Lake Manyara National Park is a small but diverse park in Tanzania that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The Park is located in the Great Rift Valley, and it is bisected by Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake. The park's varied habitats include savannah, forest, and marshland, and it is home to over 350 species of birds, as well as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras.
One of the most unique features of Lake Manyara National Park is its tree-climbing lions. These lions are not the norm in the African savanna, but they are relatively common in Lake Manyara. The lions climb trees for a variety of reasons, including to escape the heat, to get a better view of their prey, or to rest in safety.
Another highlight of Lake Manyara National Park is its elephants. The Park is home to a large number of elephants, and it is a great place to see these magnificent creatures up close. Elephants are very social animals, and they often travel in herds of up to a hundred individuals.
If you are looking for a safari experience that is a little different from the norm, then Lake Manyara National Park is a great option. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and it is a beautiful place to visit.
Park Establishment The Park was established in 1960 to protect the elephants that live there.
Park Name Origin The Park is named after the Maasai word "Manyara," which means "many springs."
Flamingos The lake is home to a large number of flamingos, which feed on the algae that grows in the lake.
Hot Springs The Park is also home to a number of hot springs, which are popular with visitors.
When to visit:
Year-round destination. Dry season (July-October) for general game viewing, wet season (November-May) excellent for birding, waterfalls, and canoeing.
Where to stay:
Options range from luxury lodges on the rift wall (e.g., Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge) to tented camps inside and outside the park (e.g., Manyara Tree Lodge, Kirurumu Manyara Lodge).
How to get there:
Located about 1.5-2 hours drive southwest of Arusha along the main road to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Accessible by road or flights to Lake Manyara Airstrip.
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