Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s premier national parks located in the Rift Valley region. Lake Manyara National Park offers a true wilderness experience in a diverse landscape, from its Rift Valley soda lake to dense woodlands and steep mountainsides. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, similar to the ones in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. As a prime wildlife viewing detonations, Lake Manyara national park lies in the northern part of Tanzania, southwest of Arusha.
There are at least 5 very different habitats existing side by side in an area of 325 sq km. In fact, on a game drive, you see more variation in the distance travelled than anywhere else in Africa. There are copious ground water springs at one end, spilling out from the base of the Rift Valley wall. These give rise to a truly jungle type of ground-water forest, which is in stark contrast to the dry bush acacia woodlands all around, and to the enormous shallow alkaline lake that lies on the valley floor.
In the south of the park are found extensive hot water springs as testament to the active tectonic nature of the Rift Valley, and there is a long walkway out across the steaming rivulets and reed beds of the lake edge giving a magnificent view up and down the full length of this part of the Rift Valley. Here you can watch old bull buffaloes wallowing in the warm alkaline mud, and on occasions vast flocks of flamingos. Enormous Baobabs are scattered throughout the drier parts. Notably, one of these ancient baobabs was visited by Disney Imagineers in 1994 and served as the inspiration for the baobabs featured in Disney World’s renowned Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida. Visitors care treated to stunning views of the rift valley escarpment, which can be seen during the different activities that tourists engage in as they explore Lake Manyara national park. approximately two-thirds of the national park is covered by water, making Lake Manyara a major attraction. The lake is a shallow, alkaline water body that attracts different wildlife and bird species along its shores. Overall, the park offers an ideal setting for memorable safaris or Lake Manyara Park tours.
Discover Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area located in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara Regions, positioned between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. The park is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, and spans an area of 325 square kilometers (125 sq mi), which includes approximately 230 square kilometres (89 sq mi) lake surface. Over 350 bird species have been recorded on the lake.
Location of Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is situated approximately 126 kilometers (78 miles) southwest of Arusha, accessible by a journey of about an hour and a half by car. The park is also reachable from Babati, the capital of Manyara Region. Nearby Lake Manyara Airport provides additional access. To the south, the Marang Forest Reserve, covering 35,399 hectares, is located on the escarpment above the park. To the east lies the Kwa Kuchinja Wildlife Migration corridor, facilitating movement of animals Tarangire National Park to the southeast, Lake Manyara to the west, and the Engaruka Basin to the north. Several villages are located within this corridor. Further away from the lake and outside village areas, the 45,000-acre Manyara Ranch exists, formerly a livestock ranch now managed by the Tanzania Land Conservation Trust since 2001. This ranch plays a crucial role in maintaining wildlife connectivity between Tarangire and Lake Manyara parks. The national park is part of the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve. The broader region, including Lake Manyara itself, the surrounding areas within and outside the park, as well as the Marang Forest Reserve on the neighboring uplands, is designated as the Lake Manyara Important Bird Area.
Lake Manyara National Park Safaris
The park has a variety of diverse habitats from evergreen underground forests, woodlands, extensive swamps and Grasslands home to various flora and fauna worth visiting. Rivers flowing off the escarpment and perennial springs below the rift wall support tall, evergreen groundwater forests dominated by trichilia roka with Broad-Leaved Croton, sycamore fig, quinine tree and forest toad-tree. The flora of Lake Manyara National Park is diverse, with over 670 flowering plant and fern species documented. Most are widespread species; there are few rare or endemic species. Safari trip in Lake Manyara National Park will give you an opportunity to shoot various wildlife documentaries and sceneries.
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Activities to Do in Lake Manyara National Park
Tourist activities to do in Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara National Park is located between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. The best national park is Lake Manyara National Park, with its highlights being tree-climbing lions and over 2 million flamingo birds found on the lake’s shores. Manyara National Park covers about 330 square kilometers and the lake covers about two-thirds of the park, about 200 square kilometers. The park is dominated by Lake Manyara a shallow alkaline lake at an altitude of 960m which was formed in a depression within the Rift Valley System.
Game Drives:
The game drives within the park offer an excellent opportunity to view all the key tourist activities, and they can be seen in the morning, evening, and afternoon game drives. To make the most of these experiences, it’s advisable to wake up early and participate in the morning game drives, as the animals are still active and easier to observe in the wild. During your time in Lake Manyara National Park, you will have the chance to see a diverse range of animals, including buffaloes, lions, hippos, cheetahs, warthogs, klipspringers, elephant herds, Impalas, monkeys and baboons among others. Many of these creatures can also be seen in the forested areas of the park, enriching your safari experience. Guides will also introduce our Star Birds and explain Lake Manyara’s diverse habitats.
