Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in northern Tanzania, located near the town of Mto wa Mbu. It covers an area of 325 Km² of which about two-thirds is comprised of the Lake Manyara. The park is renowned for its scenic beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife. Major tour attractions in the park are;
Lake Manyara
The shallow lake Manyara is an alkaline lake found in this park that swells up and reduces in size based on the seasons within a long silvery bowl of salt deposits. It covers an area of 220 sq km, two-thirds of the park’s total surface area. The lake hosts a large number of pink flamingos in addition to other wildlife like hippos that dwell in the shallow part of the river.
Wildlife.
The wild animals in Lake Manyara are the large elephant herds, wildebeests, giraffes, and buffaloes. zebras, impalas, warthogs, and waterbucks. The shy kirk’s dik-dik and klipspringer are spotted on the slopes of the escarpment. Predators like leopards and spotted hyenas are also found in the park.
Tree Climbing Lions.
Lake Manyara National Park is home to the rarest population of tree-climbing lions whose unique tree-climbing character can only be found in two locations across the world, the other being in Ishasha Area in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda.
Bird species
The park is home to over 400 bird species; both migrant and native bird species e.g. the pink flamingos, ostriches, storks, hornbills, pelicans, herons, grey crowned cranes, and secretary birds among others. There are different bird-watching spots around the national park such as Lake Manyara, around the floodplains and the forests.
Hot springs
Majimoto Hot Springs are seen along the western shores of Lake Manyara, a major attraction in the national park. The name of the hot springs translates to hot water, a description of the hot springs.
Activities:
Tourists to Lake Manyara National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, birdwatching tours, and guided nature walks. There are several picnic sites and viewpoints within the park that offer opportunities to relax and take in the stunning landscapes.
