Lake Manyara National Park is one of the other thrilling safari destinations in the Republic of Tanzania. The national park is known to be home to various attractions and also the national park is also one of the greatest destinations to visit while on a safari in east Africa.
Lake Manyara National Park is situated in in the Arusha and Manyara regions of northern Tanzania, this mind-blowing destination is also filled with a breathtaking blend of landscapes, abundant wildlife, and striking natural beauty. Thepark lies on over 126 kilometers (78 miles) southwest of Arusha town and it stretches along the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley.
There is a lot to learn about the beautiful Park, and as you research to learn deeper about the mysterious lake Manyara National Park, below are some of the things you should know about the national park and also the republic of Tanzania at large and these are what you should know;
A Brief History of Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park was put into establishment as a reserve in the year 1957, the park later turned into a a national park in 1960 and with the aim of protecting its unique ecosystems and the vast numbers of wildlife which where found in its perimeters, due to the fact that the national park is enclosed within a water body source and as well as surrounded by forests, these have acted as homes to numerous wildlife for ages till date.
Lake Manyara National Park got so famous through the writings of Ernest Hemingway and wildlife documentaries, which gave insights about the national park’s picturesque beauty and abundant biodiversity. Currently, the national park forms part of Tanzania’s most celebrated Northern Safari Circuit, standing aside with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti national parks.
Climate of Lake Manyara National Park
Climatically, Lake Manyara National Park is known to be experiencing a tropical savanna climate, and this is due to the fact that the national park is situated within the Rift Valley and also because of the presence of Lake Manyara itself within the national park. Lake Manyara National Park’s climate is mostly warm and it has two distinct rainy seasons which are these below: Short rains usually run from November to mid-December and Long rains run from the months of March to May.
Lake Manyara National Park’s dry season always run from the months of June to October and these are ranked to be the best times to have a safari at the national park as visitors have chances to witness numerous wildlife and also animals congregate around the lake for water.
Temperature Ranges:
- Daytime: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
- Nighttime: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)
Top Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park.
Here are some of the top attractions which are found within the Great Lake Manyara National Park, these are some of the things that rank the national park as an icon destination in the republic of Tanzania and these include;
- Lake Manyara
This is an alkaline lake and it covers that covers two-thirds of the perimeter of the national park, most especially during the wet season. The lake is a great point for birding adventures at the park for it hosts thousands of flamingos and other aquatic birds.
- Tree-Climbing Lions
Sightseers who would love to witness the tree-climbing lions, the destination is Lake Manyara National Park, as the lions are spotted lounging in an acacia tree, which is a rare habit with other lions in other national parks.
- Groundwater Forest
The national park has dense evergreen forest, and these are fed by underground springs, which act as home to baboons, blue monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. This forest makes room for cool and serene environments.
- Hot Springs (Maji Moto)
Lake Manyara National Park is also home to numerous hot springs who are called “ maji Moto” in the Swahili culture and these are located on the southern edge of the park.
- Great Rift Valley Escarpment
The park is situated at the base of this dramatic cliff of the great Rift Valley escarpment and this offers panoramic views over the lake and the park below hence making it perfect for photography and sunset watching.
- Wildlife
Lake Manyara National Park is home to numerous wildlife and these also contribute to the beauty of the national park, These include;
Mammals
- Elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Hippos
- Baboons
- Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Warthogs, and Antelopes
Birds
Lake Manyara National Park is also home to over 400 bird species and these include;
- Pink Flamingos
- Pelicans
- Cormorants
- Kingfishers
- Hornbills
- Fish Eagles
Best and Worst Times to Visit the Park
The Park, just like all other national park it has the best and the worst time to sightsee it. Despite of the fact that the national park can be visited all year through the best and the worst time to visit the park are as below;
Best Time:
- June to October (Dry Season) – this period is best for all sightseers who are into wildlife spotting as animals gather around water sources and visibility is higher due to the fact that the animals move closer to the waters and also for pasture.
- January to February – also sightseers can get to visit during these months as well, because they are still relatively dry, though with fewer tourists.
Worst Time:
- March to May (Long Rains) – due to the fact that there are always Heavy rainfall these tend to make some roads slippery and hence making it hard to survey the national park. However, it’s excellent for birdwatching and fewer crowds.
Things to Do Near or After Visiting Lake Manyara
While on your safari to the Great Lake Manyara National Park, there are various safari activities that sightseers can engage in, near or even after visiting the national park, these safari activities surely rank the destination among top most visited national parks in
- Witnessing the Great Migration (wildebeest and zebra herds)
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Game drives in search of the Big Five
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages
Getting to the Park
Below are some of the different ways one can be able to get to the park, and these are basically two ways which are; By Road and By Air.
Where to Stay
The park’s surrounding areas offer a range of accommodation options to sightseers and these are suitable for different budgets, These can be located within and also outside the national park. These involve;
Inside the Park:
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
- Public campsites
- Outside the Park (Mto wa Mbu area)
- Escarpment Luxury Lodge
- Kirurumu Tented Lodge
- Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
In conclusion the national park should surely not miss out on your choice of destinations for any kind of wildlife safari in the Republic of Tanzania for there is a lot to witness and learn about, as you are thrilled by the parks beauty and stunning environment.
For more information, contact our trusted tour operators who are willing and ready to provide you with all the information you may need to know about the national, booking and different packages in the Republic of Tanzania.
