Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a breathtaking gem covering 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), with the lake itself occupying about 200 square kilometers during the wet season. This diverse park ranges from an altitude of 960 m to 1,478 m above sea level, creating varied ecosystems within a compact area.
Key Features:
- Famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior unique to this population
- The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos (greater and lesser) and over 400 other bird species
- Diverse habitats including groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and grassy plains
- Large elephant herds and healthy populations of buffalo, giraffe, and hippos
- The unique "hippo pool" offers exceptional close-up viewing opportunities
The groundwater forest at Lake Manyara is fed by underground streams from the Ngorongoro Highlands, creating a lush, jungle-like environment unusual in East Africa's typically arid savannah parks. This forest is dominated by magnificent mahogany, fig, and sausage trees, their canopies alive with blue monkeys and large troops of baboons. The acacia woodland hosts the famous tree-climbing lions, who lounge on branches much like leopards.
During the dry season (July-October), the lake shrinks dramatically, creating soda-encrusted shores where flamingos congregate in spectacular pink masses. The wet season transforms the park, with the lake expanding to cover nearly two-thirds of the protected area, attracting migratory waterfowl from Europe and Asia. The park's varied habitats support an incredible density of wildlife - it's possible to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, and lions all in a single morning game drive.
Visitor Tip: The best time to visit is the dry season (July-October) for wildlife viewing, while November-June is ideal for birdwatching. Night game drives (a rarity in Tanzanian parks) offer chances to see nocturnal species like porcupines, genets, and bushbabies. Don't miss the hot springs at Maji Moto near the park's southern boundary.
