Reasons to Visit Lake Manyara National Park
If you’re going on a Tanzania safari, Lake Manyara National Park is a hidden gem worth a visit! The park is located in the north of Tanzania, near the Arusha and Manyara regions. The park offers a truly unique wilderness experience across a range of diverse habitats and wildlife. From its steep mountainside, dense woodlands, and Rift Valley soda lake – there is always something interesting to see and experience in Lake Manyara National Park.
Here are some of our favourite things about Lake Manyara National Park.
1. Observe the Tree Climbing Lions
Lions are a treat to see anywhere on safari, but tree-climbing lion are something of a rarity and are usually only found in a few locales, one of which is Lake Manyara National Park. While most lion prefer to remain land-bound, the tree-climbing lion of Tanzania and Uganda can be found lounging cosily or sleeping on branches, a skill it is believed by some scientists that all lion are capable of, but simply prefer not to exercise.
Outside of Lake Manyara, tree-climbing lions can also be found on a Uganda safari, where they have a healthy population in Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania.
Best suited for: Returning safari-goers in search of unique wildlife.
2. Experience the Beautiful Scenery of Lake Manyara
Even as one of the smaller wildlife reserves in Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park boasts a diverse array of ecosystems making for breathtaking landscapes to explore and observe. From the dense forests which are home to vervet and blue monkey, to the marshes which invite wallowing hippos. Moreover, anticipate woodlands rich with acacia trees and open savannahs littered with grazing zebra.
The national park lies between Tarangire and The Great Rift Valley, with the East African Rift forming a picturesque backdrop to the magnificent lake. Staying within the park is the perfect way to experience these panoramic views. Asilia’s partner lodge, Chem Chem Lodge, is conveniently located on the southwestern edge of Lake Manyara, providing you with breathtaking vistas for the duration of your stay.
Best suited for: Couples looking for romantic and picturesque landscapes, nature enthusiasts, and photographers looking for stunning backdrops.
3. Go Bird Watching and See the Famous Flamingos
A haven for waterbirds, Lake Manyara National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts and one of the best places in Tanzania to go bird watching. During the wet season or green season, the birds migrate to the area for the higher water levels, making this the best time to visit Lake Manyara if you want to see large flocks of various water birds.
Some of the species you can expect to see include pelicans, Egyptian geese, the Crowned Eagle and the African Spoonbill, but Lake Manyara is particularly famous for its thriving flamingo population. You will find these gorgeous pink birds along the lake’s shores, gracefully grazing in large numbers, feeding on the dead algae. The lake’s alkalinity and shallowness make it the perfect environment for its pink inhabitants.
Best suited for: Birdlife and wildlife enthusiasts.
4. The Unique Wildlife
Lake Manyara National Park provides an extraordinary wildlife viewing experience that makes it a worthy contender for safari-goers looking for a unique adventure. From the fascinating tree climbing lions whose behaviour remains a mystery to scientists, to the thousands of flamingos that assemble to breed on the lake during the summer, the area promises picture-perfect sightings especially when paired with other Tanzanian gems such as Ngorongoro or a Serengeti safari.
Lake Manyara National Park is also home to a growing population of elephant and troops of baboon, both of which you are likely to come across while on a game drive. Giraffe, hippo, and wildebeest are also popular inhabitants of the park. Smaller critters include a range of reptiles including chameleon, gecko, as well as the 400 hundred plus bird species found throughout the park.
Best suited for: Returning safari-goers and first-timers looking for diverse encounters.
5. Night Game Drives
Nothing quite compares to the excitement and anticipation of embarking on a night game drive– boarding a safari vehicle in the quiet of the night as you depart into the wilderness. Night safaris encourage you to really make use of your senses, listen out for sounds of animals you cannot see and keep your eyes peeled for moving shadows against the headlights of the vehicle and the panning spotlight.
Nocturnal creatures make their debut during this time, from quilled porcupines to lean civet cats. Some of the nocturnal predators you can expect to see include brown hyena loping around and prowling lion energised from their several hours of sleep in the day. If you’re lucky, you may also spot a leopard moving around in the darkness.
Best suited for: Adults, honeymooners/couples, and returning safari goers who are interested in nocturnal wildlife sightings.
6. A Range of Safari Activities to Enjoy
When you aren’t on safari, there are plenty of activities to take part in both within and outside of your camp. Cultural visits to the town of Mto wa Mbu can be organised, giving you a look into the lives of the locals, or go on a run with the Maasai tribesmen for a fun excursion.
During the wet season, you can enjoy a list of water activities on Lake Manyara, such as canoeing, mokoro rides, and sunset boat cruises. When you’re ready to slow down you can indulge in the lodge’s spa or pool or get active at the fitness centre. Take each day as it comes, whether your aim is to head out on an adventure or simply relax and take in your surroundings, rest assured you won’t run out of things to do.
Best suited for: Active travellers, adventurers seeking a diverse range of experiences, and couples who are interested in immersive and adventurous experiences.
7. Enjoy an Uncrowded Park
Even with famous heavyweights such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater nearby, Lake Manyara National Park stands out, offering unique and exciting experiences that make it a top destination to visit while in Tanzania. The icing on the cake? You get to enjoy a crowd-free experience! Lake Manyara National Park is the perfect place to go while in East Africa if you want to get off the beaten track while savouring a one-of-a-kind experience in the bush.
Best suited for: Couples, solo travellers, safari-goers looking for a destination off the beaten track, families who want an exclusive and crow-free safari experience.
Ready to start planning your Lake Manyara safari? Enquire now.
