There is nothing as mesmerizing as raw, unfiltered beauty.
Lake Manyara captures attention from the second you set foot around this magical place. Your heart knows you are witnessing something special and your sight is sure ready to feast in wonder.
If you haven’t visited and fell madly in love with Lake Manyara, here is a deeper dive into a place that should move to the top of your bucket list.
Location
Lake Manyara National Park sits in northern Tanzania, about two hours’ drive from Arusha.
A true embodiment of size doesn’t matter, Lake Manyara packs a punch. Yes, it may be small compared to Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but within its relatively modest size there is unimaginable variety; forests, wildlife, open grasslands, hot springs, and, of course, the lake itself.
Full of Life
When it comes to life around Lake Manyara, there is a unique rhythm to it all.
You’ll drive through thick green forests where elephants appear quietly from the trees and baboons play in huge groups along the roadside. The park actually has one of the largest baboon populations in Africa.
Then you reach the open plains where you meet slow, majestic giraffes walking, grazing zebras and wildebeest or buffaloes chilling in the shade. But the real stars of Lake Manyara are the tree-climbing lions. It’s one of the few places in the world where lions are known to rest high up in the trees.
The magic doesn’t end there, Manyara is also a home to over 400 bird species that live around the lake. Among the many species is pink flamingos, decorating Lake Manyara with such beauty that leaves jaws dropped.
The Magical Hot Spring
The southern edge of Lake Manyara, hosts one of the park’s quiet little wonders Maji Moto; the hot springs.
The springs are said to bubble up from deep beneath the Great Rift Valley, with waters heated to between 60°C and 75°C (140–167°F). On a particularly cool day, Maji Moto brings a little bit of heat to make everyone around a little more comfortable; a beautiful reminder that Lake Manyara isn’t just about the flamingos, elephants, and tree-climbing lions.
Getting There
The park is easily accessible by road from Arusha.
If you prefer flying, small planes land at Lake Manyara airstrip, just a few minutes from the park gate.
When to Visit
You can visit any time of the year, but each season offers something different
June to October is the dry season, great for spotting animals as they gather around water. The air is clear, and the roads are easier to drive on.
November to May brings the rains, the park turns green and full of flowers. It’s the best time for bird watching, especially flamingos and other migratory species.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, you have choices. Here are some that you may want to consider:
- Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
- Escarpment Luxury Lodge
- Manyara Green Camp
- Migunga Tented Camp
Lake Manyara has an area of 330 KM2 of which up to 200 sq km is the lake when water levels are high.
Even with its relatively smaller area, Lake Manyara offers a lot of diverse and unique experiences.
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Tanzania Tourist Board Tanzania National Parks Let’s Discover Africa Ltd.
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