Manyara National Park
Situated between Tarangire National Park and the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area, followed by the world-renowned Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park is often overlooked as a safari destination. At 330 square-kilometers of which more than half are often submerged in water, it certainly is one of the unique and smaller national parks – in African terms. Fewer safari vehicles, especially in the morning hours, give you the opportunity to appreciate every moment you immerse yourself in this tranquil park in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
330
Coverage in SQ KM
230
Covered by lake
100
Covered by land
Major Attractions in Manyara
Large number of elephants
Just like neighboring Tarangire, Lake Manyara is home to many elephants. The gentle giants roam the acacia woodlands and evergreen forests fed by high groundwater levels. Lush and thick vegetation offers plenty of feeding grounds for the elephants.
Observe the social baboons
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its large troops of baboons. While not everyone’s favorite, these highly social animals are a joy to observe as they interact amongst each other. Watch young ones learn the ropes of life while older animals battle for a spot higher up the hierarchical ladder.
Look for tree-climbing lions
Tree-climbing lions are a more than rare sight – for many years, only two prides on the continent were known to climb up trees. One pride in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and one in our very own Lake Manyara National Park. The lions are said to avoid tsetse flies and other bugs by climbing the trees, as well as enjoying the cooler breeze and taking advantage of the extended views across the park. If you only have one day to go on safari, you can look for the tree-climbing lions on a day trip to Lake Manyara National Park with us.
Watch flamingos soar
Water is life in the African bush and the soda lake is an oasis for plenty of wildlife. Besides different kinds of antelopes, the bird life of Lake Manyara is spectacular. Proud pelicans and colorful flamingos call the lake and surrounding swamps home.
Hot Springs
A large swampy area on the western shores of lake Manyara national park, through which flows several hot springs that seep from the nearby rift valley wall. … Bubbling at over 60°C they are hot enough to pass the ‘boil an egg’ test, with some part having the distinctive yellow of sulfur.
