Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park, named from the Maasai word “enyara” for the milk-colored water clouded with alkali, is a testament to natural beauty and organic richness. Proclaimed in 1960, the park spans approximately 330 sq. km in northern Tanzania, nestled within the Great Rift Valley.

Its diverse landscape encompasses the alkaline lake, open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and a dense groundwater forest, offering a stunning setting for exploration. The shores, bordered by verdant forests against the backdrop of milky waters and a towering escarpment, provide a haven for wildlife, including the park’s iconic pink flamingos parading in the shallows, attracted by the abundant water sources fed by rivers and streams.

This diversity underscores Lake Manyara’s significance as a rich biodiversity hotspot.

While the park lacks a density of wildlife, it does boast great diversity. Elephants are well-catered for and occur in large herds. Other popular species such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest are seldom far from sight. Of the Big 5, only rhinos are absent and the local lions have a peculiar habit of climbing trees. A healthy population of spotted hyenas means that sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs are quite rare.

Birdwatchers are spoiled, with over 400 species, while the vegetation is equally fascinating, with ancient fig trees and giant baobabs among the highlights.

Lake Manyara National Park is roughly 126 km (78 mi) from the safari gateway of Arusha, or a 2.5-hour drive. Visitors can also fly directly to the park, which has an airstrip.

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The landscape of Lake Manyara National Park is a mesmerizing blend of stunning natural elements. Lush green forests fringe the shores of the sparkling alkaline lake, while the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment adds a dramatic touch. Open grasslands and acacia woodlands stretch across the park, creating a picturesque setting for wildlife encounters. Ancient mahogany trees, fig-trees, and towering baobabs punctuate the landscape, offering shade and a sense of grandeur. The park’s diverse terrain, from the serene lake to dense forests and expansive plains, provides a captivating canvas for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Visitors to Lake Manyara National Park can look forward to a generally temperate climate, which can be relatively mild at times. During the day, it seldom gets uncomfortably hot. In the early mornings and throughout the evenings, it can get quite cold, so warm clothing is recommended for game drives during these times.

Like the rest of northern Tanzania, the Dry season occurs from June to September. Two distinct Wet seasons run from March to May (long rains), and October to September (short rains). It seldom rains all day, and shouldn’t impact game viewing.