Lake Manyara National Park sounds as one of Tanzania’s premium safari destination, lied in Arusha region. The park is a great location to adventure a unique wildlife species on planet such as the tree climbing lions and other species to see here include leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, waterbucks among other and truly a birding paradise.
The park is located between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift valley, covering an area of about 325 square kilometers and about 230 square kilometers for the lake surface. It was established in 1960 for tourism. However, lake Manyara is governed by the Tanzania National Park Authority, in charge of all Tanzania’s conservation areas.
Lake Manyara is a home to large number of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks and warthogs, dik dik as well as the Klipspringer that survive along the ramps of the escarpment while the healthy population of lions which are widely known for their rare tree climbing population. More to that, you will not fail to notice the very large number of baboons which live in sizeable troops of up to 200 members.
Tree climbing lions of Lake Manyara National park;
The park thrives with population of unique lions in the park, which have the capability to climb tree. They spend most of their day resting up in the big fig trees and at sunset they descend when the temperature is cooler. In the world – there are only two places to see these unique lions; Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda and Lake Manyara National Park.
Birding in Manyara;
Lake Manyara is home to list of more than 350 species and an alkaline within the park’s boundaries. The park is without a doubt one of the best places to visit on a Tanzania Birding Tours. The large flocks of pelicans and pink flamingos are usually viewed in the middle of the lake. Other species to see; Spoonbills, egrets, herons, stalks and other waders converge around the rim and water meadows.
Other habitats like the evergreen forests, woodland serve as a safe paradise to many others like the Crowned eagles, created guinea fowl, and noisy silvery cheeked hornbills.
The Ecosystem;
There are lots of area within the park, the beautiful scenery of the Great Rift Valley’s steep escarpment in the west – a narrow area that safeguards the area between the escarpment and Lake Manyara. More fact, the silvery bowls of salt deposits facilitate the ability of the alkaline –Lake Manyara to expand contract with the seasons. Grassy floodplains neighbor it so closely while bands of mixed acacia woodlands in its endless plains. The park also patches of ever green forests next to the escarpment that are watered by the perennial underground waters running from the bottom of the escarpment.
Things to do while at Lake Manyara National Park
Marvel at the large elephant herds;
Lake Manyara National Park harbors to large population of elephant just as the neighboring Tarangire National Park and during your visit – you will enjoy great sight-seeing of them foliage around.
Game Drives
This is the majorly done activity and more enjoyed during the peak season, the park is normally crowded with several safari vehicles especially during the afternoon game drives
Adventure the tree climbing lions;
Many tourists that visit the Lake Manyara National Park do set their eyes on these exceptional lions that have a perfect character. These can be seen while in the comfort of your 4-wheel safari vehicles during the game drive, as they rest on fig tree branches. You watch a large troops of baboons as feed, play and catering for their young ones.
Visit the ‘pink’ lake with flamingoes;
The Alkaline Lake Manyara attract a large population of pink colored flamingoes that form, sort of pin ‘blanket’ covering the lake surface.
It is incredible view to marvel at millions of flamingoes all in one area. More to that, you won’t fail to notice other various wildlife within the shallows of the lake like hippos.
Explore the Lake Manyara tree-top Walkway;
This is an interesting canopy walk that rises in height extends for over 360 meters thus offering you great chance to walk through the verdant tree top of the forest where you can watch unique wildlife such as birds and monkey species.
Getting to Lake Manyara National Park;
The park can be reached either through the southern or northern gates. The northern gate is the commonly used gate by the tourists since most of accommodations are positioned in.
When to visit Lake Manyara National Park;
Lake Manyara National park is considered throughout the year, however the dry season from July to November sounds as the best time for game viewing.
How to get to Lake Manyara National park Tanzania;
It takes only 1hour and 30 minutes to access Lake Manyara National Park by road from Arusha. If you are coming from the Ngorongoro crater, it takes less than an hour.
NB; You are advised to stay within the park, for at least two nights to enjoy it to its fullest.
Get started now! To an homage of the unique tree climbing lions.
