Overview
Despite its relatively small size, Lake Manyara National Park features an impressive variety of habitats, including dense woodlands, open savannahs, and a large alkaline soda lake. This diversity supports one of the highest densities of large mammals in the world, including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. The park is also home to rich birdlife, with over 400 species recorded, including vast flocks of flamingos.
In addition, a number of exclusive luxury safari lodges and camps can be found at Lake Manyara, each offering their own, distinct safari experience that blends comfort, style, and immersive wildlife experiences. Many emphasize sustainability and are designed to complement the natural beauty of their settings, ensuring a luxurious yet eco-friendly stay.
Accommodation
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Tree Climbing Lions
The tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara have become one of the park’s most iconic attractions, drawing in wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture these magnificent animals in such an unconventional setting.
It is thought that this behaviour has developed to help them escape not only the heat of the ground during the day, but also to avoid insect bites and gain a better vantage point to observe prey. As this behaviour rarely seen amongst other lion populations, their presence in Lake Manyara National Park showcases the park’s rich biodiversity and ecological richness.
The Namesake Lake
The namesake of Lake Manyara National Park is it’s most defining feature. The lake stretches across two-thirds of the park’s floor, providing a crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife and bird species. Its waters are fed by groundwater springs and seasonal rainfall, creating an ever-changing environment. The lake is famous for its pink flamingos, which feed on the algae in the shallow waters.
The lake’s unique reflective surface creates stunning mirror images of the sky, clouds, and escarpment. This reflective quality, combined with the constantly changing colors of the water – from deep blue to turquoise to pink depending on the light and season – makes Lake Manyara a photographer’s dream.
Hungry Happy Hippos
As well as its flamingos, the lake is also known for its distinctive hippo pools. These pools, located near the lake and fed by the park’s groundwater springs, attract large groups that spend their day wallowing in the water, socializing, and engaging in their characteristic behavior.
The pools also provide a cooling refuge for hippos, who spend much of the day submerged to regulate their body temperature and protect their skin from the sun. The area around the pools is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as various species of waterfowl and other birds gather to feed and drink.
A Rift Developing
Lake Manyara National Park is set against the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, a natural wall that rises sharply to a height of over 2,000 feet. This creates a stunning visual frame for the park, with the lush greenery of the forest, the expansive open plains, and the shimmering soda lake all set against the rugged cliffs of the escarpment.
The escarpment not only provides a dramatic backdrop but also influences the park’s diverse ecosystems. The springs that emerge at its base create the groundwater forests that surround the escarpment, which support a variety of species.
Experiences
Big Cats
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Night Drives
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Hot Air Balloon Safari
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Walking Safari
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Birdwatching
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Fly Camping
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Cycling
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Hiking
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Spa & Wellness
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Cultural Tours
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