LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK- TANZANIA

Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area within Tanzania’s northern circuit of national parks, an area renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park is situated in the Great Rift Valley, covering an area of approximately 330 square kilometers, and is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that occupies much of the park’s area. The park’s diverse habitats, including the forest, scrubland, and lake, provide ideal foraging grounds and nesting sites for a wide range of bird species. The park’s birdlife is renowned for its diversity, and visitors can easily spot various species within a short period.

Lake Manyara National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and several species of antelope. The park is also renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a unique phenomenon where lions have adapted to climbing trees to escape the heat and avoid the tsetse flies prevalent in the park.

The park is also home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The vast variety includes hornbills, rollers, flamingos, pelicans, and eagles, to mention a few. The best time to visit the park for bird watching is during the wet season, between November and June when migrants are present, some of the migratory birds found in the park include the white stork, marabou stork, yellow wagtail, black kite, and lesser flamingo. The lesser flamingo is a particularly exciting bird to watch, often seen in flocks that can number in the thousands, creating a pink blanket across the lake’s surface. The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park for game viewing activities is during the dry season, from June to October. This is when the animals are more concentrated around the water sources and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to see wildlife.

There are several activities to engage in during a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, including game drives, walking tours, and bird watching. Visitors can also experience the unique culture of the Maasai people who live around the park through cultural tours, which provide an insight into their way of life.

Accommodation options near Lake Manyara National Park range from budget camping sites to lodges and luxury camps, providing diverse options for visitors according to their budget and preferences. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Lake Manyara National Park is a must-visit destination for any safari enthusiast. LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK- TANZANIA