The Land of the Tree Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara National Park
About the Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic park located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania. It is a relatively small park, but has a wide variety of habitats and wildlife providing for excellent wildlife viewing. From its soda lake full of birdlife to dense woodlands, open savannahs, and steep mountainsides, Lake Manyara offers visitors a variety of safari experiences in an intimate way. The park is well known for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and lively flocks of flamingos.
Destination
Lake Manyara National Park covers approximately 325 square kilometers, with the lake itself covering about 230 square kilometers, or almost two-thirds of this area. The ecosystems in this park include acacia woodlands, open grasslands, forests, and the large alkaline Lake. This variety supports a rich variety of wildlife and makes the park a small universe that presents the authentic Tanzanian safari experience.
Location
Lake Manyara is situated about 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha, making it easily accessible by road, and a convenient stop for visitors on a northern Tanzania safari circuit. It is located between Tarangire National Park to the southeast and the Ngorongoro Crater to the northwest, making it seamless to integrate safari itineraries across these attractions.
Activities
Visitors to Lake Manyara National Park can engage in a variety of activities:
- Game Drives: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes and observe wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
- Bird Watching: With over 400 bird species recorded, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts.
- Canoeing: Seasonal boat rides on Lake Manyara offer a unique perspective of the park’s aquatic life and bird species.
- Guided Walks: Experience the park on foot with a knowledgeable guide, learning about its flora, fauna, and the ecosystem.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities, such as the Maasai, to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
Wildlife
Lake Manyara National Park is home to a variety of wildlife:
- Mammals: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species.
- Birds: Flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, storks, hornbills, and numerous other species make the park a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Monitor lizards, snakes, and a variety of amphibians inhabit the park’s wetlands and forests.
The park’s unique feature is its population of tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed in only a few places in Africa.
Accommodation
Lake Manyara National Park and its surrounding areas offer a range of accommodation options for various preferences and budgets:
- Luxury Lodges:
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: Nestled in a mahogany forest, offering exclusive treehouse suites.
- Mid-Range Lodges:
Kirurumu Manyara Lodge: Provides tented accommodations with stunning views of the Rift Valley.
- Budget Options:
Twiga Campsite and Lodge: Offers affordable lodging and camping facilities near the park entrance.
Staying within or near the park allows for early morning game drives and a deeper immersion into the natural surroundings.
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