Lake Manyara National Park

About The Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a stunning wildlife destination located in the Arusha and Manyara regions of Tanzania. It offers a diverse range of landscapes and habitats, making it a unique and captivating place to visit. The park is situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley, providing visitors with breathtaking views and varied experiences. The size of Lake Manyara fluctuates significantly, resulting in ever-changing scenery and different visiting experiences throughout the year. The surrounding area of the lake is characterized by extensive marshlands, flats, and grassy floodplains, which attract a wide variety of wildlife. The park's entrance is adorned with a beautiful forest of mahogany and evergreen fig trees, adding to its natural allure. Towards the west, the impressive Rift Valley wall rises high, offering panoramic vistas.

While Lake Manyara National Park may not have the same abundance of wildlife as its larger counterparts like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, it still holds its own in terms of biodiversity. In fact, during the 1980s, scientists believed that Lake Manyara had one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The park covers an area of 330 square kilometers and encompasses diverse terrestrial habitats, including grassy floodplains, rocky escarpments, thick acacia woodlands, and a lush groundwater forest near the northern entrance.

Lake Manyara National Park is an integral part of the popular northern circuit of national parks in Tanzania. Many travelers choose to begin their journey in Arusha and visit Lake Manyara before continuing to other renowned destinations such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a photography enthusiast, Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its picturesque landscapes, remarkable diversity of habitats, and the possibility of encountering a wide range of wildlife make it a worthwhile stop on any Tanzanian safari adventure.