Lake Manyara National Park

Tanzania Safari Expeditions!

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most popular safari destinations. It is located along the Northern Tanzania safari tourism circuit alongside Serengeti, Tarangire National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

The park was established in 1960 and covers a land area of 325 square kilometers. It lies between Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley escarpment, giving it an exclusive location. The park’s ecosystem comprises open savanna grasslands, woodlands, and swamps. These ecosystems are home to several wildlife species making it a one-stop center for wildlife Discovery Journeys.

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Safaris To Lake Manyara National Park

5 days2

5-Day Tanzania Safari

Ngorongoro Crater

$2000

Explore

7 days2

7-Day Tanzania Safari

Tarangire National Park

$2000

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9 days3

9-Day Tanzania Safari

Tarangire National Park

$2000

Explore

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds. Lions are often seen in acacia trees relaxing. This is a rare lion feature as they spend most of their time patrolling their territory.

Giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests are other notable safari animals in the park. They are easily spotted in game drives, given the park size. Lake Manyara National Park has a forest at the park entrance home to primates, including olive baboons and blue monkeys.

The park is a birder’s haven with over 400 bird species. Crown Hornbills, Pink-backed Pelicans, Abdims stork, African Jacana, Comb ducks, and crowned eagles are among the notable birds in the park. Lake Manyara National Park’s diversity makes it a must-visit Tanzania safari destination.

What to Do

Game Drives

The park’s rich wildlife is best explored on game drives following the different trails. Lake Manyara National Park game drives are rewarding as you journey with the land’s largest mammals. With the park’s diverse ecosystems, you are assured of seeing several safari animals. Game drives are best enjoyed early mornings and evenings when animals are most active.

Birding

Lake Manyara is an alkaline lake, and it attracts pink flamingos. Pelicans and other water birds are easily spotted along the Lake shores. The grassland and woodland areas are also rich in birdlife, making birding Discovery Journeys in the park remarkable.

Canoeing

Canoeing is another remarkable adventure to be part of on a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. This is done in locally made wooden canoes and offers impressive scenic views of the surroundings. Safari animals like hippos and waterbucks are best seen on canoe rides.

Walking Safaris

Lake Manyara National Park offers incredible walking safari tours. Walking safaris allow one to get closer to wildlife and learn more about the small wildlife species, including insects.

Walking safaris are sustainable and the best way to explore the ecosystem with minimal environmental impacts.

Maji Moto Hot Springs excursions

Maji Moto Hot Springs originates from Lake Manyara National Park. The park lies in a volcanic area, and iconic features like the Lake and hot springs are attributed to this. On a visit to the hot springs, you learn more about the different geographical features that resulted from volcanic activity.

Where to stay

Lake Manyara National Park has various lodging options ranging from budget to high-end. &beyond’s Lake Manyara tree lodge is exquisite and perfectly located in the middle of the woodlands. It is the only lodge within the park making it the ideal place to stay.

Manyaras Secret Lodge is a boutique luxury lodge that overlooks Lake Manyara. Each Villa is spacious, with a plunge pool and sitting area. They have outside showers and ensuite bathrooms. Manyaras Secret Lodge is located a few minutes drive from the park gate and it is also ideal to base from when exploring the park.

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is another luxurious option near the park. It is perched on the Great Rift Valley escarpment with impressive scenic views. The Lodge’s cottages are exclusive and cozy making one’s stay more memorable.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Baobab Tented Camp, and Suricata Boma Lodge are other options you can opt for.

Getting to there

The park is best accessed by road from Arusha. It takes a 2-hour drive with en route stopovers at some places of interest. Most Discovery Journeys to the park go via Tarangire National Park, about a 1-hour drive away.

You can also get to the park by air from Arusha Airport or Serengeti National Park. There are scheduled and charter flights to Lake Manyara Airstrip taking about 45 minutes.

Best time to Visit

The dry season months from June to October and December to February are the best times to visit the park. Game drives and wildlife viewing are easy with minimal rainfall disturbances.

Birding safaris are best experienced from November to May when birds are in full plumage. Migratory birds are also present, which increases the bird diversity.