Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks.
Lake Manyara National Park has beautiful forests, swamps, grasslands hot water springs and last but not least the shallow soda-lake, Lake Manyara. The lake and the dense groundwater forests, which looks a lot like a rain forest,
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands pink-hued flamingo population attracted by the lake, making a beautiful background for the, gracious giraffes, grazing buffalos and elephants. The tree-climbing lions are mostly found in the incredible baobab trees found in the southern part of the park. The hot water springs are also located in this area of the park, Maji Moto. The park houses the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world and an extraordinary variation of bird species, more than 400, including a diversity of waterfowls and raptors.
About Lake Manyara National Park
Size: 330 sq km (127 sq miles), of which up to 200 sq km (77 sq miles) is lake when water levels are high.
Location: In northern Tanzania. The entrance gate lies 1.5 hours (126km/80 miles) west of Arusha along a newly surfaced road, close to the ethnically diverse market town of Mto wa Mbu.
Getting there
By road, charter or scheduled flight from Arusha, en route to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
What to do
Game drives, night game drives, canoeing when the water levels is sufficiently high.
Cultural tours, picnicking, bush lunch/dinner, mountain bike tours, abseiling and forest walks on the escarpment outside the park.
When to go
Dry season (July-October) for large mammals;
Wet season (November-June) for bird watching, the waterfalls and canoeing.