Animals to see in Lake Manyara National Park : Lake Manyara National Park is famous for the flamingos that live on its beaches, with thousands coming to the lake’s margins during the wet season. It is also home to over 400 documented bird species, many of whom stay at this stable water supply all year. On any given day, you may expect to witness up to 100 different bird species, including big pelicans, cormorants, and storks, making it one of Tanzania’s most intriguing birdwatching spots
In addition to birds, the park’s grassy plains are home to Masai giraffe, wildebeest, and zebra, as well as buffalo, gazelles, and elephant herds that can be seen lumbering together. Hippos are frequently observed submerging and re-emerging in the lake waters at one end of the park, and you can dismount your safari vehicle and observe from a safe distance. Blue monkeys and baboons also live in the woodlands, with Lake Manyara National Park having one of the highest populations of baboons in the world.
Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions are another reason to visit, as this intriguing species is unique to the park. When lions and leopards are not searching for prey, they can be seen lazing on acacia trees in the park’s northern region. Keep an eye out on the grasslands below for banded mongooses, klipspringers, and Kirk’s dik-dik. In the park’s south, bubbling hot springs throw plumes of steam into the air, giving another layer to this wonderful natural attraction.
Lake Manyara National Park is best explored by game drives, which follow a north-south road that takes only a few hours to complete. Most safari companies visit in the afternoon, thus the morning is the best time to go out if you want to have the wildlife viewing opportunities all to yourself. If you wish to see some of Lake Manyara’s nocturnal species, the park also offers night safaris, and a bush dinner beneath the stars is a wonderful way to round off the trip.
How To Get To Lake Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara National Park is 126 kilometers (2.5 hours’ drive) southwest of Arusha, and domestic flights to Arusha are available from Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport and Zanzibar International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive 50 kilometres to Arusha to start your Tanzania wildlife safari. While the drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park is paved, some travelers choose to fly directly to the Lake Manyara Airport, which is positioned at the top of the rift wall.
Many visitors choose to visit Lake Manyara National Park as part of a multi-day safari excursion that also includes the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, known as the Northern Circuit. You can drive the circuit to and from Arusha or fly one way to the Serengeti airport to save time on the road. Alternatively, you might visit Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, which are almost adjacent to each other.
The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara National Park is best visited during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. The park’s sparse foliage makes wildlife easy to detect, and high populations can be seen refueling near water sources. Clear, sunny skies are perfect for wildlife drives, and the lack of rain means fewer insects in the evenings. However, you should pack enough of warm garments because the mornings and nights can be extremely cold. It’s also important to be aware that lodge and camp rates will usually be at their highest during this period.
As the rains fall in November, numerous animals begin their migration north to the Masai Steppe’s grazing areas. However, if you want to see Lake Manyara National Park’s outstanding birdlife, now is the time to go, since migrating birds from Europe and Asia are flocking there. Short rain showers in the afternoon should not detract from sightseeing, but keep in mind that you will not be treated to the big game wildlife display of the dry season.
Where to stay at Lake Manyara National Park?
Lake Manyara National Park has a wide range of resorts and campers to choose from, ranging from basic campsites and budget lodges to luxurious accommodations. There’s a low-cost campsite with a swimming pool and café, as well as a more established lodge with stunning views of the lake. Choose one of the houses perched on the Great Rift Valley escarpment for some of the most stunning views, replete with infinity pools and vast view decks. There are also magnificent tented camps nestled in the forest, providing all of the comforts of home while immersing yourself in the African bush.
You can alternatively stay at one of the safari lodges or camps within Tarangire National Park and then explore Lake Manyara from there. Alternatively, visit the Karatu area on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, which has a plethora of hotel alternatives.
Do you want to organize an off-the-beaten-track safari in Lake Manyara National Park? Explore our broad selection of luxury lodges and campgrounds to inspire you.