Masai cultural visits:
Maasai encounters at Mto wa Mbu offers a meaningful cultural experience near Lake Manyara National Park. Visitors have the opportunity to explore traditional Maasai homesteads called “manyattas,”, witness lively traditional Maasai dance performances, making beaded jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. These visits often includes listening to folk songs and stories, touring kraals, and gaining insights into nomadic lifestyle of the Maasai community. The unique customs and way of life of the Maasai people continues to attract many who visits to learn more about their rich cultural heritage.
Nature walks:
The nature walks in Lake Manyara National Park are led by a ranger guide, offering an immersive experience in the natural surroundings. During these walks, visitors have the opportunity to explore the treetop walkway and the renowned Majimoto walkways. These nature walks give visitors a sense of close connection with the environment, allowing them to experience the wildness firsthand and encounter various species, including key wildlife, along the way.
Canoeing safaris:
Canoeing in Lake Manyara National Park takes place on Lake Manyara, and this activity is made possible because the water levels are much more favorable through which tourists or visitors can see the wildlife up close. This activity offers a unique opportunity to see various bird species that inhabit the lake, adding to the richness of the experience. Additionally, the canoe safaris provide stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, making it a memorable adventure for all participants.
Bird watching:
Bird watching activities within Lake Manyara National Park offer an exceptional opportunity for visitors to observe a diverse range of bird species. The park provides ideal conditions to spot woodland birds, waterfowl, and forest-dwelling species. Visitors can also enjoy viewing flamingos along the shores of Lake Manyara, alongside other notable birds such as the Abdim’s stork, African fish eagle, African grey hornbill, African hawk eagle, African jacana, African spoonbill, Baglafecht weaver, Crowned eagle, Great white pelican, Hamerkop, Pied kingfisher and Pink-backed pelican among others. Engaging in birding at Lake Manyara National Park becomes especially rewarding when encountering both migratory and endemic bird species, making the experience truly memorable for nature enthusiasts.
Climate of in Lake Manyara National Park
There are two distinct rainy seasons; the “short rains” occurring from November to December and the “long rains” from March to May. April experiences the highest rainfall, measuring approximately 161 mm (6.3 inches) and also records the rainiest days, totalling 19 days. Conversely, the months of July, August and September are the driest, with rainfall dropping to around 1 mm (0.039 inches). September also has the fewest rainy days, averaging only 2 days. The warmest months are January, February and March, with average high temperatures reaching about 30 °C (86 °F). The coolest months are June and July, with average high temperatures around 25 °C (77 °F). The nearby highland regions tend to be cooler and receive more rainfall compared to other areas.
Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania offers a wilderness experience in diverse habitats, from its Rift Valley soda lake to dense woodlands and steep mountainsides.
Lake Manyara:
Lake Manyara stands as the focal point of the national park, featuring a vast, shimmering expanse of water that is both visually stunning and ecologically rich. Covering roughly 230 square kilometers, the lake attracts an impressive array of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. More than 400 bird species have been recorded here, including the African Pygmy Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Ostriches, Storks, pelicans, Cormorants, Hamerkop, Shoebill Duck, Guineafowl, Pheasants, Grouse, Flamingos, Pigeon, Grebe, Sandgrouse, Bustards, Turacos, Cuckoos, Nightjar, Swifts, Gray Crowned-Crane, African Jacana and various sandpipers. The best period for birdwatching is during the wet season when migratory birds flock to the lake. In addition to avian life, Lake Manyara is home to diverse wildlife such as including elephant, hippos, buffalos, antelopes, and monkeys, making it a crucial habitat for both land and water species. Visitors often enjoy the breathtaking views along the lake’s edge, where animals can be seen cooling off in the water or grazing nearby. The lake’s landscape is further enhanced by the presence of distinctive soda ash deposits, which give parts of the water striking blue and green hues, creating a truly remarkable scenery.
