Nestled below the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara was flattered by Hemingway as “the loveliest lake I had ever seen in Africa”. It is one of Tanzania's smaller national parks but offers a compact game-viewing circuit with a great diversity of habitats, animals and birds.
At the foot of the 600 meter high Rift Valley escarpment a well maintained road insinuates through a jungle-like forest, home to many baboons and Blue Monkeys.
From the acacia woodland it continues into the grass floodplains, ending at the shores of the shallow soda lake that attracts flocks of pelicans, flamingos and other species of water birds.
The south, which is home to the legendary tree climbing lions, is relatively unexplored but definitely worth a visit for those who are able to spend a full day in this lovely national park.
What to do and what to see in Lake Manyara National Park
Game drive - explore the varied game and rich birdlife with over 400 species of birds
Night safari - Lake Manyara is currently the only national park in Tanzania where you can go on a captivating night game drive in search of the nocturnal animals
Hot Springs Boardwalk way - Enjoy unique views of the steamy Hot Springs, marshland and the Hippo Pool from a freestanding observation platform right in the lake. The boardwalk is a 300 meters long wooden structure located in the southern part of the park.
Cycling Safari - although not possible within the park boundaries, the direct surroudings of Lake Manyara offer thousands of miles of biking trails to explore
Other toursit destinations in Tanzania
Arusha national park
Arusha National Park is extremely diverse with rolling grassy hills, shadowy montane forests inhabited by the Blue and Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater and the serene alkaline Momella lakes attracting thousands of flamingos and other water birds.
Explore parkKilimanjaro National Park
At 5895 MASL, the Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent, and the world's highest freestanding mountain. Its majestic appearance and the fact that it's one of the most accessible high summits draw every year thousands of visitors to the base to conquer its peak.
Explore parkLake Eyasi and Natron
In Tanzania's popular northern circuit, Lake Eyasi and Lake Natron form an ideal highlight for those who wish to escape the majority of the tourists and go off the beaten track. These hardly explored areas see relatively little tourism yet offer spectacular sceneries with great walking opportunities, unique interaction with the local tribes and a welcome relaxation during the safari.
Explore parkNgorongoro Conservation Area
Adjacent to Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers a large area of short-grass plains as well as a range of large ancient volcanoes and the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Explore parkSerengeti National Park
With sun scorched plains stretching to kiss the slivery golden horizon, Serengeti National Park is no doubt Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famed for its Great wildebeest Migration, zebras and gazelles.
Explore parkTarangire national park
Named after the Tarangire River this national park is especially known for its large elephant herds, arguably the largest numbers in the whole of Africa. Herds of up to 300 elephants come to the marshlands or river to quench their thirst, while zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and elands gather around the shrinking lagoons for their treat.
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