Lake Manyara park Tanzania
Lake Manyara park Tanzania : Lake Manyara national park is among the safari destinations that are found in the northern part of Tanzania. A safari around Lake Manyara national park involves exploring the diverse habitat which consists of woodlands, open savannah grassland, forest, floodplains and also a soda ash lake where flamingos can be spotted.
Tanzania National Parks Authority manages Lake Manyara national park which covers about 325 square kilometers. Tree climbing lions are among the wildlife attractions found in the national park.
The tree climbing lions can be spotted in the woodlands of Lake Manyara national park as the rest in the tree branches. The lions can also be seen around the shores of Lake Manyara where they lie in wait for the wildlife species like zebras, impalas, gazelles among others which graze around the plains nearby.
Lake Manyara national park is also bordered by the Great Rift Valley and is considered to be among the best wildlife protected areas of Tanzania. Wildlife viewing is among the popular activities carried out in this national park which has a large number of wildlife species which include impalas, gazelles, waterbucks, lions, leopards, hyenas, baboons, hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffalos among others.
The national park is located about 130 kilometers from the town of Arusha and is also a short drive to other destinations in the northern part of Tanzania such as Serengeti national park, Tarangire national park and the Ngorongoro conservation area.
Lake Manyara national park in Tanzania can be accessed by both driving and also by flight. Flights to the destination can be got from Kilimanjaro international airport and these flights land in Lake Manyara airstrip. Charter flights are also available to the destination.
The park is a perfect getaway for a wildlife safari in Tanzania and you can also enjoy seeing various wildlife species such as elephants, lions, waterbucks, hippos, zebras, impalas, gazelles, giraffes, baboons, buffalos, leopards, bushbucks, among others as you engage in game drives around Lake Manyara national park.
Game drives which are done around Lake Manyara national park include day game drive and also night game drives. A morning game drive around the national park is exciting and you can spot various wildlife species in the savannah plains since they are more active at this time and easy to spot.
Night game drive are also done during safaris in Lake Manyara national park as you look out for nocturnal wildlife species like hippos and predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas among others and also drive out to the lake shores.
Lake Manyara national park is also the second oldest national park in Tanzania after Serengeti national park which is also located in the northern part of Tanzania. The national park was established in 1960 to protect the elephant herds.
When to visit Lake Manyara national park
The best time of the year for wildlife viewing around Lake Manyara national park is during the months of June to October which is also the dry season. Wildlife safaris to the national park can also be done at any other month of the year during a safari in Tanzania.
For bird watching which is another activity done in Lake Manyara national park, the best time considered is the wet season from November to April when migratory birds can also be seen in the national park.
Other activities which are carried out around Lake Manyara national park include canoeing, bird watching, biking, walking safaris, canopy walks and also visiting the Maasai bomas in Mto wa mbu town.
A safari around the treetop walkway is another way to experience the beauty of Lake Manyara national park. This canopy walk is done in the forest of the national park across a bridge which is about 370 meters long and 18 meters off the ground. The two ends of the walkway also have platforms where you can enjoy the beautiful views in the park.
Bird watching is also carried out around Lake Manyara national park and lesser and greater flamingos are among the birds that can be seen in the national park. Flamingos are common along the shores of Lake Manyara. Over 450 bird species can be seen during safaris in the national park and these include kingfishers, herons, pelicans, storks, long crested eagles, hornbills, and barbets among others.
Visiting the Maasai bomas is another safari experience which can be done during safaris in Lake Manyara national park. This cultural experience involves interacting with the Maasai people and getting to know their way of life. Many other cultures are also part of the community in Mto wa mbu town. Some of the activities that are done in the town include biking, community walks and also tasting the local beer which is made from banana.
Canoeing on Lake Manyara is also an activity that is done during safaris in the national park. This activity is however done when the water levels are high enough. A guide accompanies you during the canoe ride as you enjoy the views in the national park and also se wildlife species grazing close to the shoreline.
Different types of travellers can visit Lake Manyara national park during Tanzania safaris in the northern part of Tanzania including budget, midrange and luxury travelers. You can also engage in group safaris or individual safaris during your trip to the destination.
You are required to pay park entrance fees during your safari to Lake Manyara national park. The entrance fee for the national park for nonresidents is 59 USD and 53 USD in the peak and low season respectively.
Children visiting Lake Manyara national park are charged park entrance fees of 23.6 USD. East Africans visiting the national park (nationals of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi) are charged park fees of 11800 TSH for adults. the park fees are valid for multiple entry and are also nonrefundable. Other fees payable during a safari includes concession fees and camping fees.
Book a safari to Lake Manyara national park and enjoy a wildlife experience across the northern part of Tanzania.
