About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara NP is a small park at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Its groundwater forest offers a nice change of scenery from the more savannah dominated parks. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, big cats aren't that easily seen. Elephants are very prolific and are the main attraction.
Pros and Cons- Very relaxed elephants to view at close quarters
- Stunning scenery
- Superb birding and seasonal flamingo flocks
- Close to Arusha and on route to Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti
- Has species less common or more difficult to see in other northern parks
- Rarely visited in the morning
- Gets crowded in the afternoons during peak season (June and July and October to April)
Wildlife
This park is known for its large elephant population. The big cats are present, but not seen that easily. The forest patch is home to habituated troops of olive baboon and blue monkey. Buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species are easily encountered on a drive.
More about Manyara's wildlife
Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake at the base of the Western Rift Valley escarpment. The park entrance leads to a beautiful groundwater forest. Other habitats include the grassy floodplain, rocky escarpment and acacia woodland, all of which can be covered in a half-day visit.
Want to visit Lake Manyara?Safari Reviews
- Lake Manyara
US
Lake Manyara NP was our first foray into the African wildlife scene and we were not disappointed. Lions, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, baboons, elephants, gazelle, impala, monkeys, and birds, birds, birds.
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