Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is only 318 sq. kms, two thirds water, one third dry land and home to a spectacular concentration of game for such a small area. Elephant and baboon roam the tropical forest and light woodland, buffalo and lion the scrub and open plains and up to 200 hippo congregate in the fresher waters where the Simba River flows into the lake. Manyara is particularly famous for the many different species of birds found here. The majority of the land area of the park is a narrow strip running between the Gregory Rift wall to the west and Lake Manyara, an alkaline or soda-lake, to the east. It is famous for its population of flamingoes. Lake Manyara is a shallow freshwater lake in Tanzania.

Said by Ernest Hemingway to be the "loveliest [lake] ... in Africa," it is also the home of a diverse set of landscapes and wildlife. The name "Manyara" comes from the Maasai word emanyara, which is a euphorbia species of plant that is grown into a hedge around a family homestead (Euphorbia tirucalli). Of the 127 square miles (329 km2) of Lake Manyara National Park, the lake's alkaline waters cover approximately 89 square miles (231 km2). While most known for baboons, the lake and its environs is also home to herbivores such as hippos, impalas, elephants, wildebeests, buffalo, warthogs and giraffes.

Giant fig trees and mahogany seen in the groundwater forest immediately around the park gates draw nourishment from the underground springs replenished continuously from crater highlands directly above the Manyara basin. Leading away from the forest to the fringes of Lake Manyara are the flood plains. To the south are visible the acacia woodlands. Leopards, although in abundance, are hard to get a glimpse of, just like the other elusive carnivores - the lions - of this park.

Lake Manyara provides opportunities for ornithologists keen on viewing and observing over 300 migratory birds, including flamingo, Long-crested Eagle and Grey-headed Kingfisher. With an entrance gate that doubles as an exit, the trail of Lake Manyara National Park is effectively a loop that can be traversed by jeep within a couple of hours that may be stretched to a few more at best, if driving slowly, to watch, observe and enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna. The Rift Valley escarpment forms a noteworthy landmark and provides a spectacular backdrop to Lake Manyara

Big Five
Family
Food & Wine

Best Time To Visit

Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons: April to May (the ‘long rains’) and November to December (the ‘short rains’). Generally, the country’s main rainy season (the long rains) produces tropical downpours in the afternoons and many safari camps close. The short rains season sees the occasional brief shower, but safari camps stay open and game viewing is good.

Activities

Wildlife Safari, Witness the Wildebeest Migration, Relax on the East African Coast, Cultural Travel on the Island of Zanzibar, Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Diving and snorkelling,Horse riding,Bike safari,Quadbiking,Chimpanzee trekking

Chat To An Expert

Hello, and welcome! if you have any questions just let me know and we will get back to you ASAP. (Be sure and share your email address just in case we don't get back before you leave our site.)

Tailored Safari Experiences

Customize Your African Safari With Diwaka Safaris

Diwaka Safaris works with your wish list, or offers obligation-free advice, on personally-curated safaris to fit your schedule, budget and desires.

Find Out More

What Our Customers Say

We offer unique safaris in East Africa. Our team of proven professionals offer Family Holidays, Cultural Safaris, Eco Safaris, Bird watching Safaris, Beach Holidays, Honeymoon Holidays, Mountain Climbing and Trekking safaris,Camping safaris, photographic Safaris Groups and incentive tour packages, Car hire, Balloon safaris with a personal touch to meet the needs of each of our esteemed customer.

Vladimír Staňura – USA

We wanted to do safari with my wife in Kenya. Diwaka Safaris organized our trip for 17 days professionally. We were very satisfied with all services. The best part was our guide Patrick Waweru who did an excellent job.

josefkingley – USA

Decided to do one a early Jan before the corona nightmare...wasnt decided on the exact itinerary especially the accommodation to choose...did my own research and decided on the ones I could get though decided they can also advice on what they had in mind so that we could compare prices as well as I could get to check on their diff reviews...was a 4 nights trip just Naivasha where we stayed at Naivasha Sopa and Mara at Ashnil..loved ashnil way better cos of the views as well what we got to see the in terms of wildlife..

0