Introducing you to one of the must Visit safari destination in Africa; Lake Manyara national park. A day or more of calm in this park offers a memorable adventure experience. Lake Manyara National park is one of the over 22 national parks in Tanzania, located in the Great Rift Valley and managed by Tanzania National parks Authority. Only the national parks cover about 15% of the total land surface in Tanzania. The country is situated in East Africa, neighbored by among others the republic of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi and the democratic Republic of Congo.
Lake Manyara National park is located in Arusha and Manyara region, between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara. The area that covers over 325sqkms and 230sqkms of the lake, features the savannah grassland, woodland, flood plains, acacia woodlands, forest cover and the scenic hilly escarpment. A renowned destination with the sought after tree climbing lions, large population of pink flamingoes, the ash lake and more is one of the major attractions in the northern safari circuit.
In 1920s, sport hunting was the main activity at the present day Lake Manyara National Park. Forward to 1957, the government turned it into a reserve to protect the biodiversity. In 1960, the 550 ha was declared a national park, and later expanded with additional lands in the south.
You can access Lake Manyara national park through any of its two main gates. One at the southern direction and the other at the northern part of the park. The southern gate is rarely used because of its condition, and the distance to the main road. The northern gate is most used for entrance and exit, with an application of electronic systems to scan tourist permits. It is where the information Centre is situated with the ranger guides, and maps of the park. Lake Manyara airstrip is approximately 10 min drive from the northern gate thus making easy the transfer. From Arusha, the capital of Tanzania, you drive west, about 126kms with a scenic view of the breathtaking landscape, greenery and more.
What to do and See at Lake Manyara National Park
Game drive
Game drive is the major activity done by tourists to the park. Morning, Afternoon, full day or night game drive ushers you to the territories ruled by the different animals. For the love of their lives, you will see animals feeding or resting together. To spot a kill or any of the Big 5 cats is by luck, and we know of how lucky the visitors to this park are. The notably names to lookout for in a duration of 3-4 hour game drive include; the rare tree climbing lions, baboons, klipspringers, zebras, herds of African elephants, different antelope species, School of hippos, the leopards, warthogs, giraffes, and more. A well-trained armed arrange guide accompanies guests in the search, and identification of the different flora and fauna.
Birding
Birding is a common activity in a place with numerous bird species in the best bird watching spots. Within the swamps, forest areas and more, you get to identify the different birds by their unique names, character, and habitat. Among the many are: the pelicans, secretary birds, water ducks, grey crowned cranes, hornbills, guinea fowls, flamingos, and more. To get the best of birding, one must have the binoculars, birding books, and time for concentrating on them.
Canoe/Boat cruise, nature walk, and cultural adventure are among other activities in the park. In a day, you can do more than one activity, and each unveiling something unique about wildlife in the park. While in the company an expert ranger guide, security is guaranteed, as well as the readiness to learn and have a good type in the unspoilt natural habitat. Tourists visit the Mto WA Mbu town for an exciting encounter with the Masai people who will perform the local dances, community walks, and much more.
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara and where to stay
The park opens at 6am and closes at 7pm, all year round thus no need to deprive yourself a good destination. The best time is when it is dry in the months of June to September and December to early march. The Accommodation in and around the Park Range from budget to luxury lodges, and you have to book at least 3months in advance to guarantee a good deal.
In conclusion, Lake Manyara is one of the Major safari destination in the northern circuit of Tanzania. Other destinations you can combined with this include; Serengeti National park famous for the annual wildebeest migration; Tarangire national park; Arusha national park, Ngorongoro crater conservation area, Zanzibar island and the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro which is the tallest standalone mountain in the world. You can take a safari to lake Manyara and other destinations In Tanzania through our trusted registered tour companies or solely.