Lake Manyara National Park Travel Guide
Rift Valley Lake
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Located 125 km west of Arusha town, under the wall of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the oldest and most popular sanctuaries in East Africa. The park has a large variety of habitats, making it possible to support a wealth of wildlife in its small area.
The main habitats include the shallow soda lake itself which occupies 70% of the National Park total area of 320 sq. km, the ground water forest, open grassland, acacia woodland and the rift wall. The most famous spectacle in the park is the tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally seen along branches of acacia trees.
Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park
Besides the famous tree-climbing lions, other animals found in the park include buffalo, elephants, leopards, baboons, impala, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and hippos. Popularly referred to as an ornithologist’s paradise, Lake Manyara National Park contains over 400 bird species found in most savanna and river habitats in East Africa. Common water birds to be seen here are pelicans, spoonbills, Egyptian geese, hammer kops and the migratory flamingoes, which arrive in hundreds of thousands to create one of Africa’s great natural sights over the soda lake.
Activities in Lake Manyara National Park
Early morning or late afternoon game drives in search of wildlife provide the main activity in the National Park. Birdwatching is naturally very popular. Cultural visits, guided walks, bicycle hire and horse riding are available in either the nearby settlement of Mto wa Mbu or from some of the lodges in the area.
Relaxing
Enjoy a picnic overlooking the hippo pools on Lake Manyara lakeshore
Getting Around
Lake Manyara can be included at the start or end of a ‘Northern Circuit’ safari and is easily accessible by vehicle from either Arusha (approx. 125 km) or the Serengeti National Park (approx. 150 km). 4WD vehicles are recommended for exploring this park. There is also an airstrip near the park gate for those considering a fly-in safari.
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