Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania, approximately 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha, near the Rift Valley escarpment. Its strategic location makes it convenient and easy to explore.
The park covers around 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), with Lake Manyara itself making up about two-thirds of the park’s total area.
The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include lush groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, grassy plains, and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara.
The western boundary of the park is marked by the dramatic rise of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, providing stunning views and unique geological features.
Wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, the park is pretty rich. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species recorded. The lake is home to large flocks of flamingos, as well as pelicans, storks, cormorants, and many other waterfowl.
One of the park’s most famous features is its population of tree-climbing lions, which are often seen lounging in the branches of acacia trees—a rare behavior not commonly observed elsewhere.
The park is also known for its large elephant herds, offering excellent opportunities for close-up viewing.
Visitors can encounter a variety of other animals, including buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, and a range of primates like baboons and vervet monkeys.
Activities and Attractions
The park offers excellent game drives, with the possibility of seeing a wide array of wildlife against the backdrop of the Rift Valley.
With its rich variety of bird species, bird watching is a popular activity, especially around the lake.When water levels permit, canoeing on Lake Manyara is a unique way to experience the park’s wildlife from the water.
Visitors can engage with local Masai communities near the park, learning about their culture and traditions.
The park also features hot springs, known locally as Maji Moto, where visitors can see steam rising from the ground and explore the geothermal activity of the area. The name of the hot springs translates to mean hot water which is a description of the hot springs.
