Lake Manyara National Park
Where Wildlife and Scenic Beauty Unite
Lake Manyara National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a gem that seamlessly blends diverse ecosystems, from the shimmering expanse of the lake to lush groundwater forests and open savannah. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.
The park is named after Lake Manyara, a picturesque alkaline lake that dominates its eastern border. The lake is a magnet for a variety of bird species, including thousands of flamingos, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park's diverse habitats also support a wide range of animals, from tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants to playful baboons and graceful giraffes.
A unique feature of Lake Manyara National Park is its groundwater forest, where ancient mahogany and fig trees create a mystical atmosphere. Visitors can embark on game drives through the park, taking in the captivating scenery and encountering a mosaic of wildlife. With its compact size and rich biodiversity, Lake Manyara National Park offers an intimate and rewarding safari experience for those seeking a taste of Tanzania's natural wonders.Â
About the
Lake Manyara National Park
A small national park by African standards, Lake Manyara nonetheless includes a huge variety of landscapes and wildlife. It is a beautiful park, with the lake on one side and the steep escarpment which is part of the Great Rift Valley in the west.
Scenic Lake Manyara National Park is not far from Arusha and is a little gem.
- Wildlife in and around Lake Manyara
- A chance to see the tree climbing lions
- Excellent bird watching
- An opportunity to see if you are lucky enough to see the Big 5
- Hiking through the Marang forest
- Flocks (a flamboyance) of flamingos and pelicans
Due to the variety of habitats in this relatively small national park, a good variety of animals can be found here, including elephants with big tusks and many baboons.
The lions here can be found resting up an acacia tree if you are lucky, an unusual habit for lions. It is a great sight and worth trying to find.
More than 400 species of birds have been spotted inside the Lake Manyara NP. And even people new to bird watching can easily find close to 100 birds in a day. How many will you identify?
The Big 5 are here at Lake Manyara NP. From the majestic big tuskers (elephant with big tusks), to the elusive leopard, the tree climbing lion, the buffalo, to the few remaining black rhino. Will you spot all five?
A new addition to the national park is the Marang Forest on top of the escarpment. There are no roads but hiking safaris are possible for a truly off the beaten track experience.
A flamboyance of flamingos, it is said. Often flocks of flamingo dot the lake, as well as large numbers of pelicans. An incredible sight when they are present in the thousands. They migrate between the various lakes in the Rift Valley, depending on the water levels. As these are hard to predict, there is no guarantee the thousands of flamingos will be there.
Fly to Lake Manyara National Park
The nearest airport is the Lake Manyara airport (LKY). From this airport, it is only a short drive to the entrance of the national park.
Alternatively, you can fly to Arusha airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International airport (JRO), both not far from Arusha town. From town, it will take around 2 hours to reach the national park gate. Much of this depends on the traffic in Arusha town.
Book your cheap flight to Lake Manyara NP with Tripindigo today and see if you are lucky enough to find the lions resting in the acacia trees.
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
It is possible to drive to Lake Manyara NP from Arusha. It’s only 120km and this will take less than 2 hours.
The cool, dry months of spring from June to October and the hot and dry summer months of December to February are the best times to visit.
High season
If you want to follow the wildebeest migration go from December to July, however, be aware that the route and timings are not precisely predictable. The months from July to October are ideal for large mammals and predator viewing.
The best season for bird watching is in the wetter months between November and June.
Low season
The quieter times in Lake Manyara NP are usually during the rainy season which most people prefer to avoid. However, this season is best for bird watching, especially the months between November and June.
