Park is located about 130 km (81 miles) west of Arusha, making it easily accessible for travelers visiting the northern safari circuit.
  • The park is relatively small, covering around 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), but it offers a surprising range of habitats, from wetlands and forests to acacia woodlands and grassy plains.

2. The Lake Itself

  • The lake is the park’s centerpiece, and it covers about 60% of the park‘s area, though it fluctuates in size depending on the season and rainfall.
  • Lake Manyara is a highly alkaline lake, known for its birdlife, particularly flamingos, which gather in large numbers around the lake’s edges. The great white pelican and black heron are also commonly seen here.
  • The lake’s ecosystem is one of the key reasons why Manyara is a top destination for birdwatchers.

3. Wildlife and Animal Species

  • Elephants: Manyara is home to large herds of elephants, particularly in the northern part of the park. You’ll often see them near the water or grazing in the forest.
  • Tree-Climbing Lions: One of the park’s most famous attractions is its population of tree-climbing lions. While it’s rare to see lions climbing trees elsewhere in Africa, the lions in Manyara have developed the unusual behavior, likely to avoid the park’s tsetse flies or to get better views of their prey.
  • Buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and various types of antelopes (such as impalas and Grant’s gazelles) are commonly seen in the park.
  • You can also find hippopotamuses in the lake’s marshy areas, as well as baboon troops, which are abundant in the park’s dense forested regions.

4. Birdlife

  • Lake Manyara is one of the top birdwatching destinations in Tanzania, with over 400 species of birds recorded. The wetland and forest areas provide an excellent habitat for both migratory and resident bird species.
  • The lake itself attracts thousands of flamingos (especially during the wet season), and there are also sightings of pelicans, herons, eagles, and kingfishers.
  • The park is also known for raptors like tawny eagles and fish eagles, which can often be seen perched along the lake’s shores.

5. Distinctive Landscapes

  • The park is notable for its diverse landscapes. It has:
    • Wooded savannahs and acacia woodlands in the lower part of the park.
    • Tropical forests near the lake, which are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys and bird species.
    • Alkaline lake surrounded by a scenic escarpment from the Great Rift Valley. The steep Great Rift Valley escarpment forms a dramatic backdrop, offering stunning views across the lake.

6. Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (June to October): This is the peak wildlife viewing season. Animals congregate around the lake, and the cooler weather makes for more comfortable game drives.
  • Green Season (November to May): During the wet season, the park is lush and beautiful, and while wildlife can be a bit harder to spot due to thicker vegetation, this is when the birdwatching is at its best, as migratory birds return. This is also calving season for many animals, so you might see young animals.

7. Activities

  • Game Drives: Lake Manyara offers great game viewing, particularly around the lake and the forested areas. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for sightings.
  • Birdwatching: The variety of bird species, especially around the lake and its marshes, makes it a top destination for bird enthusiasts.
  • Guided Walks: Some operators offer walking safaris, where you can learn about the smaller aspects of the park, like plants, insects, and tracking.
  • Cultural Tours: The park is close to local Maasai villages, and visitors can sometimes take part in cultural experiences, learning about Maasai traditions and lifestyles.

8. Conservation and Challenges

  • Like many national parks in Tanzania, Lake Manyara faces conservation challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, particularly as the park borders agricultural lands and Maasai villages.
  • The park also deals with issues like poaching, though it is part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority that works to maintain the health of its ecosystems and wildlife.

9. How to Get There

  • Lake Manyara National Park is about 2 hours from Arusha, making it an easy and convenient park to visit, especially as part of a broader northern circuit safari that includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire.
  • There are daily flights to Manyara Airstrip from Arusha, making it even more accessible for those on a time-sensitive itinerary.

Why Visit Lake Manyara?

If you’re looking for a more intimate and scenic safari experience, with a wide variety of wildlife and especially if you’re a fan of birdwatching, Lake Manyara National Park is a must-visit. It’s a park that offers both beautiful landscapes and interesting behaviors from its animals (like the famous tree-climbing lions). It’s also less crowded compared to other major parks, providing a quieter and more relaxed experience.

It’s definitely a great way to start or end your safari journey in northern Tanzania!