Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National park derives its name from the plant “Euphorbia tirucalli,” known locally as Manyara in the Maasai language. The plant holds great importance for the Maasai people, who use it to protect their hedges, called Bomas. Once a popular hunting ground, the park has since transformed into one of Tanzania’s most captivating sanctuaries. It was designated a national park in 1960 and became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1981. Although relatively small compared to other safari parks, its unique charm and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination. Nestled against the dramatic walls of the Rift Valley escarpment, the park spans 648.7 square kilometers (about 402 square miles), with 262.7 square kilometers (163 square miles) covered by the lake and the remaining 386 square kilometers comprising dry land. The park’s lush groundwater forest provides a refreshing contrast to the more savannah-like landscapes of other parks, offering a diverse array of vegetation that supports an equally varied wildlife population. Streams and waterfalls cascade over cliffs, nourishing the park’s flora and fauna. In the southern region of the park, hot springs bubble up in the shadow of the escarpment, where a thriving population of hippopotamuses resides. The park is also home to over 400 bird species, as well as large herds of buffalo and elephants. Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by a verdant forest, home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Further into the park, the forest gives way to woodlands, grasslands, and swamps. One of the park’s most renowned features is its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging on the branches of acacia trees six to seven meters above the ground. Additionally, the park is famous for its tree-climbing pythons. Adjacent to the park is the village of Mto wa Mbu, or “The River of Mosquitoes.” This small village is a cultural melting pot, home to nearly all of Tanzania’s 120+ tribes. Residents engage in various activities, including woodcarving, painting, and farming. Several cultural programs in the village offer visitors a chance to experience the rich diversity of Tanzanian culture. For more cultural tours and experiences, be sure to explore our cultural tour packages, which provide the perfect complement to your wildlife safari adventures.

THINGS TO LAKE MANYARA
NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara National Park provides a wide range of activities for travelers to enjoy

Game drives and wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara national park offers a great opportunity for travelers to explore the undisturbed areas of this spectacular park, embark on a morning and afternoon guided game drive during the day together with your professional driver guide you will be able to explore the diverse habitats of the park with some important stopping on the lakeshore to admire the different bird species such as herons, egrets, flamingos among others on our excellent 4×4 safari vehicle with all the necessary equipment that we believe will give you comfort during your whole time of the safari. Game drives at Lake Manyara national park gives you an opportunity to will traverse a mosaic of acacia woodlands, grassy floodplains, and tall forest in search of wildlife, you will be able to spot some predators including the Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions and Leopards which may be spotted resting on trees and other favored spots in the park, during the game drive you will also be able to encounter large family herds of elephant with other many animals such as buffalos with impressive horns wallowing on muddy floors along the Lake shores, impalas, gazelles, Zebras, wildebeests, giraffes grazing on leafy tree tops and many more just to mention a few. Lake Manyara national park is among smaller wilderness parks in Tanzania but offers rich, extraordinary, and fascinating environment for travelers to appreciate the nature.

Lake Manyara national park tree top walk way is an experience that offers you an opportunity to glide through over a series of suspension bridges flanked with thick netting for safety, this adventure walk takes you through on a sky high walkway of about 15-18 Meters higher from the ground and about 370 meters long starting with a gradual rise from the ground level up through to the canopy of the forest leading you to a marvelous point of the viewing decks that blend into the massive tree trunks allowing you to experience the breath taking nature and spectacular wildlife like never before among the treetops of the untouched natural beautiful green forests of the Lake Manyara national park in a perspective that is intimate and unique. An experience normally last for half an hour to an hour depending on the time used to view some beautiful scenes and wildlife of the area including beautiful blue Monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other beautiful mammals on the forest floor.

Walking safari at Lake Manyara national park leads you through the dramatic tropical forests, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked springs and acacia woodlands passing through various natural walking trails with a professional and knowledgeable walking guide escorted by an armed park ranger along to ensure you the safety and to lead the way along to the vital areas with a high concentration of wildlife that you can encounter. Expect to encounter abundant wildlife including primates such as monkeys and baboons, some big games like zebras, gazelles, giraffes, impalas, elephants, Bufalos, and many different bird species such as flamingos, heron, egrets and much more giving you a once in a life time Tanzania safari experience.

Canoeing safaris at Lake Manyara national park offer a unique way to explore the park unique ecosystem on a boat surrounded by lush vegetations and beautiful flora and fauna. It offers you a chance to enjoy an incredible scenery both on and around the lake shores. You will spot many monkeys swinging from the overhanging trees and see diverse varieties of aquatic birdlife from flocks of flamingo, egrets, Stocks, ibis, king fishers, herons, avocet to pelicans collecting and hunting for food around the lake. On a canoe safari you also have high chance to encounter big games such as buffalo, giraffes, gazelles, impalas, and elephants drinking and bathing on the shorelines, Lake Manyara is also a home to hippos and so this is very possible to be part of the experience while on a cruise. Enjoy a thrilling, unique and peaceful safari from a different perspective allowing you to immerse in the tranquility of the beautiful serene of the nature. Spend some hours (up to 3hours) on a boat with our knowledgeable guide who will navigate you through the diverse flora and fauna while gliding through on calm water of Lake Manyara and discover the real beauties along the lake shores.

Lake Manyara national park is bordered with the bustling agricultural village of Mto wa mbu with a variety of cultures from all the corners around Tanzania, you will find all more than 120 ethnic groups that are found in Tanzania living happily side by side conducting different daily cultural activities from farming to grazing. This small town of Mto Wa Mbu lies at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. You can spend a full or half day in this small town to explore their authentic cultural ways of life with an experienced local guide who will give you the cultural insight of the village through his or her eyes. Interact with local community of farmers, artisans, craftsmen, and painters among others and enjoy the cultural side of Tanzania while on safari.

Lake Manyara Tree Climbing Lion

 

 

When to visit the park

The Park is practically accessible through the year but best time to visit the park is during less or no rain seasons which are between Junes to mid-march. It is also great time for wildlife watching.

EXPLORE POSSIBLE TOURS

Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Tanzania with our expertly crafted tours.Each itinerary is carefully designed to provide immersive experiences, from guided safaris in world-renowned national parks to intimate encounters with local communities.

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