Lake Manyara National Park

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Lake Manyara National Park

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara National Park is a pristine gem in Tanzania’s Rift Valley region. This park boasts diverse terrains, from acacia woodlands and savannah grasslands to the dramatic rift valley escarpment. One of the unique Lake Manyara Attractions is the sight of tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon in the wild. The park is also home to herds of elephants, which once faced threats such as poaching but now thrive due to the park’s conservation efforts.

The shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara is at the heart of the park, covering nearly two-thirds of its expanse. This lake is a primary draw for both wildlife and tourists. Lake Manyara Safari Tours offer glimpses of diverse wildlife and bird species, especially along the lake’s shores. Among the Things to Do in Lake Manyara, tourists can enjoy game drives to spot active wildlife, particularly during morning hours, or relish the serene experience of canoeing on the lake. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like flamingos, pelicans, and hornbills. Beyond wildlife, the park’s proximity to other Tanzania Safari Tours destinations and Arusha makes it a strategic stopover. For a more cultural experience, tourists can engage with the Maasai tribe in nearby Mto wa Mbu town, enriching their understanding of local traditions and lifestyles.

Park Location:

Facts about Lake Manyara

Colonies of pink flamingos migrate from one lake to another throughout the year coming to Lake Manyara National Park in the period from June to September. As their abode they choose the mud flats where crustaceans, which are their main diet, live. Without it their feathers have grey-white color. While newly hatched flamingos are always grey, they become pink as they get older – in a year, thanks to the pigment carotene which is contained in their food.

Wildlife Encounters:

Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania boasts a rich diversity of wildlife amidst its breathtaking landscapes. Visitors to the park can witness the iconic sight of elephants gracefully traversing the plains and woodlands, while the park’s renowned tree-climbing lions offer a unique spectacle as they lounge in the branches of acacia trees. Massive herds of buffalo roam the grassy expanses, sharing the terrain with elegant giraffes browsing on acacia leaves. The park’s namesake lake is teeming with hippos and crocodiles, providing a glimpse into the aquatic realm of African wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the park’s avian abundance, with over 400 species recorded, including vibrant flamingos and majestic raptors. Among the plains-dwelling herbivores, zebras and wildebeests graze alongside antelope species like impalas and waterbucks. While leopards lurk in the dense vegetation, their elusive nature adding to the park’s allure for wildlife enthusiasts. Lake Manyara National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience, where every turn reveals a new marvel of the African wilderness.

BEST TIME TO VISITLAKE MANYARA?

For optimal sightings of large animals in Lake Manyara, the best time to visit is during the dry season, spanning from July to October. However, if you’re passionate about birdwatching, the ideal period to explore the park is from November to June. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to witness thousands of flamingos, along with pelicans, African Fish Eagles, hornbills, Hamerkops, Black herons, little bee-eaters, and a diverse array of other bird species.