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Lake Manyara National Park

Home of Tree Climbing Lions

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara National Park is known for its breathtaking views, an enormous soda lake filled with flamingos and amazing bird life. You can see huge hordes of baboons in the forest, but also elephants and, if you’re lucky, tree lions.

A variety of wildlife such as buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, wildebeest and zebras gather around Lake Soda. You can also enjoy stunning hippo views at the shallow Hippo Pool.

LAKE MANYARA DETAILED OVERVIEW

With a variety of landscapes, Lake Manyara National Park offers a compact safari experience that gives visitors the chance to see everything from the vibrant flamingoes to the fearsome lion.

Named for the seasonal alkaline lake at its heart, Lake Manyara National Park is a great place for canoeing in the wet season and traditional game drives year round. Described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa”, Lake Manyara is an ideal starting or finishing point for the northern circuit.

 

In addition to its flamingo population, Lake Manyara is perhaps most famous for the tree climbing lions who call it home. Found nowhere else in Tanzania, these agile predators cut a striking figure as they lounge lazily in acacia trees.

Also calling the park home are Africa’s most iconic animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and cape buffalo, as well as less well known but no less intriguing Kirk’s dik-dik and klipspringer.

With a variety of landscapes, Lake Manyara National Park offers a compact safari experience that gives visitors the chance to see everything from the vibrant flamingoes to the fearsome lion.

Named for the seasonal alkaline lake at its heart, Lake Manyara National Park is a great place for canoeing in the wet season and traditional game drives year round. Described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa”, Lake Manyara is an ideal starting or finishing point for the northern circuit.

 

In addition to its flamingo population, Lake Manyara is perhaps most famous for the tree climbing lions who call it home. Found nowhere else in Tanzania, these agile predators cut a striking figure as they lounge lazily in acacia trees.

Also calling the park home are Africa’s most iconic animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and cape buffalo, as well as less well known but no less intriguing Kirk’s dik-dik and klipspringer.

MOST COMMON ANIMALS IN LAKE MANYARA

  • Zebras

  • Hippos

  • Giraffes

  • Lions

  • Elephants

  • Impalas

  • Wildebeest

  • Buffaloes

  • Flamingos

  • Baboons, Blue monkey

LAKE MANYARA FACTS
  • Giant soda lake that covers almost two-third of the park

  • World’s largest population baboons

  • Park stretches along the Rift Valley Escarpment

  • Hippo pool

  • Hot Springs

  • Birding hotspot: 400 species of birds

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

  • Night game drive

  • Canopy walk/ Treetop Walk

  • Mountainbike tour Lake Manyara

  • Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu

  • Visit Maasai tribe

  • Visit Hadzabe tribe

TRAVEL TIME LAKE MANYARA
  • Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park: 2,5 hours’ drive

  • Lake Manyara National Park to Tarangire National Park: 1 hour

  • Lake Manyara National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 1 hour

  • Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti: 3,5 hours

BEST TIME TO VISIT MANYARA LAKE

  • The best time to see large animals in Lake Manyara is during the dry season from July to October. If you are a bird lover you can visit the park from November to June. This season you will find thousands of flamingos as well as pelicans, African fish eagle, hornbill, hammercap, black heron, a little bee-eater and more.

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What animals you will see on Tanzania safari?

Tanzania is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts who want to witness the 'Big Five' in their natural habitat. The country boasts diverse landscapes that offer some of the most spectacular opportunities for wildlife viewing in the world. Each animal in the Big Five has its unique charm and can be found in Tanzania's national parks and conservation areas. The Ngorongoro Crater is a particularly special location as it has a dense population of diverse wildlife. Here's a brief overview of where you might find these animals in Tanzania:

 

Lions:

Lions are abundant in Tanzania and can be seen in several national parks, but they are especially known to roam in the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Serengeti is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, attracting lions because of the abundance of prey.

 

Leopards:

Leopards are more elusive than other animals due to their solitary and nocturnal nature, but they are still frequently spotted in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. They are often seen resting in trees during the day.

 

Buffaloes:

African buffaloes are commonly seen in large herds, especially in the Serengeti and the Katavi National Park. They are known for their unpredictable nature, making them one of the more dangerous animals to encounter on foot.

 

Rhinos:

Rhinos, particularly the critically endangered black rhino, are much rarer due to poaching and habitat loss. However, the Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances to see them in the wild, as it serves as a sanctuary for a small, protected population.

 

Elephants:

Elephants are widespread in Tanzania and can be found in several parks, but large herds are often seen in the Tarangire National Park, known for having some of the largest elephant populations. The Selous Game Reserve is another excellent location for viewing elephants in their natural environment.

 

Conservation Efforts:

It's important to note that while Tanzania offers incredible opportunities to see the Big Five, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these species. Challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict continue to threaten their existence. Visitors can contribute to the preservation of these magnificent animals and their habitats by supporting ethical safari operations and conservation initiatives.

 

Tanzania's commitment to conservation is evident in its extensive network of protected areas, which not only safeguard wildlife but also provide unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.

Image by Ahmed Galal

Lion

Image by Bob Brewer

Leopard

Image by Caterina sanders

Elephant

Rhino

Lifestyle

African buffalo

Buffalo

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