Visiting Lake Manyara National Park: Lake Manyara National Park is located in Tanzania, and is one of the most remarkable and diverse parks in East Africa. The park is located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is located 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha and can be reached by car in an hour and a half. The park can also be reached from Babati the capital of the Manyara Region. Lake Manyara Airport is nearby, and to the south, situated on the escarpment above the park, is the 35,399-ha Marang Forest Reserve. To the east is the Kwa Kuchinja Wildlife Migration corridor, which allows wildlife to migrate between the nearby Tarangire National Park to the southeast, Lake Manyara to the west, and the Engaruka Basin to the north. Lake Manyara National Park is part of the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve. Lake Manyara, including the areas within and outside the national park, along with the Marang Forest Reserve on the adjacent uplands are included in the Lake Manyara Important Bird Area. The national park was established in 1960 and its spans an area of around 330 square kilometers, with Lake Manyara itself accounting for about two-thirds of this expanse. The park is the charming soda lake that occasionally swells and secedes with the seasons. The enthralling feature of Lake Manyara National Park is the unique combination of ecosystems found within its relatively compact area. The park is bordered by steep, escarpment cliffs on one side and the shimmering lake on the other, creating breathtaking scenery for visitors. The landscape transforms remarkably with the seasons, offering visitors the chance to witness diverse flora and fauna throughout the year.
Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is exceptionally vibrant, making it a hotspot for nature lovers and enthusiasts. The park is famous for its populations of elephants, which can often be seen foraging in the woodlands or taking shade under ancient baobab trees. Lake Manyara National Park is also home to a diverse range of species, including wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, bushbuck, waterbuck, impalas, cape buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, baboon, warthogs, elephants, black rhinos, lion, leopards, spotted hyena, African wild cat, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, serval, honey badger, African civet, cheetah, African golden cat, mongoose species and genet species among others. However, the park is a particularly celebrated forest avian population, hosting over 400 species of birds. Birdwatchers flock here to see the pink flamingos wading along the lake’s shores, as well as numerous other birds such as the elusive created crane, kingfishers, Storks, African Jacana, Hornbills, Herons, Pelicans, Cormorants, Shoebill, Hamerkop, Secretary-bird, Waxbills, Weavers, Sunbird, Flycatchers, Abyssinian Thrush, Grassbirds, Gray Wren-Warbler, Bushshrike, Parrots, Falcons, Woodpeckers, Honeyguides, African Barbets, Rollers, Bee-eaters, Woodhoopoes, Mousebirds and Owls among others. The unique combination of ecosystems, coupled with the park’s rich wildlife and stunning scenery enhances its allure as a premier destination for safaris and wildlife viewing. Guided walking safaris and canoeing activities on Lake Manyara allows visitors to explore the hidden gems of the park’s offering in more immersive ways, creating memorable experiences that blend adventures and tranquillity. Lake Manyara Natural Park serves as both a charm retreat and a vibrant wildlife sanctuary, inviting travelers to explore its enchanting magnificence.
What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park Safari?
The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is during the dry season which typically runs from June to October. During this season, the park is teeming with wildlife as animals congregate around the lake to quench their thirst. The vegetation is also less dense, making it easier to spot animals such as bushbuck, waterbuck, impalas, cape buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, baboons, warthogs, elephants, black rhinos, lion, leopards, spotted hyena, African wild cat and black-backed jackal.
The dry season also offers the best opportunity for bird watching as many migratory species flock to the park during this time. Flamingos, pelicans and storks can be seen in abundance along the shores of the lake, creating astonishing sight for visitors. additionally, the weather during the dry season is mild and pleasant, with little to no rainfall. This makes for ideal conditions for game drives and hiking through the park, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of lake Manyara.
What are the best safari activities to do while on a Lake Manyara National Park Safari?
