Destinations
Lake Manyara National Park
FLAMINGO HAVEN
Lake Manyara National Park, located in Tanzania's Arusha and Manyara Regions, stretches between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. Managed by Tanzania National Parks Authority, it covers 325 km2 (125 sq mi), including 230 km2 (89 sq mi) of lake surface.
The park originally used for sports hunting, it became a game reserve in 1957 and attained National Park status in 1960, with a later expansion in 1974.
Lake Manyara National Park beckons with untamed wonders, from its Rift Valley soda lake to lush woodlands and rugged mountainsides. Its renowned attractions include the enigmatic tree-climbing lions and the majestic elephant herds, protected with utmost care. Experience nature's grandeur in this exceptional wilderness.
The lake's shores teem with over 400 bird species, including pink flamingos. Witness buffalo, cheetahs, Masai giraffes, and impalas. Delight in the ground-water forest, acacia woodland, and Maji Moto hot springs. Spot troops of baboons, Sykes monkeys, and galagos. Observe Cape clawless otters, Egyptian mongooses, hippos, and klipspringers among other fascinating park residents. A Lake Manyara safari promises an unforgettable wilderness experience.
How to get there
Optimal access to Lake Manyara NP is via Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Situated 46 km from Arusha, this airport serves as a convenient gateway. Alternatively, fly to Arusha Airport (ARK) domestically or use Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam for an alternate route
Wildlife
Manyara National Park, a haven for wildlife, shelters tree-climbing lions, hippos, giraffes, impalas, and zebras. The lake attracts a multitude of birdlife, with pink flamingo flocks gracing its shores. Mahogany and sausage trees thrive with blue and vervet monkeys, while elephants relish fallen fruit. Bushbuck, baboons, and leopards find their sanctuary in the forest's embrace.
Activities
Marvel at large elephant herds, enjoy game drives for wildlife encounters, track tree-climbing lions, observe dynamic baboon troops, visit the 'pink' lake with flamingoes and hippos, and explore the 360-meter Lake Manyara Tree-Top Walkway, revealing unique wildlife amidst lush forest treetops.
Best time to visit
Optimal time for Lake Manyara National Park visits is during summer (November-April). Witness migrating birds, flamingos, wildebeests, and zebras grazing near the lake. Be aware of the rainy season, with cool nights.
