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Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park well known for the tree climbing lions, the soda ash lake that attracts thousands and pink flamingos, one of Tanzania’s biggest elephant population and breathtaking scenery!
Lying at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake, the north-west of which is protected by the Lake Manyara National Park. Much of the 330km² park is taken up by the lake but one of the many surprises in store for visitors is the remarkably wide diversity of terrestrial habitats – forest, wetland, floodplain, acacia woodland – which in turn supports an equally impressive variety of wildlife.
The first thing you’ll notice on a Lake Manyara safari is the birdlife: nearly 400 species have been recorded here and it’s an excellent and easily accessible introduction to the birds of East Africa. Feathered highlights include large flocks of flamingos and many birds of prey.
More surprises lie ahead for the visitor. Besides a supporting cast of buffalo, antelope, zebra and giraffe, Lake Manyara is home to a growing elephant population while the park’s lions have developed the intriguing habit of climbing trees. The ever-elusive leopard occurs in the park while boat cruises will take you in search of snorting hippo pods and basking crocodiles.
Lake Manyara National Park is an excellent year-round safari destination, though the dry season from June to October offers the best game viewing as animals gather in open areas and along the lake. Set at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, the park is known for its lush groundwater forests, open plains, and diverse wildlife, providing a refreshing contrast to Tanzania’s more savanna-dominated parks. While the northern section can become crowded during the peak tourist season, the rainy months of March and April bring fewer visitors and transform the park into a lush, green landscape, offering a quieter and more serene experience.
The park experiences the dry season during the months of June to October, and this is also referred to as the peak tourist season. The short dry season comes in January and February with large number of tourists flooding the park which results into more costly safari tours as the demand on accommodation is generally high. During that time of the year, the animals gather around the few remaining water sources and because the vegetation is thin they can easily be spotted.
This time of the year is also highly recommended to visit as there is a lot of sun with little rains and since mosquitoes are very few, there are slighter chances of contracting malaria. It tends to get cold in the mornings and you are therefore advised to bring warm clothes for the early morning game drives during this time of the year. The dry season is not a recommended time to visit especially for holiday makers wishing to travel yet on a low budget.
The wet season in Lake Manyara National Park is experienced from November to May. The coming of the rains bring life to park’s terrain, with the dried vegetation thriving again and a beautiful green scenery unveils yet again. Generally, the rates are lower since the place is usually less crowded during the low season in the months of April and May. Although the best views of wildlife are enjoyed during the dry season, Lake Manyara National Park still provides good viewing of the wildlife throughout the year. Many migratory birds are seen in the park during the wet season, hence making it the best time to see the Lake Manyara birds.
The short rains begin in November to December and at that time of the year it is generally hot with average temperatures of 35C / 95F presenting with short thunderstorms in the afternoons / evenings. This is proceeded with the long rains that begin in March. Due to the rains, most roads in the park may become very hard to traverse especially in the months of March, April and May when Lake Manyara np is experiencing the heaviest rains.
This is the best time to enjoy a Budget Tanzania Safari since there are fewer tourists visiting the park and most of the accommodation facilities are offering great discounts which lowers the overall cost of a safari in Lake Manyara National Park at this time of the year.
Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its incredible diversity of wildlife in a compact area. Visitors can expect to see large herds of elephants grazing beneath acacia trees, giraffes browsing along the plains, and buffaloes, zebra, and antelope roaming freely. One of the park’s most unique attractions is its tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating sight that can often be observed resting in the branches of fig and acacia trees.
The park’s shallow lake and wetlands attract thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds, creating spectacular birdwatching opportunities. Hippos, baboons, and warthogs also inhabit the forested areas, adding to the variety of wildlife on display. On a game drive through Lake Manyara, visitors can enjoy a mix of open savannah, lush forest, and shimmering waterscapes, making every safari encounter both dynamic and unforgettable.
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations, offering travelers a perfect mix of wildlife, landscapes, and culture. From vast open plains to lush forests, volcanic craters, and tropical coastlines, every destination promises a different kind of adventure. Whether you are seeking thrilling game drives, authentic cultural encounters, or peaceful moments surrounded by nature, Tanzania has something for every traveler, making it one of the world’s most unforgettable safari locations.
Every traveler is unique, and so is every safari we create. At Velam Tours & Safaris, we’ve designed sample itineraries to inspire your adventure—whether you dream of a short escape, a classic wildlife journey, or a combination of safari and beach relaxation. These itineraries are carefully crafted to balance adventure and comfort, giving you a glimpse of the endless possibilities that await.
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