Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a prominent tourist attraction in Tanzania, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, straddling the Arusha and Manyara areas, approximately 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha, positioned between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Manyara National Park is a conveniently located safari destination in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, facilitating easy access and inclusion in itineraries to Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Marang Forest Reserve, and the Kwa Kuchinja Wildlife Migration Corridor. The area encompasses 330 square kilometers, with 230 square kilometers occupied by Lake Manyara, the seventh largest lake in Tanzania. Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake formed by the Great Rift Valley, where the widening rift over millions of years allowed streams to cascade down and pool, resulting in the lake’s formation. Lake Manyara possesses a depth of 10 feet.
History of Lake Manyara National Park
The park was formerly a residential area for the indigenous Maasai people, and its name, “Emanyara,” is taken from a Maasai term referring to the shrub Euphorbia tirucalli. The indigenous Maasai utilized Euphorbia tirucalli trees to safeguard their livestock from thieves and poachers.
In 1920, the region served as a venue for sport hunting, and in 1957, it was designated as a game reserve. In 1960, the reserve was elevated to national park status. In 1981, the park became a component of the extensive Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve and was designated by UNESCO as part of its Man and Biosphere Programme.
The park serves as a habitat for a diverse array of species, rendering it an ideal destination in Tanzania for wildlife safaris. It is characterized by acacia forests and savannah grasslands, which host numerous animals, including the park’s notable tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara National Park is home to a diverse array of fauna, including elephants, giraffes, banded mongooses, Kirk’s dik-dik, Bohor reedbucks, impalas, leopards, troops of baboons, vervet monkeys, Cape buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, klipspringers, Grant’s gazelles, warthogs, bushbucks, African golden cats, African civets, and cheetahs, among others.
The park is an exceptional place for birdwatching safaris in Tanzania, housing over 400 documented bird species that inhabit diverse habitats, including the groundwater forest, the shores of Lake Manyara, and the floodplains, among others. The park is home to various avian species, including Abdim’s stork, African fish eagle, African grey hornbill, African hawk eagle, African jacana, African spoonbill, Baglafecht weaver, Comb duck, Crowned eagle, Great white pelican, Greater flamingo, Grey crowned crane, Hamerkop, Hottentot teal, Lesser flamingo, Little stint, Pied avocet, Pied kingfisher, Pink-backed pelican, Sacred ibis, Saddle-billed stork, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Southern ground hornbill, Spur-winged goose, Von der Decken’s hornbill, and Yellow-billed stork, among others. The most captivating avian species in the park are the pink flamingos, frequently observed congregating along the beaches of Lake Manyara. These exquisite birds are seen in substantial numbers, their pink plumage mirrored in the lake’s waters.
Activities to Engage in During a Safari in Lake Manyara National Park
Safari excursion
Game drives are an essential activity during a tour in Tanzania’s parks, conducted in a 4X4 vehicle during morning, afternoon, and evening excursions. Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its diverse fauna, including tree-climbing lions, substantial herds of elephants, and various species such as Kirk’s dik-dik, Bohor reedbucks, impalas, leopards, troops of baboons, vervet monkeys, Cape buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, klipspringers, Grant’s gazelles, warthogs, bushbucks, African golden cats, African civets, and cheetahs, among others.
Bird watching
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the premier sites for birding safaris in Tanzania, with about 400 bird species that will enhance your avian experience significantly. Birdwatching in Lake Manyara National Park is optimal during the early mornings or late afternoons, where exquisite avian species can be observed in diverse areas of the park, including the shoreline of Lake Manyara, the verdant forests, and the savannah plains.
Notable avian species to observe in the park during the Tanzania birding experience include the pink flamingo, cormorant, pelican, African hawk eagle, African jacana, African spoonbill, Baglafecht weaver, comb duck, crowned eagle, great white pelican, greater flamingo, grey crowned crane, hamerkop, Hottentot teal, lesser flamingo, little stint, pied avocet, and pied kingfisher, among others.
Canoeing on Lake Manyara
Canoeing in the park occurs on the picturesque Lake Manyara, utilizing a two-person canoe with a guide, departing at either 07:00 AM or 02:00 PM. While paddling on the saline waters of the lake, one can observe elephants, giraffes, hippos, cape buffaloes, and several avian species, including flamingos, cormorants, storks, and pelicans, feeding and wallowing in the muddy shallows.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Lake Manyara National Park is an exhilarating safari activity in Tanzania, allowing tourists to traverse the park’s terrain on a bike ride. This 3-4 hour activity follows a single downhill path, passing through the Rift Valley floor and local villages of Mto Wa Mbu. In the settlement of Mto Wa Mbu, one can engage with amiable residents before proceeding to the banks of Lake Manyara, teeming with pink-hued flamingos.
When engaging in mountain biking at Lake Manyara National Park, ensure to bring essential equipment such as mountain bikes, provisions, gloves, boots, helmets, and bottled water.
Cultural excursions
During your safari in Tanzania, you have the opportunity to explore the local communities and market center in Karatu through cultural tours. Karatu Village is located in the valley between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater Lake, offering visitors profound insights into African lifestyles and the diverse traditions and customs of its inhabitants. Visitors can explore local Bomas (traditional circular dwellings), engage in the preparation and tasting of regional cuisine, and purchase exquisite gifts, including jewelry, among other items.
Lodging in lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a diverse array of accommodations, including safari lodges, tented camps, and options classified as luxury, midrange, and budget. Accommodation within the park is available at Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, Kiruruma Manyara Lodge, Burudika Manyara Lodge, Twiga Camp, among others.