Tree climbing lion safari in Lake Manyara park
Tree climbing lion safari in Lake Manyara park : Tree climbing lions are among the wildlife attractions that can be seen on a Tanzania safari around Lake Manyara national park which is located in the northern part of Tanzania.
The tree climbing behavior among lions can be seen in destinations around East Africa such as Lake Manyara national park of Tanzania and also in the ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda.
The behavior of the tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara national park has been explained as a form of protection from irritation of insects biting the lions when they are on the ground. These lions are among the attractions in the national park.
Another reason which explains the tree climbing behavior of lions in Lake Manyara national park is that they enjoy a cool breeze from up in the tree and also get a better view of their surroundings. From up in the trees, the lions are able to also observe their prey in the savannah plains.
Among the big cats which can be seen during safaris around Tanzania such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, the tree climbing nature is usually among leopards which are known to be good climbers and also to take carry their prey up in the tree.
Lions apart from tree climbing are also known to laze in the shade of the trees especially during the day time. These wildlife species also play an important role in the ecosystem by preying on herbivores.
During safaris in Lake Manyara national park, they can be seen during the day game drives and are mostly active during the night and their eyes which adapt to the dark are an added advantage as the lions are able to hunt their prey even in the dark.
Some of the interesting facts about lions is that they use their roar to communicate their location and also to show their strength and also to intimidate lions from other prides.
Lions are also known to attack their cubs especially the male lions as a way of claiming the female lions. This is because the male lions are threatened by the young cubs and fear that the cubs will take over their territory. Male lions can also kill female lions when they refuse to mate.
Killing of the cubs by the male lions is also a way for the male lions to get the female lions to heat without cubs to take care of. Some of the tourists who enjoy Tanzania safaris around Lake Manyara national park are lucky enough to see these lions during mating season or as they move around the savannah plains with their cubs or as they hunt their prey around the national park.
Lake Manyara national park which is home to the tree climbing lions and numerous other wildlife species consists of diverse habitat and is made up of savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and a soda lake which covers a big part of the national park.
Safaris in Lake Manyara national park are carried out in the scenic park which although small in size compared to other national parks in the northern part of Tanzania is home to a variety of bird species and is also close to other wildlife viewing destinations like the Ngorongoro conservation area.
A number of activities are carried out during safaris to Lake Manyara national park and these include morning game drives and also afternoon and night game drives. Safaris around the destination also involve engaging in bird watching, canoeing, nature walks, canopy walks and also community tours.
- Night game drives are among the unique wildlife viewing experiences while on safari around Lake Manyara national park and they involves searching for the nocturnal wildlife species around the national park such as lions, leopards, hippos, genets, civets among others. The night game drives are carried out in the company of a ranger guide and the activity gives the tourists a different perspective of the national park.
During day game drives in the morning or afternoon around Lake Manyara national park, the tourists enjoy the beautiful scenery in the national park as they search for different wildlife species such as elephants, baboons, lions, waterbucks, impalas, gazelles, hippos, giraffes among others.
- Canopy walks are also part of the Tanzania safari experience in Lake Manyara national park and they involve walking along the treetop walkway. This activity is carried out close to the northern entrance of the national park.
The treetop walkway is a suspended bridge which is about 18 meters off the ground and it passes through a forest and the bridge is between trees with viewing platforms at the end of the bridge where tourists can also enjoy views of the scenery in the national park.
The canopy walk in Lake Manyara national park is considered to be among the longest in Africa.
- Bird watching around Lake Manyara national park is also an exciting experience during a safari. There are over 400 bird species found in the national park. Flamingos are among the bird species which can be seen along the shores of Lake Manyara.
Other bird species which can be seen in Lake Manyara national park include hornbills, turracos, pelicans, storks, cormorants, spoonbills, kingfishers among others.
The best time for bird watching in Lake Manyara national park is during the months of November to April when migrant bird species can also be spotted.
For wildlife viewing around Lake Manyara national park, June to October is recommended for safaris around the destination. The different wildlife species which can be spotted in the national park during safaris include hippos, waterbucks, buffalos, elephants, lions, giraffes, monkeys, baboons, warthogs among others.
Among the requirements for safaris to Lake Manyara national park is park entrance fees. Park entry fee of the national park is 59 USD in the peak season and 53 USD in the low season for non-residents.
Visit Lake Manyara national park and enjoy a game viewing experience of searching for wildlife species such as the rare tree climbing lions.
