Situated in the northern side of Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park lies about 126 kilometers drive west of Arusha Town. It spans up to 330 square kilometers of this, 220 square kilometers make up part of the lake. It is one of the smallest safari parks in Tanzania. It can be reached within 1 and half hours’ drive from Arusha by road with amazing sites for you to make stopover.
What to see while on safari in Lake Manyara National Park
While here, you have a great opportunity to spot out wildlife species like dik-dik, klipspringer, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, lions plus the tree climbing lions, impalas, zebras, hippos, waterbucks as well as bird species including egrets, stilt herons, spoonbills, stalks, flamingoes, silvery cheeked hornbills, eagles, squawking hornbills, clucking crested guinea fowl, yellow billed stork, and many others. There are also some distinct primates including the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and others.
Other exceptional features in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is also set within the stunning Great Rift Valley’s steep western escarpment. It features the shallow Lake Manyara-an alkaline lake that expands and contracts based on the season. Within its vicinity, there is wide grassy flood plains and as you move further, there are some bands of mixed acacia woodlands.
What to do in Lake Manyara National Park
While on Tanzania safari in this park, the notable safari activities for you to take part include hiking, game viewing (wildlife to catch a glimpse at include wildlife species like dik-dik, klipspringer, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, lions plus the tree climbing lions, impalas, zebras and many birds), walking, mountain biking, bird watching which rewards you with sights at birds like egrets, stilt herons, spoonbills, stalks, flamingoes, silvery cheeked hornbills, eagles, squawking hornbills, clucking crested guinea fowl, yellow billed stork; village trips and others.
Best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a stunning area that can be explored at any time of the year regardless of season. However, for starters, this national park experiences short rains between November and December and can be hot with temperatures rising up to 35 degrees Celsius. The dry season normally starts from June to September and it is ideal for game viewing. If you are interested in bird watching, you can pay a visit between November and June.
Where to stay in Lake Manyara National Park
The popular safari lodges for you to have overnight stay while on safari in Lake Manyara National Park include Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Kirurumu Tented Camp, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.
How to get to Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is situated about 126 kilometers southwest Arusha. It can be accessed by road using a 4 wheel drive safari vehicle which is approximately 1 and half hours’ drive. Besides, it can also be reached from Babati the capital of Manyara area. There is also airport near this park which is found around the rift wall.