Game drives
Visiting Lake Manyara National Park: Game dives in Lake Manyara National Park offer an exhilarating opportunity to witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. The park is renowned for its various ecosystems, from the lush green floor to the Rift Valley to the expansive soda lake. visitors can explore the park on guided game drives, either in open-top vehicles or with a privet guide. The drives usually span several hours offering visitors a chance to see the iconic tree-climbing lions, elephants, herds of buffaloes, bushbuck, wildebeest, zebras, waterbuck, impalas, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyena, African wild cat and black- backed jackal among others. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 400 species including stork, flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, heron, African Jacana, Hornbills, Herons, Pelicans, Cormorants, Shoebill, Hamerkop, Secretary-bird, Waxbills, Weavers, Sunbird, Flycatchers, Abyssinian Thrush, Grassbirds, Gray Wren-Warbler, Bush shrike, Parrots and Falcons among others. Morning drives, starting with the crisp air and golden sunlight increases the chances of spotting predators as they hunt. Afternoon drives often reveal animals quenching their thirst at watering holes, providing excellent photography opportunities.
Birdwatching
Visiting Lake Manyara National Park: Lake Manyara National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 species of birds, making its one of Tanzania’s premier birding destinations. The park’s diverse habitat including wetlands, acacia forest, and grasslands, attracts an array of bird species year-round. During your bird watching tours in the park , you will have the spot variety of beautiful bird species such as African Pygmy Kingfisher, African Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Grey-headed Kingfisher, African Pygmy Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, White-browed Coucal, Common Ostrich, Little Bittern, Dwarf Bittern, White-backed Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Striated Heron, Squacco Heron, Madagascar Pond Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Speckled Mousebird, White-headed Mousebird, Blue-naped Mousebird, Narina’s Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, African Black Coucal, Jacobin Cuckoo, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, African Emerald Cuckoo, Diederick Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo, African Rail, African Crake, Black Crake, Purple Swamphen, Allen’s Gallinule, Common Moorhen, Lesser Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover and Kittlitz’s Plover among others. Early morning excursions when birds are most active are particularly rewarding, along with afternoon for observing nesting behaviors. Birdwatching in lake manyara enriches the safari experiences, allowing visitors not only to spot wildlife but also to appreciate balance of ecosystem and birdlife.
Canoeing adventure
Visiting Lake Manyara National Park: Canoeing on Lake Manyara is an extraordinary way to experience the park from a unique viewpoint. This unique activity allows visitors to glide over the calm waters while observing wildlife in a tranquil environment. Guided canoe safaris offer an intimate interaction with nature, as predators can get surprisingly close to elephants bathing and hippo basking on the shores. The canoeing experience is complemented by breathtaking view of the Rift Valley Great Escarpment and diverse birdlife including heron, pelican, kingfishers and storks among others. This thrilling activity is ideal during the dry season, these tours guided by adventurers along the lake’s edges, attracting wildlife viewing opportunities and offering the possibility of personal encounters with the park’s rich ecosystems. Expert guides ensure the safety and provide insight into the local flora and fauna, enriching the experience. Canoeing at lake Manyara is not just about wildlife but also about embracing the tranquillity of nature, making it an ideal escape for those looking to unwind while connecting with the beautiful landscape of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Photo safaris
Visiting Lake Manyara National Park: Photo safaris in Lake Manyara National Park offer a unique opportunity to capture the stunning wildlife and landscape through the lens of a camera. This activity is particularly suited for both amateur and professional photographers keen to document wildlife behaviors and breathtaking scenery. Guided by expert photographers and wildlife guides. While on your photo safaris in the park, you will have the chance to learn essential techniques for photographing animals in their natural habitat. The diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara provide ample opportunities to capture a wide range of subjects from the famous tree-climbing lions to vibrant flocks of birds. Photo safari in the park is normally conducted in the early morning and late afternoon. During the safaris, you will be guided to the best locations in the park, where wildlife congregates, leading to memorable shots. Additionally, photo safaris often encompass tips on composition, lighting and understanding animals’ behavior, enriching the overall experience.
