Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris
Timon Safaris

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, offers an incredibly varied ecosystem within its modest 330 square kilometres.

Dominated by the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, the park boasts lush jungles, grassy floodplains, and acacia woodlands, all teeming with wildlife. From elephants and giraffes to hippos and flamingos, this gem of Tanzania is a microcosm of the country’s diverse fauna.

The park’s forests are famous for their tree-climbing lions – a behaviour uncommon in lion populations. This unique spectacle draws wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the globe. In addition, herds of buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas graze the park’s verdant plains, while Maasai giraffes roam the acacia woodlands.

The lake covers nearly two-thirds of the park and is a sanctuary for hundreds of bird species, including flocks of pink flamingos that paint a stark contrast against the blue-green algae-filled waters. The vibrant birdlife extends to the woodland, where over 400 species are found, including raptors, hornbills, and weavers. Despite its smaller size than other Tanzanian parks, Lake Manyara National Park offers an enriching wildlife experience with its splendid biodiversity and unique phenomena.

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Area / Size

330 km²

Altitude

954-2,055 m

Best time to go

June to September

Low season

April and May

Overview

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a captivating destination renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. Situated between the towering walls of the Rift Valley escarpment and the sparkling waters of Lake Manyara, the park offers a stunning tapestry of landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Lake Manyara National Park is easily accessible, just a short drive from the bustling town of Arusha. This makes it ideal for travellers seeking a day trip or a faster safari experience without venturing too far from urban comforts.

The park’s most iconic feature is Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake stretching along its western border. The lake’s glistening waters attract many bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Flamingos, pelicans, herons, and storks are among the numerous avian residents that call the lake home.

Surrounding the lake is a mosaic of habitats, including dense forests, grassy plains, and woodland areas. The groundwater forest, in particular, is a notable highlight, with its ancient mahogany and fig trees providing shade and shelter for various wildlife.

Exploring Lake Manyara National Park with experienced guides from Timon Safaris provides valuable insights into the behaviours and habitats of the wildlife. Their expertise enhances the safari experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate balance of nature within the park.

Lake Manyara National Park, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers a captivating safari experience for nature enthusiasts. From birdwatching along the shores of the lake to encountering unique tree-climbing lions, the park’s natural wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Wildlife

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife population, which thrives within its varied habitats. While the park is not known for sizeable significant game populations, it offers a unique and intimate safari experience.

The park has many mammals, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. Visitors may also spot impalas, waterbucks, and bushbucks as they graze in the open grasslands. Monkeys like baboons and vervet monkeys can be seen swinging through the treetops, adding a playful element to the park’s wildlife encounters.

Lake Manyara National Park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions. These skilled predators have developed the remarkable habit of lounging in the branches of acacia trees, providing a fascinating spectacle for visitors. Spotting these majestic felines resting on sturdy branches is a truly unforgettable experience.

The park’s diverse habitats support an impressive bird population. Apart from the flamingos that grace the lake, Lake Manyara is home to over 400 bird species. From colourful bee-eaters and kingfishers to majestic eagles and vultures, the park offers endless opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to spot and identify various avian species.

Common Animals

Probability of seeing various animals

BLACK BACKED JACKAL
50%
GOLDEN JACKAL
30%
LEOPARD
50%
CARACAL
20%
BANDED MONGOOSE
100%
DWARF MONGOOSE
95%
SLENDER MONGOOSE
90%
SERVAL
20%
BUFFALO
95%
HYENA
40%
LION
50%
ZEBRA
70%
WATERBUCK
90%
DIK-DIK
100%
ELEPHANT
95%
WILDEBEEST
90%
BUSHBUCK
60%
HIPPO
80%
WARTHOG
100%
GRANT GAZELLE
70%
THOMSON GAZELLE
70%
HARTEBEEST
100%
TOPI
100%
GIRAFFE
100%
IMPALA
100%
COMMON ELAND
60%
BABOON
100%
BLUE MONKEY
100%
VERVET MONKEY
100%

Common Birds

Probability of seeing various birds

MARABOU STORK
100%
YELLOW-BILLED STORK
100%
EGYPTIAN GOOSE
100%
WHITE STORK
50%
SECRETARY BIRD
70%
GREY-HEADED KINGFISHER
70%
BLACK STORK
100%
SADDLE-BILLED STORK
100%
OSTRICH
100%
WHITE BACKED VULTURE
95%
LAPPET FACED VULTURE
95%
RUPPELS VULTURE
100%
BLACK MASKED WEAVER
100%
RUFOUS-TAILED WEAVER
100%
BLACK KITE
80%
AUGUR BUZZARD
100%
TOWNY EAGLE
75%
GRAY CROWN CRANE
95%
MARTIAL EAGLE
80%

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well known for

the tree climbing lions

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