Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the most exhilarating national parks in Tanzania few kilometers from Arusha- the gateway of tourism safari in Manyara regions. The national park is situated between Lake Manyara and The Great Rift Valley and it is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. Lake Manyara National Park covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometers including about 230 square kilometers to the lake surface. Lake Manyara National Park was established in 1960 and it gained its status as a national park and in 1974.  The park be reached by car in 1 hours:30 minutes. The park can also be accessed from Babati the capital of the Manyara Region. Lake Manyara Airport is nearby. To the south, the park situated on the escarpment above the park, the east is the Kwa Kuchinja Wildlife Migration corridor, which allows wildlife to migrate between the near-by Tarangire National Park to the southeast, Lake Manyara to the west, and the Engaruka Basin to the north.

Lake Manyara National Park is home to a rich variety of mammals, with a large population of mammals large migratory that are concentrated in Tarangire National Park, but also move through Lake Manyara National Park such mammals include wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle and Granit’s gazella among others. Lake Manyara National Park also boast over 400 recorded bird species, making it   one of the top destinations in Tanzania for bird enthusiasts

Attractions found in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is the centerpiece of the national park, renowned for its stunning alkaline waters that attract a rich diversity of wildlife including flamingos, pelicans, Ostriches, Ducks, Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Pigeons and Doves, Sandgrouse, Bustards, Turaco, Cuckoos, Shoebill and Hamerkop and various other bird species. The lake’s fluctuating water levels create a vibrant ecosystem that supports both aquatic and terrestrial life. As the backdrop to lush forest and open grasslands, it offers spectacular views and excellent opportunities for photography. The unique landscape of the lake is complemented by the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, creating a breathtaking panorama. Visitors can enjoy guided birdwatching tours, and boat rides, allowing you the get up-close encounters with the park’s bird inhabitants and hippos basking in the shallows. The stunning environment of Lake Manyara is a haven for nature lovers and an unforgettable highlighting of any visit to the park.

Lake Manyara National Park
Hippos in Lake Manyara

The Great Rift Valley Escarpment

The Great Rift Valley Escarpment is a dramatic geological feature that runs along the western edge of Lake Manyara National Park. This geological wonder rises steeply, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the lake itself. Towering cliffs and deep valley create an awe-inspiring backdrop for wildlife photography and hiking adventures. The Escarpment is not only visually stunning, but it also serves as habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including baboons and various bird species. Visitors can hike along the Escarpment trails, taking in panoramic views and experiencing the unique ecosystems that flourish in this part of the park. The cool, elevated climate contrasts sharply with the hot lowlands, making it a popular spot for adventures in both wildlife viewing and scenic exploration.

Mammals

Lake Manyara National Park is home to a rich variety of mammals, with a large population of mammals large migratory that are concentrated in Tarangire National Park, but also move through Lake Manyara National Park such mammals include wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle and Granit’s gazella. Large herds of wildebeest and other plains game from the Mto wa Mbu Game Controlled Area enter the park from the north for short periods. Wildebeest exclusively graze the alkaline grasslands around the lake, and numbers are highest during the dry season, dropping to small resident populations in the wet season. Other animals that dwell in the park includes, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, cape buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, warthogs, elephants, predators such as lion, leopard, African wild cat, shotted hyena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, serval, honey badger, African civet, genet species and several mongoose species. Cheetah and African golden cat can be seen in a rare occasion. Lake Manyara National Park is also home to black rhinoceros as well as primates such as baboon. Guided game drives offer insight into the park’s diverse ecosystems, allowing tourist to witness animals’ behavior and interaction up close. With well-maintained roads and experienced guides, wildlife viewing at lake manyara is truly unforgettable and immersive.

Birds

Lake Manyara National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 recorded bird species, making it   one of the top destinations in Tanzania for bird enthusiasts. The park’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, forest and savannah attract a stunning array of birds. The park is known for flocks of thousands of flamingos that feed along the edge of the lake in the wet season. Some of these birds to be looked at here includes Common Ostrich, Great Cormorant , Long-tailed Cormorant , Great White Pelican , Pink-backed Pelican , Shoebill , Hamerkop , White-faced Whistling-Duck, White-backed Duck, Black-bellied Bustard , Little Bittern, Black Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, Gray Heron Egyptian Goose, African Darter,  Black-faced Sandgrouse , Helmeted Guineafowl, Vulturine Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Bare-faced Go-away-bird , Speckled Pigeon , Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Shelley’s Francolin, African Cuckoo,  Great Crested Grebe, Purple-crested Turaco , Gray-breasted Spurfowl, Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo, Red-eyed Dove , Little Grebe, Mourning Collared-Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, African Swift , Square-tailed Nightjar,  Ring-necked Dove, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Lesser Moorhen , Crowned Lapwing , Spotted Thick-knee , White-bellied Bustard, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Red-chested Cuckoo, Pied Cuckoo, Montane Nightjar, Scarce Swift, Red-knobbed Coot, Gray Crowned-Crane, Water Thick-knee, Pied Avocet, Three-banded Plover, Long-toed Lapwing, Spur-winged Lapwing, African Jacana, African Snipe, Pectoral Sandpiper, Three-banded Courser, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, African Openbill, Abdim’s Stork, African Woolly-necked Stork, Yellow-billed Stork, Saddle-billed Stork among others.

