Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania – Manyara National Park Safari Tours

Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania is situated within the Arusha region & Manyara area. This famous park in northern Tanzania safari circuit is found between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara covering an area of about 325km2 including approximately 230km2 of Lake Manyara- an alkaline lake.

Popularly, Manyara National Park is known for Flamingoes that dwell in the lake. Thousands of Flamingos are present in Lake Manyara park throughout the wet season but, they are absent in the dry season.

Within this great biodiverse park, over 400 bird species and various animal species animals dwell there. During your Lake Manyara safari tours, wildlife is spotted in diverse habitats including; acacia woodlands, baobab-strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps, and even along the lake.

Though there is an array of wildlife in Lake Manyara NP, most travelers are interested in tree climbing Lions. Others include; Plain Zebra herds, Big Elephant herds, Leopards, large herds of Wildebeests, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Giraffes, Buffalo herds, Grant’s gazelle as well as Thomson’s gazelles among others.

Some of the amazing tourist activities in Lake Manyara National Park include; bird watching, game viewing, Lake Manyara boat ride, explore the hot springs, to mention but a few.

It’s very easy to include Lake Manyara safaris to other great Tanzania parks in the northern circuit such as Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park– the home of the great wildebeest migration. Normally, this park is a stopover!

Everything about the Lake Manyara National Park tour in Tanzania is discussed below;

Location of Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania- Where is Lake Manyara Located?

Manyara National Park is situated about 126km in southwest of Arusha. From Arusha, you can reach this protected area in about 1.5 hour’s drive. Still, you can reach Manyara park from Babati- the capital of the Manyara region. Lake Manyara airport is just nearby.

The 35,399-hectare Marang Forest Reserve is located to the south, on the cliff that overlooks the park. East of here lies the Kwa Kuchinja Wildlife Migration corridor, which facilitates animal migration between the Engaruka Basin in the northern part, Lake Manyara in the west, and the neighboring Tarangire National Park in the southeast.

Tanzania’s Lake Manyara NP altitude ranges from 954-2,055m above sea level.

Lake Manyara National Park History

People have been using the Lake Manyara area as an area for spot hunting since the 1920s but, it was gazetted as a game reserve in 1957. It was established as a national park in 1960, and in 1974, an extra 550 ha were added to the southern end. An alkaline lake called Lake Manyara is to the east and the Gregory Rift wall is to the west. This narrow strip of land makes up most of the park’s land area.

The national park only covers about 200km2 in the northwest corner of the lake. It’s a part of the much bigger Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, which was set up by UNESCO in 1981 as part of its Man and the Biosphere Program.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania

Travelers on Lake Manyara tours will encounter numerous amazing things in this protected area such as; game animal species, birds, thousands of flamingos, and Lake Manyara, among others.

The following are some of the best things to see in Lake Manyara Park;

1. Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is the main tourist attraction for tourists on Lake Manyara National Park tours. The name of this beautiful lake covering two thirds of this park comes from the name of a popular tree species in the area, which is called Emanyara. This lake is the main source of water for wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park.

Within Lake Manyara, you’ll see various amazing animal species such as; Crocodiles and hippos, plus many bird species on the lake shores including thousands of Flamingoes on Manyara Lake surface. Taking a boat ride is the best way to explore this alkaline volcanic lake.

2. Game animals in Lake Manyara National Park

The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, from small types to large animals that live there year-round.

Among the main animal species in Lake Manyara park are the Big Five. Lake Manyara has four of the big 5, but not a Rhino. Baboons, which play along the road, are the most common animals. Other animal species that can be seen include; Plain Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, Waterbucks, Wildebeests, Grant’s Gazelle, Thomson’s Gazelle, and Warthogs to mention but a few.

During the Lake Manyara trip, wildlife is best spotted on game drives within diverse landscape and diverse habitats.

3. Bird species in Lake Manyara Park

With more than 400 species of birds, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for being a birder’s paradise for tourists on birding safaris in Tanzania. The park is small, but it is home to many birds!

At the salty Lake Manyara shores, there is a big flock of flamingos. The park is home to both migrating birds that come to breed and birds that live there all the time. Year round, visitors can see both water birds and birds that live on land in the park. Also, the ground water forest is ideal for bird watching.

Some of the notable bird species in Lake Manyara park are; Flamingoes, Kingfishers, Pink-backed Pelicans, Yellow billed storks, Southern ground hornbills, Lilac-breasted rollers, Grey crowned cranes, Saddle-billed stork, and Sacred Ibis.

