Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is found in the northern section of Tanzania, 126kms drive west of Arusha Town. CCompared to most expansive parks in Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is only 330sq.kms, 220sq.kms of which covers part of the lake. It is the smallest park in Tanzania and it is bounded by Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park. It was designated as a national park in 1960 and it takes its name from the Great Rift Valley. A visit to Lake Manyara National Park isn’t only about exploring its distinctly diverse wildlife but also enjoy its captivating view of the rift valley escarpment.

History of Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park’s history dates back in the 1920s when Lake Manyara was designated as a sports hunting area and in 1957, it attained the game reserve status. In 1960s, its status upgraded into a national park and it covered part of the narrow strip which stretches between the Gregory Rift Wall to West and Lake Manyara and to the East. The park stretches to cover the Northwestern quadrant of Lake Manyara and the expansive Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve. It was designated as biosphere reserve in 1981 by UNESCO.

Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park

Wildlife

The faunal species to see in Lake Manyara National Park include warthogs, elephants, tree climbing lions, zebras, lions, antelopes such as dik-dik, waterbucks, impalas, bush bucks as well as primates like Sykes’ monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys; hippos. Lake Manyara on the other hand hosts unique fish species like oreochromis amphimelas. There are also about 180 butterfly species.

Birdlife

This park boasts of over 300 avifaunal species which make it a remarkable birding site. The birds to identify in Lake Manyara National Park include stilt heron, pelicans, clucking crested guinea fowl, squawking hornbills, flamingos, eagles, yellow billed stork, spoonbill, egrets, lilac breasted rollers and not to forget several of migratory birdlife. To spot out diverse bird species in the park, better to embark on Tanzania safari around March, April, May-this is a period when most of the migratory birdlife

Bird species

Birds are some of the attractions Lake Manyara National Park has to offer the world. It is a home to over 300 avifaunal species which makes it an essential birding spot to visit on Tanzania safari. Lake Manyara in particular is ideal for birders to identify migratory birdlife. However, on birding trip in Lake Manyara National Park, expect to spot birds such as squawking hornbills, flamingos, egrets, lilac breasted rollers, stilt heron, pelicans, eagles, yellow billed stork, spoonbill, clucking crested guinea fowl.

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara itself is one significant tourist attraction to explore on Tanzania safari. It is an alkaline water lake which expands and contracts depending on the season. It features grassy flood plains and mixed acacia woodlands.

Activities to do in Lake Manyara National Park

Game viewing

This is one of the amazing safari activities offered to visitors on Tanzania safari in Lake Manyara National Park. It is best done in a 4x4 safari vehicle and wild animals to expect to come across include lions, giraffes, warthogs, klipspringer, tree climbing lions, dik-dik, zebras, impalas, birds and many more.

Bird watching

Bird watching in Lake Manyara National Park rewards birders with astonishing sights over birds such as egrets, flamingos, silver cheeked hornbills, clucking crested guinea fowl, spoonbills, yellow billed stork and many others.

Canoeing tours

For those of you love water sports, canoeing is that one activity to take in Lake Manyara National Park. Canoeing in this park is possible on Lake Manyara and you will have the best of the breathtaking view of rift valley escarpment and bird species.

Nature walks

You can also embark on guided nature walks while on Tanzania safari in Lake Manyara National Park. This is for you to uncover the hidden treasures within and outside the different habitats in the park. Nature enthusiasts can explore the park’s forest on the cliff of the escarpment which comes with amazing bird sights, exceptional view of the park and game viewing.

When to visit Lake Manyara National Park

Regardless of the season, a visit to Lake Manyara National Park can be done anytime of the year. However, June, July, August and September are the recommended months to visit Lake Manyara National Park for game viewing. In case you are interested in birding then recommended time to visit the park is between November and April when most migratory birds confine in the park.

Accommodation in Lake Manyara National Park

The lodges to spend a night on Tanzania safari in Lake Manyara National Park are Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and Kirurumu Tented Camp.

How to get to Lake Manyara National Park

It is possible to get to Lake Manyara National Park by road or by air. By road, we recommend 4x4 safari vehicle and you can reach the park within an hour and 30 minutes. You can as well get there from Babati the capital of Manyara area or alternatively, fly into nearby airport near to this national park.