Lake Manyara National Park
A scenic park with flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and hot springs.
Overview
Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park, a breathtaking destination located in northern Tanzania. This park is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning scenery, and unique tree-climbing lions. The park is situated around the shallow alkaline Lake Manyara, which is home to thousands of flamingos and other water birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The park’s ecosystem is also home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons, and many other species of wildlife. The park is surrounded by the Rift Valley Escarpment, which rises to an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters, providing stunning views of the park and its surroundings. The park has a rich history, having been established in 1960Â
Things to Do
Take a game drive: Lake Manyara National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons, and many other species. A game drive is the best way to see these animals up close and personal.Â
Birdwatching: Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake that is home to thousands of flamingos and other water birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.Â
Walking safaris: Walking safaris are a unique way to explore the park’s ecosystem and wildlife. You can take a guided walk through the park’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and see wildlife up close.Â
Canoeing: Canoeing on Lake Manyara is a unique way to see the park’s wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.
What to See
Tree-climbing lions: Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, who climb trees to escape the heat and avoid insects.
Lake Manyara: The park’s namesake, Lake Manyara, is a stunning sight to behold. The shallow alkaline lake is home to thousands of flamingos and other water birds.
Rift Valley Escarpment: The park is surrounded by the Rift Valley Escarpment, which rises to an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters, providing stunning views of the park and its surroundings.Â
Hot springs: The park has several hot springs that are a popular destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. During this time, the wildlife is concentrated around the water sources, and the weather is pleasant.
Getting there
By Road: The most common way to get to Lake Manyara National Park is by road. The park is located about 126 kilometers from Arusha, which is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. The journey takes about two hours and can be done by private car, taxi, or bus. If you’re driving yourself, make sure that you have a 4×4 vehicle, as the roads in the park can be rough and uneven. The park entrance is easily accessible from the main road, and there is ample parking available.
By Air: If you prefer to travel by air, there are several airstrips located near Lake Manyara National Park. The closest airstrip is Lake Manyara Airport, which is located just outside the park’s entrance. The airport is served by several domestic airlines, including Coastal Aviation and Auric Air.
Another option is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located about 200 kilometers from Lake Manyara National Park. From there, you can take a connecting flight to Lake Manyara Airport or hire a private car to take you to the park.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge Â
Located just a few minutes drive from the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park, this lodge offers spacious rooms with a private balcony or terrace, a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, and a swimming pool. The lodge also offers guided tours of the nearby areas.
Migunga Forest Camp Â
This eco-friendly camp is located just 5 km from the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park, and offers comfortable and spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms. The camp also has a restaurant, bar, and lounge area.
Eileen’s Trees Inn
This lodge is located in the town of Karatu, just a short drive from Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge offers comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine.
Luxury Accommodation:
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
This luxury lodge is set on the edge of the Rift Valley Escarpment, offering stunning views of Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge features 67 spacious rooms, each with a private balcony or terrace, en-suite bathroom, and fireplace. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.Â
Manyara Ranch Conservancy
This luxury tented camp is located on a private conservancy just outside of Lake Manyara National Park. The camp features 10 spacious tents, each with a private veranda, en-suite bathroom, and outdoor shower. The camp also has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
Other Attractions in Tanzania
Changu Island
Pemba Island
Mount Kilimanjaro
Katavi National Park
Mikumi National Park
Tarangire National Park
Arusha National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation
Zanzibar
Saadani National Park
Mafia Island
General Knowledge Base
General information about Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in Tanzania that is famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania, near the town of Mto wa Mbu.
Lake Manyara National Park covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometers.
Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake that is home to thousands of flamingos and other water birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife is concentrated around the water sources and the weather is pleasant.
The highest point in Lake Manyara National Park is the Rift Valley Escarpment, which rises to an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters.
Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area, with its unique ecosystem and wildlife protected and preserved for future generations.
Lake Manyara National Park is home to a number of different tribes, including the Maasai and the Iraqw, who have lived in the area for centuries and have a deep cultural connection to the land and its wildlife.
