Lake Manyara National Park is a small but diverse national park located in northern Tanzania, near the town of Arusha. The park is named after Lake Manyara, which covers much of the park's area and is home to thousands of flamingos and other bird species. In addition to bird watching, Lake Manyara National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, zebras, and a variety of primates such as baboons and vervet monkeys. The park is also home to tree-climbing lions, a unique behavior not seen in most lion populations.
Visitors to Lake Manyara can explore the park on game drives, guided walks, or mountain bike tours. There are several picnic areas and campsites throughout the park, as well as a number of lodges and tented camps for those looking for a more luxurious safari experience.
Location: Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania, about a 2-hour drive west of Arusha and about 1 hour north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Size:The park covers an area of about 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), with Lake Manyara covering about two-thirds of the park's area.
Vegetation: The park's landscape is diverse, ranging from dense forest to open grasslands and acacia woodlands. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including giant fig trees and mahogany trees.
Climate: The climate in Lake Manyara National Park is generally hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The park receives most of its rainfall during the long rainy season from March to May.
Overall, Lake Manyara National Park is a great destination for those looking to experience Tanzania's wildlife and natural beauty on a shorter, more manageable safari.
June to October: This is the dry season and is considered the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park. The weather is generally cool and dry, and the wildlife is more easily visible as they congregate around the lake and other water sources. The vegetation is also less dense during this time, which makes it easier to spot animals. Additionally, this period coincides with the peak tourist season in Tanzania, which means that there are more accommodations and tours available.
November to December: This is the short rainy season, and while it may rain, it is not constant. This time of year, is particularly good for bird watching as the park's avian population is at its peak during this time.
January to February: This is the peak of the wet season, and the park is lush and green. While game viewing may be more challenging during this time, the park is still a beautiful destination to visit. Plus, the low tourist season may mean fewer crowds and lower prices.
March to May: This is the long rainy season, and the park can be quite challenging to visit during this time. The roads may be muddy and difficult to navigate, and some lodges and camps may be closed. However, this time of year is great for birdwatching, and the park is at its most lush and green.
325 km²
Yes
Northern Tanzania
including game drives, birdwatching.
Lake Manyara National Park offers several activities for visitors, including game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris, canoeing, and cultural tours. Game drives are the most popular activity, and visitors can spot a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Birdwatching is also popular, with over 400 bird species in the park. Walking safaris offer a unique way to experience the park and its wildlife, while canoeing provides a different perspective of the lake and its animals. Visitors can also take cultural tours to nearby Maasai villages.
Lake Manyara National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tree-climbing lions, giraffes, hippos, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, baboons, and flamingos. The park is particularly known for its large population of elephants and unique population of tree-climbing lions. Visitors can see the animals moving through the forested areas, grazing in the grasslands, or taking a dip in the lake. Additionally, during the wet season, the park is home to a large population of flamingos, making it a great destination for birdwatching.