Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the safari circuit's main attractions and is typically packaged with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The lake's watershed creates a rich, green environment on a stage set by amazing views of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. Though the park is small (127 square miles (200 square kms), over half of which is covered by the lake during the wet season), it offers an excellent opportunity to view wildlife in lake and forest habitats.

The majority of the park's topography is forest or heavy vegetation, allowing animals to roam more privately and making viewing more intimate. Other habitats include swamp, acacia, plains and the lakeshore.

In these varied environments, elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, warthog and a variety of ungulate species can be found. The park's hippo population is impressive. Predators include leopards and the park's famous tree-climbing lions.

For birders, more than 400 species can be found in astonishing volume and variety. Lake Manyara is home to thousands of pink flamingos. Hot springs are also found in the southern section of the park.

Getting There

Lake Manyara is approximately 80 miles (128 kms) west of Arusha on a nice road. It is typically visited en route to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, but day trips can be arranged from Arusha. Arusha can be reached by scheduled or chartered flights, and by road from Dar es Salaam and Nairobi.

Staying There

Accommodations in nearby Karatu are plentiful and range from budget to luxury.  Camping facilities and lodges are available within the park.

Lake Manyara National Park Special Campsites

Bagayo A Special Campsite
Bagayo B Special Campsite
Endabashi Riverside Special Campsite
Endabashi Lake Shore Special Campsite
Capacity of each camp / Beds: 20

What To Do

In addition to day wildlife viewing, nighttime drives can also be arranged to see the active nocturnal life of some creatures. Lake Manyara can also be canoed when water levels allow. Mountain biking is also a favourite activity in the park. Visits to Mto wa Mbu, a traditional market village, are recommended.  Day safaris from Arusha can also be arranged.

When To Go

Between July and October is best for game viewing, and the wet season (from November to June) is excellent for lake activities and bird watching, making Lake Manyara a fantastic year-round destination.

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All Tanzania National Parks & Game Reserves

Arusha National Park
Gombe Streams National Park
Katavi National Park
Kitulo National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mikumi National Park
Mkomazi National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ruaha National Park
Rubondo Island National Park
Saadani National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Serengeti National Park
Singita Grumeti Reserves
Tarangire National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Lesser Known Game Reserves

Contacts

Director General
Tanzania National Parks
P.O. Box 3134
Arusha-Tanzania
Tel: +255272503471 / +255272504082
Fax: +255272508216
Email: info@tanzaniaparks.com / dg@tanzaniaparks.com
Website: www.tanzaniaparks.com

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