THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR VISITING LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park / Image: @etvoilaraissa
While it may not always get the recognition and acclaim of neighboring safari hotspots like Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park is not to be missed.
Among the most incredible destinations for wildlife spotting in Tanzania, this park is especially celebrated for its tree-climbing lions, elephant herds and birdwatching opportunities.
Despite its relatively small size, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the best safari parks in Tanzania. Everywhere you look, you'll see diverse landscapes, grassy plains, lush forests, acacia woodlands existing side by side as well as the incredible lake.
Consequently, the species residing within the park can vary significantly, as pink flamingoes flock to the shores of the lake while the dense woods are home to Africa's largest concentration of baboons.
If you've your heart set on a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, set aside some time to visit Lake Manyara National Park and explore one of the oldest nature reserves in the country.
Keep reading to find all the must-know details, including how to get there and the best things to see and do.
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Lake Manyara National Park / Image: @spoelhofmedia
Where Is Lake Manyara National Park?
Lake Manyara National Park lies between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania. It sits just 126 km from Arusha, a city that serves as a gateway to many of the country's finest safari destinations and is reachable from there in a little over 90 minutes.
Because of its location, Lake Manyara National Park is often paired with visits to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater as part of a wider safari around Tanzania.
The distance from Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park is around 200 km and the park sits roughly 75 km from the Ngorongoro Crater.
Lake Manyara National Park / Google Maps
How to Get to Lake Manyara National Park
Like most other spots on the northern Tanzania safari circuit, Lake Manyara National Park is best accessed from Arusha. In the majority of cases, it's easiest to start your trip by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
From here, you can reach Arusha in approximately one hour by car, with a further 90-minute drive needed to get to Lake Manyara National Park. This is by far the most popular route but there are also some alternative options available to you.
To cut down on travel time over land, it's possible to take a domestic flight to Arusha Airport from either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Kenya.
Furthermore, some safari packages will include an additional flight to Lake Manyara Airport, which is usually limited to chartered planes.
The Tree Climbing Lions in Lake Manyara National Park
If there's one thing that's put Lake Manyara National Park on the map, it's the resident lions and their unique tree-climbing capabilities.
Seeing these exceptional creatures make their way up through the thick acacia trees is a remarkable experience and one that's exclusive to just a handful of locations on the planet. One such place is Lake Manyara National Park.
During your game drives through the savannas and woodlands of the park, you'll be in with a chance to see these unusual lions in action.
What makes these tree-scaling cats even more fascinating is that experts have yet to come to a definite conclusion about why precisely these lions behave this way.
Many speculate that the lions perch themselves among the treetops to take shelter from the sun. However, others suggest that the branches make excellent vantage points for the lions to watch their prey while also keeping them far from insects that irritate them on the ground.
No matter what the reason, admiring the lions lounging along the acacia trees is astounding and one of the experiences that sets Lake Manyara National Park apart from many other safari destinations.
You can learn more about the tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara on our guide to lions in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park / Image: @glenm
Bird Watching in Lake Manyara National Park
While the lions are the park's most famous dwellers, Lake Manyara is also a hotspot for unique and intriguing bird species. Much like the other animals that reside here, the varied landscapes have made Lake Manyara National Park a hub for a wide range of feathered creatures.
The lake itself is among the best bird-spotting pockets of the park, and it's where you'll often find the elegant pink flamingos that the area has become synonymous with.
Throughout your visit, you may also encounter some of the 400 other bird species in different parts of the park.
Along with flamingos - you can find pelicans, herons, hornbills, storks, and kingfishers on the lake. Crowned eagles, African hawk eagles, white-winged widowbirds and yellow-billed kites also call Lake Manyara National Park home.
If you're a keen birdwatcher or are planning on visiting the park specifically for the winged inhabitants, it's worth keeping in mind that Lake Manyara is seasonal.
This means that many species are primarily present during the wet season and are not commonly found here during the drier months of the year. When the lack of rainfall causes the water levels to drop, the flamingos tend to move north to Lake Natron.
Lake Manyara National Park / Image: @a_wonkam
Things to Do in Lake Manyara National Park
For such a compact area (if you're wondering how big Lake Manyara National Park is, it's just 325 square km, compared to the Serengeti's area of 14,763 square km!), there's an array of fabulous things to see and do.
Game Drives
These animal-spotting excursions are essential components of any safari experience and are among the top Lake Manyara National Park activities. Early morning, mid-afternoon and nighttime game drives all offer unique animal encounters.
The best chances of catching a glimpse of the majestic wildlife are during the early hours while the weather at Lake Manyara National Park is a little cooler.
However, the evening drives allow you to spot some nocturnal creatures. Lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and antelopes are just some of the animals you may see along the way.
Boat Rides
Admire the park's birds from an unbeatable perspective with a boat or canoe ride through Lake Manyara. Not only can you see flamingos, pelicans and herons but you might also find some hippos bathing or unwinding in the water.
The lake's landscapes are even more awe-inspiring and you'll enjoy views of the Rift Valley escarpment, vast plains and forested areas.
Guided Walks
With your expert guide or ranger by your side, you'll venture into Lake Manyara National Park on foot and soak up the superb scenery while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
The animals you might find will depend on which route your guide chooses, but monkeys and birds are some of the most commonly sighted creatures.
The Treetop Walkway is a popular feature on most safari itineraries and is a 370-meter-long canopy walk through at the tops of the trees. Here, you'll get a birds eye view of the animals below and the birds at eye level.
Cultural Experiences
A safari in Lake Manyara National Park combines nature and culture and there's no better way to delve into the locals' traditions and customs than to visit the nearby Maasai village.
The Maasai tribe has lived in Tanzania for centuries and continues to live a life without much influence from the modern world. Today, they welcome visitors into their homes, showcasing their intricate handicrafts, traditional dances and unique way of life.
Lake Manyara National Park / Image: @denisi_z
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Lake Manyara National Park?
The best time for a Lake Manyara National Park safari will depend on your preferences.
The most popular time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October. At this time, temperatures are pleasant and wildlife spotting opportunities are abundant.
However, the wet season which runs from November to May is generally a more inexpensive time to visit and the landscapes are particularly vibrant due to frequent rainfall.
Can You Stay in Lake Manyara National Park?
There are numerous hotels in Lake Manyara National Park to choose from - along with tented camps, lodges and guesthouses. As a result, there are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes.
It's important to note that there are additional concession fees that you must pay if you choose to stay in accommodation in Lake Manyara National Park.
Are There Entry Fees Into Lake Manyara National Park?
The Lake Manyara National Park entrance fee is $59 for non-resident adults and $18 for non-resident children. This is valid for 24 hours but only permits one entry, so you'll need to pay the fee again if you leave and re-enter the park.
If you plan to stay overnight, you'll need to pay an additional $47.20 for non-resident adults and $12 for non-resident children per night.
Find out more details about the entry fees on Lake Manyara National Park's website.
A Final Note on Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of northern Tanzania's most exciting destinations, making it an extraordinary addition to any safari itinerary. Much less visited than many of the nearby parks, this is the perfect location for a more authentic and intimate safari.
Start planning your trip to Tanzania today with BornWild. Check out our African lion safari, which stops at Lake Manyara National Park to see the Tree Climbing Lions, Ngorongoro Crater, and much more.
Lake Manyara National Park / Image: @etvoilaraissa
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