Best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is located in Tanzania’s northern region, approximately 126 kilometers from Arusha town and only about 2 hours from Arusha town, making it one of the best and most rewarding Tanzania safari destinations even for those with limited time, allowing them to appreciate the wilderness and vast array of wild animals found in Lake Manyara National Park.
Manyara National Park covers about 330 square kilometers and the lake covers about two-thirds of the park, about 200 square kilometers. The lake is an alkaline lake with soda ash, and this offers visitors the home of about two million pink flamingos
Lake Manyara National Park experiences 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.
The Dry Season
The park experiences its dry season from June to October, which is also considered the peak period for tourism. The shorter dry spell occurs in January and February, when a large number of visitors flock to the park, leading to increased costs for safari tours due to high demand for accommodations. During this period, animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, making them easier to observe, especially since the sparse vegetation allows for better visibility. Visiting during the dry season is highly recommended because of the abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, and reduced mosquito activity, lowering the risk of malaria. Mornings can be quite chilly, so it is advisable to bring warm clothing for early morning game drives. However, the dry season may not be ideal for travelers on a tight budget, as prices for tours and accommodations tend to be higher during this time.
The Wet season
The wet season at Lake Manyara National Park occurs from November to May. During this period, the rains rejuvenate the park’s landscape, causing the dried vegetation thriving again and a beautiful green scenery unveils yet again. Typically, visitor numbers decrease during these months, especially in April and May, making it a less crowded time to visit. Many migratory birds are seen in the park during the wet season, hence making it the best time to see the Lake Manyara birds.
Best Time to See Flamingos and Other Birds
Lake Manyara is a haven for avid bird watchers, especially during the wetter months from November to May. This period brings an influx of migrant bird species, making it an exciting time for bird enthusiasts. The lake’s elevated water level provides optimal conditions for these iconic birds to feed and breed, as the shallow shores of Lake Manyara become adorned with their graceful pink presence.
Best time for wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara
The ideal time to visit Lake Manyara for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, the weather tends to be warm and sunny, and the reduced vegetation density enhances visibility for spotting animals. Visitors can observe large herds of elephants gathering around water sources and may have the chance you see the renowned tree-climbing lions that inhabits the area. While the conditions are optimal for safari, it is important to note that this peak season often brings higher prices and increased visitor numbers.
What should I know about Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara also known as Lake Moya among the Iraqw people is a lake located in Monduli District of Arusha Region, Tanzania and is the seventh-largest lake of Tanzania by surface area, at 470-square-kilometre (180 sq mi). It is a shallow, alkaline lake in the Natron-Manyara-Balangida branch of the East African Rift. Lake Manyara is a small yet remarkable alkaline soda lake located within Lake Manyara national park. Known for its diverse ecosystem, the park offers a unique blend of lush forest, open grasslands, and wet wetlands that surround the lake itself. One of the most striking features of Lake Manyara is its vibrant birdlife; the lake is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its large populations of flamingos, along with pelicans, storks, herons, and other waterfowl.
The park is also reknown for its diverse wildlife, including wildebeest, Zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, lion, leopard, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, serval, honey badger, African wild cat, spotted hyena, African civet, elephant, baboon, Cape buffalo, lion, impala and giraffe which can often be seen grazing along the lake’s edge or wandering through the surrounding forests. The lake’s shallow waters are also home to hippos and a wide array of fish, making it an important habitat for aquatic life. Unique to Lake Manyara is the presence of tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that adds to the park’s allure. Birdwatchers will be delighted by over 400 bird species found in the area the landscape is characterized by the Great Rift Valley, which provides stunning scenic views and variety of habitats within a relatively small area.
The lake is fed by underground springs and streams running down from the surrounding Ngorongoro Highlands. In addition, Lake Manyara National Park forms part of an animal migration corridor that allows large herds of elephants, wildebeests, zebras and buffalos to pass through the area in the dry season to Tarangire National Park where there is a year-round freshwater source.
How do you get to Lake Manyara?
By road: Lake Manyara National Park is located 126 km (78 mi) south west of Arusha and can be reached by car in an hour and a half.
By Air: The park is on route to the popular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire and Serengeti parks. Alternatively, there are daily scheduled flights to Lake Manyara airport which takes about 30-minute flight from Arusha
Where can I stay while visiting Lake Manyara?
When visiting Lake Manyara National Park, visitors have a variety of accommodation choices that suit different preferences and budgets. These options include budget-friendly lodges, comfortable mid-range hotels, and luxurious accommodations for a more indulgent experience. The selection depends on individual interests and financial considerations. Some of the lodges available within Lake Manyara National Park includes Lake Manyara Serene Safari Lodge, Manyara’s Secret, Maramboi Tented Lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, Mawemawe Manyara Lodge, Kirurumu Manyara Lodge, Jungle Pearl Resort, Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge, AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Manyara Best View Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Manyara Safari Lodge, Burunge Tented Lodge and Burudika Manyara Lodge among others.
What animals will I find at Lake Manyara National Park?
At Lake Manyara National Park, you can find a diverse range of animals that makes the park a remarkable destination for wildlife viewing safaris. The park is renown for its large population of elephants, which are often seen near the lake or through the woodland. You will also encounter baboon, sykes monkeys, and blue monkeys, which are common in the forested area. The park is famous for its tree- climbing lions, a unique feature that sets it apart from other national parks in Tanzania. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundance of bird species, including greater and lesser flamingos, pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, marabou storks, white pelican, yellow-billed stork, palm-nut vultures, egrets, spoonbills, Abdim’s Storks, Water thick-knees, grey herons and kingfisher, especially around the lake’s shores.
Additionally, you may also see the seasonal Migrants from Tarangire National Park which includes wildebeests, Zebras, Thomson’s gazelle and Grant’s gazelle. Predators to see in Lake Manyara National Park include 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. Cheetah and African golden cat are rarely sighted. Other notable mammals include Cape buffalo, hippopotamus, bushbuck, impala, giraffe, tiny Kirk’s dik-dik, Nile monitor, white-breasted cormorant, palm-nut vulture and cobra
What activities can I do at Lake Manyara National Park?
Lake Manyara National Park offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy its unique landscape and abundant wildlife. You can embark on safari drive to observe the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, leopard, bushbuck, impala, giraffe, elephant hippos and various bird species. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding here, as the park is home to over 400 bird species, including greater and lesser flamingos, pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, marabou storks, white pelican, yellow-billed stork and palm-nut vultures.
Visitors can also go on a guided nature walks to explore the hidden beauty of the park on foot such as lush forest, swamps and lakes. You can also embark on a canopy walk way as the park is the only national park in Tanzania offering visitors with the opportunity to witness the park’s landscape up above, this walk involves walking on a 370-meter-high walkway that provides a birds-eye perspective of the park. For those interested in photography, the park provides stunning scenic vistas and abundant wildlife opportunities, especially during early morning and late afternoon safaris. Additionally, Lake Manyara is a great place for cultural experiences, where you can visit nearby Maasai villages to learn about their traditions and way of life.