Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park is a well-preserved paradise with a ground water-forest that is fed by several underground springs, and it is crowded with a wide variety of wildlife such as antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and giraffes, in addition to one of the largest troupes of baboons on the African continent. However the park is most popular for its tree climbing lions which attract thousands of tourists from different parts of the world.

This national park was gazette in 1960 and in 1981; the lake covers an area of 262.7 sq km (163 square miles) while 386 sq kilometers is dry land.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara was declared a National Park back in 1960. The park covers an expanse of 330 sq km, of which the Lake itself coveres about 230 sq km. the national park is situated at the bottom of the western wall of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and is mainly renowned for its large number of elephants plus the tree-climbing lions.

Furthermore, the park is known for its great profusion of diverse species of birds that not only include forest species but water birds as well which are commonly seen by the shores of the lake. ‘Manyara’ as the park’s name was got from a local word in the Maasai language for the plant ‘euphorbia tirucalli’ which is planted on the fences of these people’s homesteads and cattle stockades.

Vegetation in Lake Manyara Park

Because of the diversity of habitats found within this park, it is competent of supporting large populations of animals, plants species and birds. There are a number of various tree species found in this park, among which are the acacia flat-roofed trees (also called the umbrella trees), sausage trees, yellow fever trees, doom palms and baobabs.

The lengthy dry months start in June all through to September, while the short period starts from the month of January to the end of February. Lake Manyara is a soda lake, whose waters lessen to a great extent in the dry months. Nonetheless the park normally has water all year around because of the water springs plus the streams whose water flow from the high escarpment.

Lake Manyara Safari Animals

Lake Manyara National park is best known for its large elephant population and tree-climbing lions but you will also be able to see big herds of buffalos, hippos, impalas, waterbucks, giraffes as well as zebras together with groups of reed bucks and warthogs. The forest as well as the open areas is inhabited by vervet monkey whereas the blue monkeys only stay in the verdant forest. You will also see lizards relaxing on the banks of the river. In addition, don’t miss out on the mongoose that inhabit the aged termite mounds.These are very many wild elephants all through the park, and are commonly seen in large herds. Because of the dense vegetation it is actually not very easy to see them all the time but all the same you will come across a number of them while in the park.

Lake Manyara Tree Climbing Lions

These have made this park very famous internationally although the reason as to why they climb trees remains unknown. A number of theories have been forwarded to explain this strange behavior of climbing trees. Among these, some people claim that they do so in order to keep good watch of the elephants or for the reason that that they do not want to be infested by ticks plus flies.

Others suppose that staying in the tree branches is cooler than being on the ground. All we can say is that may be the truth perhaps lies anywhere between these given theories. Important to note however is that the lions prefer to lounge in the umbrella- flat topped acacia trees.

Birding in Lake Manyara

More than 380 bird species have so far been recorded in Lake Manyara National park, among which are several migrant species. The Greater plus lesser flamingos are usually spotted in big numbers around the soda lake, with the lesser flamingoes totaling to thousands. Several other bird species are seen around the lake shore among which are the grey-black headed heron, cattle-white egret, marabou-saddle billed- yellow stork, spur winged-Egyptian geese.

Therefore, book today a safari to Lake Manyara national Park and unveil the unique wonders this fascinating park has to offer you.

There are a number of fascinating activities you can enjoy during your Tanzania Safari in Lake Manyara National Park among which are: forest walks, Game drives, abseiling, canoe safaris, mountain biking, bird watching tours as well as cultural tours.

Lake Manyara National Park is home to the largest population of elephants in the African continent, so this is one of the best places to enjoy a true African safari and see the huge African elephants.

Other wildlife found in this park includes: gazelles, hippos, Kirk’s dik-diks, antelopes, mongooses, buffaloes, in addition to large numbers of baboons.

Lake Manyara National Park is also home to the unique tree climbing lions which spend part of their day resting in the huge tree branches. Photographers or holidaymakers who will be lucky enough will get a chance to see these amazing creatures resting in the acacia tree branches. To date, the reason why these lions climb trees remains unknown even to zoologists, so getting a chance to set eyes on them will definitely be a very memorable wildlife encounter.

This isolated salty lake which is home to a large number of flamingo birds as well as hippos plus various other aquatic wildlife. Although the water here is salty, this is a commonly visited waterhole that is frequented with numerous animals that come to drink water.

During the rainy season, the lake swells to an extensive water body which is perfect for conducting canoe safaris. On the contrary, in the dry season, the water level shrinks so much to a size that it is nearly possible to simply walk across the bottom of the lake.

While the water level is high, you will see a variety of wildlife including: porcupines, klipspringer and rock hyrax, in addition to various bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Ruppel’s Griffon, Augur Buzzard, Verreaux’s Eagle, plus a very large number of flamingoes, making it a great place to enjoy a bird watching trip in-season.

Situated not too far from the park entrance, the Mto We Mbu is a traditional local farming as well as market village perfectly located for those interested in buying some souvenirs or experiencing the real day to day lifestyle of the people of Tanzania.

During the Market days, farmers from the neighboring parts of this village come together to exhibit their wares in this lively blend of personalities as well as cultures.

Another impressive feature within this park are the high termite mounds scattered across the terrain. These are very eye-catching considering that their formation is a result of the hard work of the tiny termites. These work in large colonies to build these very strong complicated moulds with multiple chambers.

For most time of the year, this lake is home to thousands of beautiful flamingoes which are attracted by the numerous microscopic algae on which they feed. Because of the specialized diet of the flamingoes, it implies that they are confined specifically to alkaline lakes within the Rift Valley. So for those of you on a safari in Tanzania, Lake Manyara without a doubt is the best place to see the large flocks of flamingoes.

Maji Moto is a word in the local Swahili language to mean ‘hot water’. This is a natural spring enclosed by fig trees as well as palm trees. It is an isolated paradise with very clear water, and nice shady spots ideal for picnics. I cannot fail to mention that the beauty here is breathtaking! This place is perfect for swimming as the water is warm and very enticing for a dip.

Although this park can be visited all year round, for the best views of wildlife, we recommend that you visit from July, August, September and October and then for the most rewarding bird watching experience, we recommend that you visit from November, December, January, February, March, April May and June.