Lake Manyara National Park
HOME TO TREE-CLIMBING LIONS
Tour Overview
Known for its rare tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara National Park is nothing short of a vibrant destination to include on your bucket list. Hugging the western escarpment of the Rift Valley, the park stretches across a shallow 390-sq.-km expanse, with 230 sq. km falling within its boundaries. Though it shrinks in the dry season, Lake Manyara is a vital lifeline for diverse wildlife such as elephants, hippos, zebras, the Maasai giraffes, buffaloes, and wildebeest roam freely, with leopards and hyenas occasionally spotted in more remote areas.
Moreover, the park is a true avian paradise, with a high concentration of birdlife. Its shimmering salt lakes draw countless flamingos, painting the horizon with vibrant pink hues. As you explore around, you might catch sight of the lions perched high in acacia trees, an unexpected yet unforgettable sight in this rich and lively safari destination.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Manyara National Park
The Lake Manyara National Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique attractions.
Dry Season (June to October)
This period provides the clearest views and the easiest game spotting as wildlife congregates around the shrinking water sources. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity make for comfortable safaris. It’s also the best time for birdwatching, as migratory species are present and the park’s diverse habitats are more accessible.
Wet Season (November to May)
While some areas might become challenging to reach due to rains, this season transforms the park into a lush paradise. The landscape is vibrant with greenery, and it’s a fantastic time to witness the park’s dramatic scenery. The wet season is ideal for spotting migratory birds and experiencing the lush, verdant landscapes.
Peak Season (July to September)
This is when the park sees the highest number of tourists. It’s ideal for safari goers who don’t mind a bustling atmosphere but down for optimal game viewing conditions.
Daytime Game Drives
Daytime game drives at Lake Manyara National Park offer an exceptional safari experience, starting as early as 6:30 am when the park gates open. Right from the park’s dense woodland, you’ll navigate through baboon-filled forests and vast grasslands in a customized 4×4 safari Land Cruiser.
Despite its quieter state, the park reveals its true beauty as the savannah opens up further inside. Along the thin acacia belt by the lake shore, you’re most likely to spot the park’s peculiar lions, all set against the stunning backdrop of the savannah and the towering Rift Valley escarpment.
Night Game Drives
Unlike other national parks such as Tarangire where night drives require coordination with your lodge, here, the freedom to organize a nocturnal adventure adds a personal touch to the thrill. It’s a unique opportunity that allows you to explore the park at night, when the wilderness is at its quietest, revealing a side of nature that’s often unseen, a world of subtle movements and hidden wonders of creatures that thrive under the cover of darkness.
Guided Walking Safaris
The thrill of exploring Lake Manyara National Park on foot offers an intimacy with the wilderness, far removed from the typical experience. In just 2-3 hours, small groups of up to eight, led by an armed ranger, will venture through three distinct trails, each revealing a unique glimpse of the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.The Msara trail , which is the closest at just 11kmfrom the park’s gate, winds along theMsara river at the foot of the Rift Valley Escarpment. This trail is a haven for birdwatchers, with its lush surroundings providing perfect conditions to spot a variety of avian species, and winds up in a panoramic viewpoint.
Further into the park, at 38km , the Lake Shore meanders across acacia woodland and savannah, bringing you face to face with the possibility of encountering large mammals and witnessing flamingos gathered along the edge of the lake. This trail offers an exhilarating experience, delving you deeper into Manyara’s vibrant ecosystem.Finally, the Iyambi river , 50km from the gate, takes you through a more rugged landscape of wooded and rocky terrain. It’s a quieter path, ideal for birdwatching and offering a serene setting with occasional sightings of mammals that thrive in this hidden corner of the park.
Canoeing
Treetop Walkway
Elevate your safari with a thrilling stroll among the treetops, gliding along suspended walkways high above the forest floor. This adventure offers a bird’s-eye perspective of Lake Manyara, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of wildlife. As you traverse these elevated paths, you’ll enjoy a unique view of the park’s diverse landscapes, bringing you closer to nature’s wonders in an unforgettable style.
Birdwatching
The diverse habitats surrounding Lake Manyara make it a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park is an ornithologist’s delight, boasting a dazzling array of raptors and water birds. Among the avian stars are the vast flocks of pink flamingos, drawn by the algae-rich waters.
Eurasian migrants add to the spectacle, while the constant birdsong – from before dawn until nightfall – fills the air. Though the full list of species is endless, expect to spot pelicans, storks, herons, ibis, and many more. The prime time for birdwatching stretches from November to April, though the swamp areas can become challenging to access during the long rains from March to May.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
in Lake Manyara National Park
OTHER INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT AROUND LAKE MANYARA
Mto Wa Mbu Village a Cultural Hub
Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant small town just outside Lake Manyara National Park, is a melting pot of cultures, where over 100 tribes coexist, making it one of the most diverse small towns in Tanzania. With bustling markets, intriguing activities, and opportunities to visit local homes, schools, churches, and a banana-leaf bar, Mto wa Mbu presents a unique blend of traditions, cultures, and cuisines.
This dynamic community, set against a backdrop of lush banana plantations and towering baobab trees, offers a captivating glimpse into Tanzania’s rich cultural tapestry, boasting one of the richest linguistic mixes in Africa.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Around Mto Wa Mbu
Mountain Biking
Take a break from the abundance of cultural experiences and dive into the thrill of mountain biking around Mto wa Mbu. This sociable adventure, led by a personal guide, is perfect for exploring the small town. A one-and-a-half-hour ride offers an active adventure and a refreshing change of pace, giving you a closer look at the local way of life while connecting you with the vibrant communities.
Mto wa Mbu TukTuk Tour
Hop onto a three-wheeled TukTuk for a half-day tour through Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village where people from over 100 tribes live together. This unique mode of transport allows you to zip yourself to a day so ordinary yet extraordinary. As you wind through banana plantations and bustling markets, you can stop at a curio shop for souvenir shopping or taste locally brewed banana beer at a banana-leaf bar.
If you prefer, visit a local home for a meal and a chat to learn firsthand about the rich culture of Mto wa Mbu. It’s an off-the-beaten-path adventure that offers a genuine glimpse into the humble lives and travel habits of the locals, packed with experiences you won’t forget for years to come.
Karatu Town Day Tour
As the capital of a densely populated district and the main supply hub for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Karatu offers a fascinating day tour. A visit here offers the chance to learn about the Iraqw tribe, tour coffee plantations where fine Arabica beans are grown, and experience the vibrant local markets.
Enjoy a leisurely walk around town, observe brick-making, and savor a traditional Iraqw lunch. The best days to explore are the 7th or 25th of each month, when the town comes alive with a bustling market and livestock auction, drawing Maasai and Barbaig cattle herders and Iraqw farmers.
Locating Lake Manyara
- COORDINATES -
Lake Manyara National Park is 160km (99 miles) west of Arusha, 69km (43 miles) northwest of Tarangire National Park, 60km (37 miles) southeast of the Ngorongoro Crater, and 145km (90 miles) south of the Serengeti National Park entrance gate.
WHERE TO STAY
IN LAKE MANYARA
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