Lake Manyara National Park: Where Diversity Thrives
Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact gem in northern Tanzania that packs a punch when it comes to biodiversity and scenic beauty. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, this park is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, including the alkaline lake, dense woodlands, and the famous tree-climbing lions. Join us on a journey through the wonders of Lake Manyara:
Some say it is the prettiest park in Tanzania. Ernest Hemingway thought so. And yet, two thirds of it is under water! You’ll find the big mammals here and Africa’s largest troops of baboons. Yet the lions are often found lounging in the trees! And flamingos…. Sometimes their numbers are in the millions. Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park is small, scenic, colourful and rather different park.
It doesn’t take long to cover the game-viewing circuit here as most of the park is comprised of the alkaline lake itself. Your tour begins in a thick jungle of forest where you’ll easily spot some of the 100 or so baboons along the way, plus blue monkeys negotiating between old groves of mahogany trees. Emerging into the expanse of a rolling floodplain you’ll take in views of the lake itself and volcanic peaks in the distance. Here you’ll find buffalo, wildebeest, impala, giraffe and zebra.
Moving on to a small acacia forest brings you into the habitat of elephant families and the uniquely surprising Manyara tree-climbing lions. But it’s the birdlife that many flock here to see. During the rainy season thousands, even millions of bright, pink flamingoes swarm and feed in the middle of the great shallow lake. There are over 400 bird species here and you can easily spot 100 on your visit including pink-backed pelican, Marabou stork and grey heron.
The park is perfectly situated on the road from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater and is an easy stop off point to get a first taste of safari life. The western border here is the dramatic rise of the great Rift valley escarpment. To the east is the lake, shaded in tones of pink and fuchsia from its winged inhabitants. It is easy to see why Hemingway called the park, “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”.
It would be easy to skip Lake Manyara on one’s way to the vastness of Ngorongoro or the immense Serengeti. But a day here presents a picture-postcard safari of stunning colour, rich woodland and some very special animal life. Don’t forget about the butterflies. There are over 180 species fluttering about in this most extraordinary park.
1. Alkaline Lake Manyara: A Flamingo Haven
The centerpiece of the park, Lake Manyara, is a shallow alkaline lake that attracts a multitude of birdlife. Pink-hued flamingos wade in the shallows, creating a stunning contrast against the blue waters. The lake is also home to a variety of waterfowl, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
2. Tree-Climbing Lions: A Unique Safari Experience
Lake Manyara is renowned for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. Witness these big cats lounging in the branches of acacia trees, a behavior not commonly observed in other parts of Africa. Capture this extraordinary sight as the lions survey their surroundings from above.
3. Diverse Wildlife: Beyond the Lions
While the tree-climbing lions steal the spotlight, Lake Manyara National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras roam the grassy plains, while the dense groundwater forest shelters troops of playful baboons and blue monkeys. Spotting wildlife against the backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment adds to the park’s picturesque charm.
4. Canopy Walkway: A Treetop Perspective
Experience the thrill of walking among the treetops on the Lake Manyara Canopy Walkway. Suspended between mahogany and fig trees, the walkway provides a unique perspective of the forest and its inhabitants, including birds and primates. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.
5. Hot Springs and Hippo Pools: Hidden Gems
Explore the less-explored corners of the park, such as the hot springs and hippo pools. The hot springs attract a variety of bird species, while the hippo pools offer a close-up view of these colossal creatures cooling off in the water. These hidden gems provide additional opportunities for unique wildlife encounters.