4. Great Rift Valley Escarpment

Rift Valley escarpments form in Lake Manyara National Park and this is due to volcanicity. Most of these escarpments for (example the rocky escarpment) are about 1,600 meters above sea level. The walls of the Rift Valley offer breathtaking views especially while from the main gate.

Normally travelers on the way to Ngorongoro crater make a stop over here to have great aerial views of Lake Manyara NP- Tanzania’s famous park established in 1960.

5. The Hot spring

Since this park sits in the Rift Valley area, it holds some volcanic features, and among these are the hot springs on the western shores of Lake Manyara. These hot springs boil at over 600C and normally tourists boil eggs from here for a remarkable experience.

The hot springs in Lake Manyara park are formed when geothermal heats the groundwater. Great pressure forces this water to rise thus, forming a hot spring.

Main Tanzania Safari Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

Things to do in Lake Manyara park are many and among these include; safari drives, bird watching, lake Manyara boat rides, as well as game walks, etc. Regardless of the activity you go for, be expectant to spot most of the game animal species in the famous Lake Manyara NP.

The best Lake Manyara National Park activities;

1. Enjoy game drives in Lake Manyara National Park

The main tourism activity on your Lake Manyara tour is game driving. Within this protected area, safari drives are done in three swifts; morning game drive, afternoon, and night game drive, all done in a tour vehicle with a 4-wheel drive.

While on the drive, travelers usually get close encounters with game animals within the beautiful African wilderness. There are game tracks where it’s done from, taking you to various ecosystems in the park including savannah grasslands and acacia woodland.

Note that, few national parks in Tanzania allow night safaris! In Lake Manyara, these drives (starting at 7 pm) are offered by Lake Manyara Serena Lodge but, you’ll be accompanied by an armed park ranger.

Regardless of the game drive you do, you’ll encounter large Buffalo herds, Olive Baboons, Plain Zebra herds, Giraffes, Leopards, Hyenas, large herds of Wildebeests, Grant’s Gazelles, and even the tree climbing Lions, etc.

Afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara National Park offer the best opportunity to spot the tree climbing Lions up in acacia trees. These trees are in the south of this famous park.

2. Enjoy the Treetop Walk in Lake Manyara National Park

Undertaking a treetop walk is a great way to explore the lovely rain forest in Lake Manyara NP. While on this treetop walk, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the park woods and you should note that, among Tanzania’s national parks, this is the only place to enjoy a canopy walk.

3. Canoe Ride on Lake Manyara

Canoe rides in Lake Manyara NP are done on Lake Manyara- a shallow alkaline lake and this is only possible within the rainy season. These scenic boat rides depend on how much water is in Lake Manyara.

When the water level is low, the boat rides can’t be done.

4. Bird watching in Lake Manyara Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a little birding haven with approximately 400 species of birds. In Lake Manyara park, you’ll spot numerous avifauna such as; Flamingos, Herons, Storks, Grew crowned cranes, Lilac Breasted Roller, Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow billed storks, Rufous-tailed Weaver, the Crested guinea fowl, Southern ground hornbill, among others.

To have the best birding experience in Manyara park, you need to have an expert guide, a bird book, and good zooming cameras.

Some of the notable birding spots include; Lake Manyara shores and even the ground water forest which is densely populated with Mahogany trees in the south of the park. You should be expectant to explore the beautiful nature of this park.

5. Exploring the Hot Springs

During your Lake Manyara adventure, a visit to explore its hot springs allows you to learn about volcanicity. Be eager to explore the incredible power of nature! Bananas and eggs can be cooked in this geothermal feature. The temperature of this hot springs boils over 600C.

6. Cultural Encounters in Lake Manyara National Park

Cultural encounters in Lake Manyara park give you room to interact with the natives in the local community hence, exploring the amazing culture of Africa on top of your wildlife vacation. Normally, travelers explore Maasai culture or explore Mto wa Mbu- a small town with various amazing unique local tribes close Manyara park- home of the tree climbing Lions.

During this adventure, be eager to immerse yourself as you learn about the semi-rural life of people, especially in Mto wa Mbu. In most cases, visitors on this cultural tour participate in making local beer, testing a traditional meal, and village walks, among others including enjoying music dance, and drama.

