Discover Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a captivating natural experience, featuring lush forests, wildlife, and unique landscapes. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, vibrant flamingos, and the Rift Valley escarpment, this park promises an unforgettable adventure. Covering 648.7 km², it is named after the Euphorbia tirucalli plant, known as Emanyara in the Maasai language.
Climate
- Seasons: The park has a bi-modal rainfall pattern with short rains from November to December, long rains from February to May, and a dry season from June to October.
- Altitude: 850 to 2,000 meters
- Rainfall: 650 to 760mm annually
Getting There
- By Road: The park is located 115 km from Arusha via the Makuyuni-Ngorongoro road.
- By Air: Accessible through scheduled flights to Manyara Airstrips.
Key Attractions
- Tree-Climbing Lions: A unique sight, the lions in Manyara rest in trees during the heat of midday.
- Marang’ Forest: Home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and leopards.
- Hot Springs: The water, heated by volcanic activity, reaches 76.5°C and is believed to have curative properties.
- Groundwater Forest: A dense forest that shelters bushbucks, primates, and various bird species.
- Rift Valley Views: The park offers stunning vistas of the Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder.
Wildlife
- Mammals: Elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and occasional cheetahs.
- Birdlife: Over 390 species, including flamingos, pelicans, raptors, and forest hornbills.
Activities Lake Manyara National Park provides a variety of activities for nature lovers and adventurers.
- Game Drive: Explore the park's wildlife, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more along the lower slopes of the Rift Valley.
- Night Game Drive: Witness nocturnal creatures in action, giving you a whole new perspective on the park’s ecosystem.
- Walking Safari: Trek through the park’s trails, discovering wildlife and landscapes from an up-close viewpoint.
- Canoeing: Paddle across the lake, enjoying views of the escarpment and aquatic life.
- Bird Watching: Observe up to 100 different bird species in a day, perfect for bird enthusiasts.
- Canopy Tree Walk: Experience a unique perspective of the forest and wildlife on one of Africa’s longest canopy walkways.
Accommodation Within the park, you can find luxury lodges, bandas, hostels, and campsites. Additionally, there are several accommodations just outside the park, many offering stunning views of the Rift Valley.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Manyara National Park
Experience the beauty and diversity of this remarkable park—its landscapes, wildlife, and activities offer something for every adventurer.