LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara is a small but incredibly beautiful park with a great variety of habitats. Famed for its tree climbing lions and Hemingway associations, this is a must see for any northern circuit safari.

With grassy floodplains, acacia woodland and a dense mahogany forest, the wildlife is superb, including large tusked elephant and the largest baboon troops in Africa.

Manyara covers 325km² but the majority of this is consumed by the large alkaline lake that gives its name to the park. It is the thin stretch of land between the lake and sheer rock walls of the Rift Valley escarpment that interests safari goers and travellers from across the globe.

Here, the three main habitats; acacia woodland, grassland and dense forest merge to provide nearly all of the eco-systems found in Tanzania.

The excellent wildlife and proximity to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti make Manyara a regular feature in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Many visitors make only a half day visit, meaning that much of the park remains off the well beaten tourist track.

LAKE MANYARA WILDLIFE

Large mammals are common and easily spotted in Manyara. Buffalo, wildebeest and giraffe are particularly notable.
Other favourites include zebra, elephant, hippo and warthog. Several antelope species are present, such as impala, bushbuck, Kirk’s dik-dik and klipspringer.
Lake Mayara boasts the largest baboon troops in the world (in excess of one hundred individuals).
The lake provides great bird watching, with over 400 species recorded, including 300 migratory birds.
In addition to pink flamingos, there are thousands of pelicans, long-crested eagle and grey-headed kingfisher present.

Activities

The short time spent in Manyara means that most only experience a brief game drive. For those with more time, there are also guided forest walks, abseiling on the escarpment walls and great bird watching tours.

When

Game viewing is fantastic all year round but is at its best in the dry season (July - October).

The wet season (December – February) is better for bird watching.

Further information