Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park is a premier national park located in the Arusha region of Tanzania. The park is renowned for its distinctive residents, specifically the unusual tree-climbing lions, which are exclusively found in Manyara and Serengeti in Tanzania. Tree-climbing lions are also observable in Uganda’s Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, encompassing around 330 square kilometers, or 127 square miles.
The park was named for the soda lake located within it, which in turn was named after the commonly observed tree in the park. The tree species is known as Euphorbia Tirucalli, referred to as Emanyara in the Maasai language. The tree is essential in Maasai culture for safeguarding their animals from thieves and predators.
Lake Manyara National Park was founded in 1960, rendering it the second oldest national park in Tanzania, following Serengeti National Park. The park is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. Lake Manyara National Park is a birding paradise, hosting over 400 documented bird species. Additionally, numerous affluent species of animals can be observed year-round.
Geographical Location/Accessing Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is located within the Northern Tourist Circuit, which encompasses prestigious sites such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. It is situated 126 kilometers from the tourist destination of Arusha. The park is located along the main road connecting Arusha and Karatu. Located at Mtowambu settlement, situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The journey to the park requires a 2 to 3 hour drive, characterized by picturesque scenery and numerous cultural centers that merit a halt.
For travelers fatigued by lengthy journeys, flights are available from Lake Manyara Airport located within the park. This airport is internationally recognized and possesses the IATA code LKY and the ICAO code HTLM. The airport is served by numerous domestic airlines operating at various locations in Tanzania and Kenya. The predominant local airlines include Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, Safari Air Link, Regional Air, Air Tanzania, Zan Air, and Precision Air.
Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park
The Gifted Nature National Park, situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley, is home to a diverse array of animals, birds, lakes, woodlands, and more. Numerous attractions allure visitors to Lake Manyara National Park. The following are the prominent attractions in Lake Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara derives its name from the regionally prevalent tree species known as Emanyara, as designated by the local inhabitants. This constitutes over one-fourth of the total park area, so serving as a vital water source for the park’s species. The lake is home to several aquatic animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous species of birds, such as vast flocks of flamingos and other waterfowl. The residents engage in minimal fishing on the lake and partake in boat trips during the wet season. The terrestrial species primarily utilize the lake for ecological purposes. The soda alkaline lake possesses saline water as a result of its volcanic production process.
Wildlife
The park boasts a significant range of wildlife, encompassing both small animals and huge game that are permanent residents. Similar to many African parks, tourists mostly seek to observe the African Big Five, and Lake Manyara features four of these iconic species, with the exception of rhinoceroses. The fauna is characterized by playing baboons along the road, beside tree-climbing lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and impalas, among others.
Bird species
Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its avian diversity, boasts over 400 bird species, establishing it as a paradise for ornithologists. The park’s tiny area accommodates a significant number of birds, including enormous flocks of flamingos located around the saline Lake Manyara. The park accommodates both migratory birds that visit solely for nesting and permanent residents. The park accommodates both aquatic and terrestrial birds, observable year-round.
Hot springs:
The park’s location in a volcanically active region at the base of the Great Rift Valley is characterized by several volcanic characteristics. A notable aspect of volcanic activity present in the park is the hot springs. The hot springs generate warm groundwater due to geothermal activity. Hot water ascends from the Earth’s surface at an average boiling temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, which is an adequate temperature for boiling eggs. The geothermal springs are located in the restricted zone beneath the rift valley escarpments in the western region of Lake Manyara.
The Great Rift Valley Escarpment:
Lake Manyara National Park features impressive escarpments, reaching around 1600 meters above sea level, as a result of volcanic activity. The rift valley walls provide an impressive visual vista, particularly near the main entrance. They offer an excellent aerial perspective of the park and serve as a waypoint for travelers before continuing to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Things to do in lake manyara national park
Following your business trip in Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park is the optimal spot for brief safaris in Tanzania. It is a modest yet highly rewarding park with numerous things for people to enjoy. While it may not be ideal for all of the African Big Five, Lake Manyara National Park offers sufficient wildlife for visitors to appreciate during brief excursions, such as a one-day or two-day safari.
Wildlife watching (Game drive)
wildlife drives: Lake Manyara National Park offers lucrative wildlife drives that can be conducted in three shifts. The activities include morning game drives, midday game drives, and night game drives, all conducted in 4×4 wheel drive safari vehicles. Open safari Land Cruisers are utilized for game drives, bringing you closer to the wildlife. Game drives bring you near the creatures in their natural environments.
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the few national parks in Tanzania that conducts night wildlife drives. The nocturnal game drives commence at 7 PM and are organized by the park rangers in collaboration with Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. Guests congregate around Lake Manyara Serena Lodge for pick-up and drop-off services. You relish exceptional wildlife encounters, observing various creatures such as tree-climbing lions, hyenas, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, baboons, monkeys, elephants, and leopards, among others.
Bird Watching
Lake Manyara National Park is a veritable avian paradise, hosting over 400 bird species. Birdwatchers can engage in this activity year-round, however the optimal months are during the rainy season when nesting occurs and migratory species are present. The most frequently referenced birds include Flamingos, Geese, Ducks, Swans, Rufous-tailed Weavers, Lovebirds, Fischer’s Sparrow Larks, Grey Crowned Cranes, Two-banded Courser, Narina Trogon, Emerald Cuckoo, Crowned Hornbill, Schalow’s Turaco, Crested Guinea Fowl, among others. The avian catalog is extensive; one merely requires a professional guide, comprehensive birding literature, appropriate equipment, waterproof jackets, high-quality zoom cameras, and additional resources to provide a memorable birdwatching trip.
Treetop walk
Experience the rainforests of Lake Manyara with a treetop walk, gliding over the canopy while appreciating the aerial vistas of the park. This is Tanzania’s inaugural treetop walkway, often referred to as the Manyara treetop walkway. Embarking on an exhilarating journey through the picturesque forests of the park. The treetop activity requires additional payment not encompassed in the park admission prices. They resemble night game drives that are organized differently; they are not included in the park entry package.
Boat Cruise
Boat trips at Lake Manyara National Park are a seasonal pastime conducted exclusively during the rainy season. The boat trip adheres to the water level of Lake Manyara; when the water volume is low, boat cruises are prohibited on the lake. One should possess ample information prior to reserving these activities.
Explore the hot springs: Lake Manyara National Park is the result of the Great Rift Valley’s geological activity, with numerous attractions, including hot springs. Visiting these distinctive volcanic formations is worthwhile; take the opportunity to see the forces of nature and boil eggs or bananas. It is a life experience that provides excitement.
Lake Manyara National Park is accessible year-round, and its proximity to Arusha makes it ideal for a one-day safari trip. If you are considering where to allocate an additional day following your business trip in Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is the optimal choice.