Lake Manyara is tucked away in Tanzania and is one of Africa’s most hidden gems. With an area of just 330 square km, it’s bordered by the Big Rift Valley on the west and holds Lake Manyara on the east side. This compact park gives you a unique adventure into different ecosystems and wildlife, not to mention an impressive bird-watching experience.
Introduction:
Small but mighty – that’s Lake Manyara! A close and deep engagement with nature is guaranteed here.
This guide helps uncover the gifts hidden in this Tanzanian haven and why it should be on your vacation list. Park
Activities:
Wildlife Watching Extravaganza: Lake Manyara Park is all about wildlife watching. Explore aboard an open-roof safari jeep or drive your car. Enjoy the scenic drive by the lake that takes you through lush forests and towering mountains.
Night Drives: Here’s the only park in Tanzania where you can drive at night. This added feature will increase your chances of spotting night owls like leopards and hyenas.
Travel Plan Inclusion: For an all-out Tanzanian Safari, weave Lake Manyara with visits to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti before lounging at a scenic Zanzibar beach. Make it a more pocket-friendly experience by settling on wildlife watching at Lake Manyara.
Wildlife Watch: As small as it may be, Manyara brims with stunning wildlife. The list includes tree-climbing lions – a unique sight, a crowd favorite, and a spectacle the park is known for. Roaring predators atop the acacia trees give you a reason to keep looking up. The park also houses large elephant herds, baboon troops, buffalos, Zebras, Sykes’ monkeys, and various antelope species, including the tiny dik-dik. The local Maasai giraffe, the tallest animal on Earth, also calls this park home. Don’t miss the hippo pond, where you can see these marine animals playing, fighting, and relaxing in the mud.
Bird-Watching Haven: An exciting experience awaits bird lovers, with various species gracing the Manyara sky. With over 400 bird species, Lake Manyara is a birding hub. Expect to spot up to 100 species each day. Witness the beautiful sights of herons, egrets, and other wading birds during the wet season. The park is famous for flocks of flamingos gathering by the lakeshore from March to May.
Notable Sightings: Bird-watchers can enjoy the sight of rare species like the Abdim’s stork, the African hawk-eagle, and the Von der Decken’s hornbill plus migrant species during summer.
Getting There: Highly accessible Lake Manyara is ideal for all travelers.
It’s just a scenic 3-hour drive or an hour’s flight from Arusha. Best Time to Visit: Lake Manyara is a year-round attraction offering unique experiences each season. Wrapping Up: Spice up your Tanzanian journey with Lake Manyara National Park.
Connect intimately with nature here, quite a rare treat! Cherish each moment and remember why small packages often hold the best gifts.