Birds:
Lake Manyara National Park is known for flocks of thousands of flamingos that feed along the edge of the lake in the wet season. Other bird species that you might spot while on your birding safari in Lake Manyara National Park includes the park, you will have chance to spot most all the bird species that dwell in the park such as Common Ostrich, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Little Grebe, Rock Pigeon, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, Schalow’s Turaco, Red-chested Cuckoo, kingfishers, pelicans, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Mottled Spinetail, African Rail, Gray Crowned-Crane, Spotted Thick-knee, Black-winged Stilt, Common Ringed Plover, Greater Painted-Snipel, African Jacana, Eurasian Curlew, Bronze-winged Courser, Slender-billed Gull, African Openbill, Great Cormorant, Great White Pelican, Shoebill, Hamerkop and Black Heronaning others.
Mammals :
The Park hosts a variety of migratory mammals originating from Tarangire National Park, including wildebeests, Zebras, Thomson’s gazelle and Grant’s gazelle. Visitors while on a safari to Tarangire National Park can also observe predators such as lion, leopard, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, serval, honey badger, African wild cat, spotted hyena, African civet, genet (Genetta) species and several mongoose species. Although rare, Cheetah and African golden cat may occasionally be seen. Other prominent mammals in the area includes elephant, baboon, lesser flamingo, greater flamingo Cape buffalo, lion, hippopotamus, wildebeest, bushbuck, impala, giraffe, zebra, white pelican, yellow-billed stork, Ayres’s hawk-eagle, Nile monitor, white-breasted cormorant, palm-nut vulture and cobra
Vegetation of Lake Manyara National Park
Vegetation of Lake Manyara National Park exhibits remarkable diversity, with over 670 flowering plant and ferns recorded. The majority of these species are widespread, with only a few being rare or endemic. The park features a range of habitats supporting various plant communities. Rivers descending from the escarpment and perennial springs beneath the rift wall sustain tall, evergreen groundwater forests. These forests are mainly composed of Trichilia roka, along with Broad-Leaved Croton (Croton macrostachyus), sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus), quinine tree (Rauvolfia afra), and forest toad-tree (Tabernaemontana ventricosa). Trees tend to be most abundant in gorges, along stream edges, and around spring sources. Near these groundwater forests, dense stands of yellow fever trees (Acacia xanthophloea) and the palm Phoenix reclinata are common.
Woodlands along the western lake shore are primarily compassed of Acacia and Commiphora species, supported by groundwater sources. Trees density varies, being highest in seepage zones and along drainage channels. The dominant tree, Acacia tortilis, which reaches about 10m tall with a flat-topped canopy. Understory shrubs are present but vary in density and composition.
Extensive swamps occur where the Simba River and its tributaries flow into the northern end of the lake, with smaller swamps scattered elsewhere associated with the minor rivers draining off the rift valley walls. These wetlands host aquatic plants such as water lilies (Nymphaea caerulea and N. lotus) and mats of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). Cattails (Typha species) form pure stands in the northern swamps, and various Cyperus species grow around the swamp margins. Cyperus immensus forms dense clumps in flood-prone areas with fresh water, while Cyperus laevigatus is prominent along the lake shore in regions where the water table is high, such as shallow lagoons behind sand ridges and near river deltas. Grasslands within the park are dominated by Cynodon dactylon in drier areas, or Sporobolus spicatus, often mixed with Sporobolus consimilis on alkaline lake flats. During low lakes levels, Sporobolus spicatus can cover large expancese pf the lakebed, retrating to narrow zone as water level rise. Outside the park, along the eastern shore of the lake. Vegetation on the escarpment includes species like Ruellia megachlamys and the iconic African baobab tree, Adansonia digitata.
How to get to Lake Manyara National Park
Getting to Lake Manyara National Park is straightforward. By road, the park is approximately 126 km (78 miles) southwest of Arusha, and it takes about an hour and a half to reach by car. Alternatively, you can fly there, as daily scheduled flights operate to Lake Manyara Airport.
Where to stay in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a diverse selection of accommodation options, including lodges and camps, catering to travelers on a Tanzania safari. The accommodations vary in style and price, ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget options. Notable facilities within the park include Jungle Pearl Resort, Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge, AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Manyara Best View Lodge, Lake Manyara Serene Safari Lodge, Manyara’s Secret, Maramboi Tented Lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, Mawemawe Manyara Lodge, Kirurumu Manyara Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Manyara Safari Lodge, Burunge Tented Lodge and Burudika Manyara Lodge among others.
Best Time Visit to Lake Manyara National Park
The optimal time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is during the months of December to February and then June to October, as these periods tent to be drier compared to March to May and November. However, safari activities are available year-round, but visiting during these months can enhance your experience due to better weather conditions.
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