Tanzania Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.
The park has a good supply of wildlife and is known for its legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephant. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on the grassy plains. The hippo pool is a good place to see these creatures up close. The lake is a seasonal home to large flocks of flamingos, and a wide array of waterbirds can be found on the shore at all times.
Wildlife Highlights
The forest patch at the entrance of the park is home to habituated troops of olive baboon and blue monkey. The occasional bushbuck can also be spotted here, darting off in the undergrowth. Pairs of klipspringer are sometimes seen balancing on the rocks at the far south of the park.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Although Lake Manyara NP offers reasonable wildlife viewing throughout the year, the Dry season, from June to October, is the best time. Wildlife is easier to spot because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around predictable water sources. The Wet season, from November to May, offers the most beautiful scenery, but roads can sometimes become slippery and difficult to negotiate.
Wildlife Rating Per Major Park
- Gombe NP 4.4/5 18 Wildlife Ratings
- Katavi NP 4.3/5 26 Wildlife Ratings
- Lake Manyara NP 4.0/5 168 Wildlife Ratings
- Ngorongoro 4.8/5 325 Wildlife Ratings
- Ruaha NP 4.7/5 63 Wildlife Ratings
- Selous GR 4.5/5 72 Wildlife Ratings
- Serengeti NP 4.9/5 304 Wildlife Ratings
- Tarangire NP 4.6/5 192 Wildlife Ratings