Hot Springs

The hot springs of Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique natural attraction, located in the lush forested landscape. Known locally as “Maji Moto,” or “hot waters” these springs features mineral-rich waters that bubble up from beneath the earth. The inviting temperatures create a tranquil setting where visitors can relax and enjoy the mesmerizing sight of steam rising amidst the greenery. The surrounding area is lush with tropical plants, creating a serena oasis ideal foe picnicking. birdwatchers will also be delighted with astonishing spots of various species attracted to the moist environment, while the rich biodiversity enhances the overall experience. The hot springs provide a peaceful retreat within the park, allowing guest to unwind after a day of exploration and wildlife viewing while absorbing the rejuvenating atmosphere.

Amazing things to do in Lake Manyara National Park

Wildlife safari drives

One of the standout activities in Lake Manyara National Park is embarking on a wildlife safari drive, this offers tourists the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey through the park’s different habitats, offering a chance to spot a wide range of fascinating animals in their natural habitat. The experienced guides lead tourists on a guided tour, while sharing their knowledge of the park’s flora and fauna as well as ensuring the beat possible sightings of the wildlife. During your Wildlife safari drives, you will have the opportunity to spot variety of wildlife species such as elephants, wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, Granit’s gazella, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, cape buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, warthogs, elephants, lion, leopard, klipspringers, African wild cat, shotted hyena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, serval, honey badger, African civet, genet species, several mongoose species and baboons among others. Birdwatchers will also be delight by the park’s abundance of bird’s species, with Lake Manyara being particularly famous for its flamingo population, other birds that can be spotted includes, secretary birds, storks, cormorants, herons, egrets, pelicans, ducks, glossy ibis, the long-crested eagle, grey crowned crane, guinea fowls, hornbills, crown eagles among others.

Canoeing on Lake Manyara

Canoeing on Lake Manyara is an exceptional way to experience the park from different views, this is one of the exciting activities that is done on Lake Manyara which is the famous and biggest lake located in the heart of the park. the lake is home to an array of animals including hippos lounging in the water and various bird species, fishing along the shores.  While on your Guided canoeing trips, you will have the chance to spot large school of hippos, various animals’ species as they come to drink waters, different fish species and also enjoy views of the rift valley escarpment as well as the beautiful scenery in the national park made up of a forested area, open savannah plains and the woodlands.

Lake Manyara National Park
Canoeing in Lake Manyara

Nature Walks

Nature walks in the park is one best way you can explore the hidden treasures of the park on foot. The park offers a variety of chances for nature walks that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife that calls the park their home. During you guided nature walks in the park, you will be accompanied by experience park ranger to navigate along the treetop walkway that involves walking along a designated walkway into the forest area of the national park. The trails wind through varying environments including thick woodlands, marshes and the lakeshores, offering not only an opportunity to se wildlife but also to learn about different plant species and ecological dynamics. Different bird species can also be seen during this nature walk and also majimoto board walkway. This route followed during game drives enables the tourists to enjoy views of Lake Manyara and also other scenic photography locations at the destination.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching in Lake Manyara National Park is one of the exciting activities to do in the park, the national park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 birds recorded. The Park is known for flocks of thousands of flamingos that feed along the edge of the lake in the wet season. During your birdwatching tour, you will have the chance to spot variety of colorful bird species such as Purple Heron, Goliath Heron, Shoebill, Hamerkop, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Long-tailed Cormorant, Great Cormorant, African Darter, African Openbill, Black Stork, African Woolly-necked Stork, Yellow-billed Stork, Rufous-bellied Heron, Glossy Ibis, Hadada Ibis, Secretary bird, Osprey, Black-winged Kite, Palm-nut Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Brown Snake-Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lizard Buzzard, Common Ostrich, Eastern Chanting-Goshawk and Eastern Chanting-Goshawk among others

Cultural encounters with local communities

Engaging in cultural encounters with local communities around Lake Manyara National Park enriches the visit and fosters a greater understanding of the region’s heritage. The surrounding areas are home to the maasi people, known for their vibrant culture, traditional attire and rich customs. Cultural encounters in the park involves visiting to the Maasai villages, where tourists can learn about their way of life, from their pastoralist traditions to their unique social structures, visitors have the chance to participate in traditional dances, feasting on local cuisine and exploring handicrafts made by the community among others.