It’s better you undertake this memorable adventure with a local guide. He will inform you about the local customs and help you in difficult circumstances as well.

The Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park?- When Should I Go to Lake Manyara?

It is possible to observe wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park throughout the entire year; however, the ideal time to do so is during the dry season, which runs from July to October. On the other hand, this extremely picturesque park is at its most stunning during the wet season, which lasts from November to May. During this time, the flora is especially lush, and waterfalls stream down the cliff.

Popular Lake Manyara Lodges, Lake Manyara National Park Hotels

Looking for Lake Manyara accommodation to use on your visit, we have summarized for you some of the best lodges to use in this park. These are classified into budget lodges, mid-range facilities as well as luxury lodges, found inside and outside the park. Below are some of the best facilities you should use during your

Luxury hotels in Lake Manyara National Park; Lake Manyara Sopa Lodge, Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, Manyara Green Camp, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, as well as Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, etc.

Midrange Hotels in Lake Manyara Park; Migunga Tented Lodge, Twiga Lodge, Kirurumu Tented Lodge, and Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp, to mention but a few.

Budget accommodation in Lake NP; Eco boma camp, Jambo rooms plus Nsya Lodge. If you love camping, it’s possible also on your Lake Manyara tour.

Packing List for Lake Manyara National Park Tours

The holiday packing list for the Lake Manyara safari expedition is simple and shouldn’t stress you. This packing list can also work for Tanzania wildlife safaris in national parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire, and Nyerere National Park- the former Selous Game Reserve, among others.

Here is what to pack for Lake Manyara tours;

• A nice camera for taking photos
• Binoculars
• Sunhat and sunscreens- These are vital for most East Africa safari tours
• Insect repellants
• Light jungle walking boots
• Comfortable safari clothes, ensure that they are eco-friendly in colors like khaki and brown.
• Travel adapters
• A light-day backpack
• Personal toiletries such as toothbrushes, tampons for ladies, etc.
• A simple medical kit with painkillers and anti-malaria pills

Getting to Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania

The majority of tourists travel to Lake Manyara National Park from Arusha, the safari hub of Tanzania. The distance between Arusha and Lake Manyara is 126 kilometers, and the newly paved route leading to the northern gate takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

From Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you can take a 40-minute flight to Lake Manyara Airport (LKY). It’s around 46 kilometers from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

FAQs About Lake Manyara National Park Safari Tours

1. What Is Special About Manyara National Park?

Lake Manyara National Park holds a rich diversity of wildlife including 4 of the Big Five except Rhinos. Also, this gorgeous park is one of the few parks in Africa to see the tree climbing Lions, spotted mostly in acacia trees. This park is a habitat for large flocks of Flamingoes on its soda ash lake Manyara and holds one of the highest populations of Elephants in Tanzania. Don’t forget the breathtaking scenery.

2. Is Lake Manyara Worth Visiting? : Is It Worth Going to Lake Manyara?

Travelers can only miss the Lake Manyara tour only if they have to! This beautiful park offers remarkable game viewing tours and it’s a great destination for birding tours with over 400 bird species. Often, travelers visit this park while going for Tanzania safari tours in Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.

3. Are There Leopards in Lake Manyara?

Yes, it’s possible to spot Leopards during your game viewing safaris in Lake Manyara Park. These elusive beasts are best spotted during night drives as they are mostly nocturnal in nature.

4. How Many Lions Are in Manyara National Park Africa?

With a density of roughly double that of Ngorongoro Crater and Nairobi National Park, Lake Manyara park holds approximately 0.4 lions/km2.

5. When Can You See Flamingos in Lake Manyara?

The ideal time to see flamingoes in Lake Manyara park is during the dry season. These dwell along the soda ash lake Manyara. Migratory bird species are present from November to April.

6. Is Lake Manyara Fresh or Salty Lake?

There are a lot of dissolved salts in Lake Manyara, which makes it an alkaline or soda lake with a pH close to 9.5. As salts build up and water evaporates throughout the dry season, the water gets more and more brackish. When the weather is dry, enormous areas of mudflats along the lake shore become visible.

Let us tailor your Tanzania tour in Lake Manyara National Park and experience the unique attractions and activities of this park. Be expectant to spot the mysterious tree climbing Lions and many others. It’s easy to add this destination to Tanzania wildlife safaris in Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater.

Contact the Prime Safaris team for any inquiries about Tanzania tours.