Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest yet most captivating parks in northern Tanzania, situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley. Originally established as a game reserve in 1957, it was upgraded to a national park in 1960.
Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife
The park spans 330 square kilometers, with two-thirds covered by the shimmering Lake Manyara. Its landscapes range from groundwater forests and acacia woodlands to swampy marshes and open grasslands. These diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and baboons. Birdwatchers will also delight in the many bird species found here.
Unique Attractions
Lake Manyara is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions. Visitors often spot these majestic predators resting in the branches of acacia trees, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Cultural Connection
The park’s name comes from the Maasai word Manyara, a plant traditionally used by the Maasai as a natural fence to protect livestock from thieves, poachers, and predators.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Lake Manyara is still a question as the wildlife richness in the park is undisputed and can be seen throughout the year. Watching wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but at its best from late June to October, during the Dry season.
How to get there
Getting to Lake Manyara can be both by air and road. By air, travelers can charter flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar-es-salaam to Arusha, and then charter another from Arusha to Serengeti in the various other airstrips available. By road, travelers take about 8 hours on road from Arusha to the park.
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