Lake Manyara

On Safari in Lake Manyara National Park

Nestled between the towering Rift Valley escarpment and the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara, this lush national park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. Known for its diverse habitats, from acacia forests and swamplands to grasslands and lakeshores, Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique safari experience. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including baboons, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive tree-climbing lions, along with over 400 species of birds. This small but biodiverse park is ideal for those seeking an exciting and varied safari adventure.

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Where It's Located

Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania, along the western edge of the Great Rift Valley. The park is easily accessible, being just a 2-hour drive from Arusha and approximately 1.5 hours from Ngorongoro Crater. The park covers 330 square kilometers, with the majority of its area being covered by the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara itself.

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What Time of Year to Visit

Lake Manyara is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:

• For Wildlife Viewing: The dry season (June – October) is the best time to visit for wildlife sightings, as animals gather around the water sources and are easier to spot.
• For Bird Watching: November to April is the peak time for birdwatching, as migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa arrive, and resident species are in their breeding plumage.
• For Night Safaris: If you're interested in a unique experience, a night game drive is available year-round, offering a chance to see nocturnal animals in action.

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Which Animals Are Prevalent

Lake Manyara is home to a wide range of animals, thanks to its diverse habitats. Some of the key species you might encounter include:

• Baboons: Large troops of baboons are commonly seen in the park, especially in the lush forest areas.
• Elephants and Giraffes: These gentle giants are often spotted grazing in the open savannah or near the lake’s edge.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: Lake Manyara is famous for its lions that often climb trees, a behavior not commonly seen in other parks.
• Zebras, Antelopes, and Hippos: The park’s varied habitats support a range of herbivores, and hippos can often be seen lounging in the water at the Hippo Pool.
• Birdlife: Over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and birds of prey like the crowned eagle, can be spotted throughout the park.

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Who Should Visit

Lake Manyara National Park is ideal for a variety of travelers:

• Wildlife Enthusiasts: With its rich diversity of animals, including the famous tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara is a must-visit for safari lovers.
• Birdwatchers: The park is a birdwatching paradise, with over 400 species, making it a top destination for both amateur and professional birders.
• Adventure Seekers: The park offers a range of activities, including walking safaris, night game drives, and the unique treetop canopy walk, making it a great choice for those looking for a more active safari experience.
• Families and Casual Travelers: With its compact size and easily accessible wildlife, Lake Manyara is a great destination for families or those looking for a more relaxed safari.

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Game Drives in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is known for its varied landscapes, which make for a unique game drive experience. Game drives are best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when wildlife is most active.

• The Forest and Hippo Pool: After entering the park, you’ll find yourself in a lush green forest, which feels like a rainforest, home to large groups of baboons. The nearby Hippo Pool is a great spot to observe these massive creatures lounging in the water.
• The Shoreline and Grasslands: The open plains and lakeshore offer opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, and antelope grazing with the stunning backdrop of the lake.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: While sightings are rare, Lake Manyara is famous for its lions that climb trees, a behavior that sets them apart from lions in other parks.

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Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can experience a night game drive. Starting around 8:00 PM, this adventure takes you through the park’s thick groundwater forest and down to the lake’s edge. You’ll have the chance to see nocturnal creatures such as porcupines, genets, and civet cats. Hippos, which are nocturnal, are often seen grazing along the roads, and while sightings of leopards are not common, they do occur. Lions, typically inactive during the day, are often spotted at night as they become more active.

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Walking Safari in Lake Manyara National Park

For a more intimate experience with nature, consider a walking safari along the shores of Lake Manyara. Led by an experienced ranger, this 3-hour walk takes you through the park’s diverse ecosystems, ending at the Hot Springs. Early morning is the best time for this walk, as it’s quieter, and many animals come to the lake to drink before retreating to the shade. The walk provides a great opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the park up close.

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Birding Safari in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded. The park’s varied habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands, support a wide range of birdlife. Some of the highlights include:

• Waterbirds: Around the Hippo Pool, you can spot pink-backed pelicans, herons, storks, ibis, and black egrets. During the right season, the lake is home to thousands of flamingos.
• Birds of Prey: The park is home to over 50 species of birds of prey, including the crowned eagle and African hawk-eagle.
• Migratory Birds: From November to April, migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa flock to the park, adding to the already impressive bird diversity.

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Lake Manyara Tree Top Walkway

One of the unique experiences at Lake Manyara is the Tree Top Walkway, a 400-meter canopy walk that takes you through the park’s forest. The walkway rises gradually from ground level to 18 meters above the forest floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the park’s flora and fauna. The walk is a great way to see monkeys, butterflies, and birds up close, and it provides a peaceful, scenic experience. The walk typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and children must be at least 6 years old to participate.

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Mountain Bike Excursion in the Buffer Zones of the Park

For those looking for a more active adventure, Lake Manyara offers mountain bike excursions around the buffer zones of the park. These 2- to 3-hour tours take you through the village of Mto wa Mbu, where you’ll visit a local market, farms, and a church. The 3-hour tour also takes you to the shores of Lake Manyara, where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Rift Valley.

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Lake Manyara National Park offers a diverse and exciting safari experience, with a range of activities that cater to wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're exploring the park on a game drive, walking safari, or treetop canopy walk, Lake Manyara provides a unique and unforgettable glimpse into Tanzania’s natural beauty.

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Please click here to go to the official website of Lake Manyara National Park.