Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a popular destination because of its breathtaking scenery, the enormous soda lake full of flamingos and outstanding bird life. The gem is famous for tree-climbing lions, which is one of the main reasons for visitors to pay a visit to the park. In addition to the lions, the national park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world, a fact that accounts for interesting game viewing of large families of the primates. Other animals include; Buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, olive baboon, blue monkey, klipspringer, lions, elephant, hippos are also seen here. The alkaline soda of Lake Manyara attracts an incredible array of birdlife that thrives on its brackish waters. More than 400 species have been recorded. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks. Its ground water forests, bush plains, baobab strewn cliffs, and algae-streaked hot springs offer incredible ecological variety in a small area, rich in wildlife and incredible numbers of birds.

Activities and attractions

Game drives

The Park has got both day and night game drives whereby you are able to come across different wildlife species. The it has also got mahogany trees making it a great place to spot giraffes, buffalos and monkeys. In the whole world, Lake Manyara is the second park apart from Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda where you are able to spot the tree climbing trees. Other animals to spot in Lake Manyara National Park include; lions, leopards, porcupines, elephants, jackals, buffalos, civet cats, giraffes, dik-dik, wildebeest, zebra, etc.

Walking safaris

Here you have a chance of getting closer to nature in guidance of an armed game ranger for safety. You also have a chance of walking along the treetop walkway which is an incredible way to discover the park’s beauty. This walk also provides great views of the park, bird species as well as primates like monkeys jumping and swinging on the trees.

Bird watching

The Park has got over 500 species and the most attractive are the pink flamingos that migrate from Lake Natron to Lake Manyara. Other bird species here include; pelicans, marabou storks, yellow billed storks, Egyptian goose, etc. Birding sites in the park include; flood plains of Lake Manyara, acacia woodlands and groundwater forest, making it a bird destination for birders.

Canoeing

This is conducted on Lake Manyara as you enjoy the natural beautifulness of this alkaline soda lake that is found down the rift valley escarpment. You are also able to spot different birds that call this place a home especially the huge flocks of pink flamingos. You are also able to interact with the community that leave around the lake thereby getting to know their daily activities.