Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park Map

Many people pass Lake Manyara National Park as they rush off to the glamorous Serengeti. However, we recommend you consider this enchanting and interesting park.

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest but most ecologically diverse game reserves in Tanzania. Two thirds of its 330km² are made up of the water of Lake Manyara, but the remaining third contains an astonishing range of habitats.

The grassy floodplain that surrounds the lake becomes dense acacia woodland, which in turn gives way to the rocky base of the Tanzanian escarpment. There is also a section of groundwater forest near the gate. Each habitat offers its own range of game viewing options.

The lions in Manyara are famous for climbing trees - unique behaviour for their species. You'll need to be a little lucky to see them though, so don't be disappointed if they elude you. The great diversity of habitats at Lake Manyara National Park also makes it a superb birding destination. More than 380 species have been recorded, and the lake is especially known for waterfowl and migrants.

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is in the early morning, when it is peaceful and still (this is almost certainly the only way to see the park's shy leopards). The plains near the lakeshore are your best bet for mammal viewing: herds of zebra and wildebeest, warthog, impala, and giraffe. Many animals can be seen grazing the new shoots on the floodplain and wallowing in the shallows of the lake, while further out pods of hippos bob.

Made famous by elephant researcher, Dr Iain Douglas Hamilton in his book, 'Among the Elephants' Manyara was established in the 1960s specifically to protect the elephant herds that have made the area world-renowned. However heavy poaching in the 1970's and 1980's decimated the herds. Although they are now recovering, elephant numbers are significantly less than in the past.

The park can easily be seen in a day. Best game viewing months are December to February and May to July, tapering off in August and September. Most visitors will tailor a visit to Manyara to fit in with a trip to one of the Big Three parks (Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro). The Kirurumu Tented Camp at Lake Manyara has been nominated for an award for its efforts as a conservation project involving the local community.

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