LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Overview
Lake Manyara National Park is located 126 km south west of Arusha and can be reached by a car in one and a half hours. The Park can also be reached from Babati the capital of Manyara Region, Lake Manyara Airport is nearby. To the south is situated on the escarpment above the park, the 35399 ha Marang Forest Reserve. To the east is the Kwa Kuchinja Wildlife Migration corridor which allows wildlife to migrate between the nearby Tarangire National Park to the southwest, Lake Manyara to the west and the Engaruka Basin to the north within the Kwa Kuchinja corridor are several villages. Further from the lake and outside of the village land is 45000acres Manyara Ranch, a former livestock ranch managed by the Tanzania Land Conservation Trust since 2001 and an important part of the corridor allowing wildlife movement between Tarangire and Lake Manyara national park.
Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in Tanzania, Arusha and Manyara Regions. It is situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift valley. Lake Manyara National Park is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority and covers an area of 325square kilometres including about 230 square kilometres of lake surface. More than 350 species of birds have been observed on lake Manyara.
History of Lake Manyara National Park
Since 1920s, lake Manyara area was used for spots hunting. In 1957, a game reserve was establishing. In 1960, it was given National Park status and 1974 about 550 ha were added on southern end. The majority of the land area of the park is a narrow strip running between the Gregory Rift wall to the west and Lake Manyara, an alkaline lake, to the east. The National Park only includes the northwest quadrant of the lake, about 200 square kilometres. It is part of the much larger lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve established in 1981 by UNESCO as part of its Man and the Biosphere programme.
Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park
There are a number of fascinating tourist attractions that can be seen within lake Manyara National Park as I have highlighted the top attractions below;
The shallow lake Manyara is an alkaline lake found in this park that swells up and reduces in size basing on the seasons found within a long silvery bowl of salt deposits. It covers an area of 220 square kilometres which is two thirds of the park’s total surface area. The lake hosts a large number of pink flamingos in addition to other wildlife like hippos that dwell in the shallow part of the river.
The game in Lake Manyara includes plenty of elephants, wildebeests, many giraffes and buffaloes. In addition, the park is also very famous for its large number of African wildlife including Zebras, impalas, warthogs and waterbucks. On the slopes of the escarpment, you may need to search a little hard for the tinny and renowned shy Kirk’s dik and klipspringer.
The game drives are limited for about 3 to 4 hours where you can see the animals that are always on the move. A luxury safari involving flights translated into high prices. It is therefore worth to revisit and most safari companies organise for afternoon visits but taking a morning one is much better as there are fewer vehicles with more wildlife activity.
Among the lions living in Lake Manyara is a healthy population of the unique tree climbing lions whose unique tree climbing character can be found in just two places across the world that is Ishasha sector in queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda and Manyara National Park. A very large number of tourists and photographers visit the park to see these exceptional animals.
The large number of birds found at lake Manyara National Parks differs basing on one habitant to another. You will be able to see a huge flocks of pelicans and pick flamingos on the lake while close to the park borders and floodplains you will enjoys view of many egrets, stilt erons, spoonbills, stalks and other waders. The woodlands equally will reward you with great bird views thanks to the much water around but the more interesting species will be viewed in the evergreen forests such as crested guinea fowl, silvery checked hornbills and crowned eagles.
Set under the magnificent of the Great Rift Valley’s steep western escarpment is along the narrow park that conserves the area between the escarpment and lake Manyara safe. Within the vicinity of the lake are wide grassy flood plains and further as you move away are bands of mixed acacia woodlands. leaving that aside, patches of captivating evergreen forests that are kept going by perennial ground water springs from the base of the escarpment are next to the escarpment.
Besides the traditional way of viewing wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park, the tree-top canopy walk offers you an opportunity to see other wildlife in a unique way. Walking at tree top height you will be able to see some primates and various birds within the forest.
The heart of Masai country houses Manyara National Park. Here is where you can visit the unforgettable appealing red-robbed pastoralists who are populous in a boma. Outside the park, undertaken can be mountain bike tours and escarpment forest walks when the water levels are suitable, canoe safaris are also offered.
Lake manyara National Park is home to a very large number of elephants which can easily be seen within the evergreen forests as well as the acacia woodlands, the high amount of ground water as well as the verdant vegetation provide adequate ground to feed these forest giants.
Where to stay at Lake Manyara National Park
This lodge is situated on the eastern shores of lake Manyara, the lodge is split across 3 locations. The main site is close to Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge offers 8 spacious, tent-style suites which is perfect for travellers who value their own space.
This is located within a private conservancy just outside of Lake Manyara National Park, this campsite offers 8 spacious tents with 7-foot beds. Each tent has a wardrobe, a writing table and wooden storage chests.
Owned by Beyond, this luxury lodge is nestled within an ancient mahogany forest. You can choose between 9 exclusive treehouse suites and your private butler will ensure that you have a relaxing stay. The lodge has a refreshing outdoor pool and a spa which offers a range of massage treatments. This lodge is also one of the few lodges that offers night safaris within the park.
This tranquil retreat is located just outside of Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge offers a range of exciting activities, including community lunches where you can learn more about Masai culture and daily game drives. You can choose between a comfortable standard room and the luxurious Losimingori Suite.
This owned by Wayo Africa, this sustainable camp offers 8 square end-suite eco tents on raised platforms which are situated on the banks of the Endabash River. You can choose between communal dining in the spacious mess tent or private dining. Each tent has a comfortable bed and a decking area and they are designed to minimise their environmental impact without compromising on comfort.
How to get to Manyara National Park
The park can be accessed either through the southern or northern gates. The northern gate is more commonly used since most accommodation is located in its vicinity. The distance from Arusha to lake Manyara National Park is 126 km which is about 90 minutes’ drive.
As part of the famous northern safari circuit is not so commonly visited. Majority of the safaris on these particular circuit to lake Manyara National Park start their journey from the town of Arusha.
Means of Transport to Lake Manyara National Park
There are two major means of transport used to get to Lake Manyara National PARKE AS indicated below;
By Air
The best way to get to lake Manyara National Park is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport. From Arusha, this Airport is located about 46km using a domestic flight, it is also possible to fly to Arusha Airport while flying from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Alternatively, you can take an international flight to the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and then catch a connecting flight from either JRO or Arusha Airport. There are charter flights to Lake Manyara Airport that connect from the Serengeti or Arusha. From there you can connect by road to the park gate which is 16km away which will take approximately 30 minutes’ drive.
Domestic flights can be arranged by domestic carrier and in most cases charter flights between parks are in most cases booked by your tour operator as part of your safari package.
By Road
Located southwest of Arusha town, the distance from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park is 126km and can easily be reaches by car. You can also flexibly get there from Bahati the capital of Manyara region. This is the most popular transport means among holidaymakers visiting the park along the northern safari circuit.
By car, one can also take a trip along the newly tarred road connecting from Arusha which only takes one and half hours to two hours to reach the entrance gate considering that Manyara National Park is on the way to the more renowned Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti National Park which are the other parks on the northern circuit you can also use BEYOND TRAVEL AFRICA COMPANY.
In case you do not have private means, you can use a public transport like a bus to Mto wa Mbu village and then rent a car to get you into the park. The distance from Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park is 37.4 km.
Best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park
All year through, there is a good road access to the park, however, the best time for viewing large mammals is in dry season that comes between July to October and in January and February. The wet season that begins in November to December and March to June is characterised with rains that make the inner roads rather slippery and hard to traverse. Nonetheless, the wet season is the best time for watching birds in Lake Manyara.