Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is situated between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara. It covers an area of 325 square kilometers (125 square miles), which includes a lake surface of 230 square kilometers (89 square miles). This protected area was initially designated as a game reserve in 1957 and was elevated to national park status in 1974. It is part of the larger Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, established in 1981.

The park experiences two main seasons. The “short rains” occur from November to December, while the “long rains” are typically between March and May. April is the month with the heaviest rainfall, averaging 161 mm (6.3 inches) over 19 days. Conversely, July, August, and September are the driest months. The warmest months are January, February, and March, with average temperatures around 30 °C (86 °F), while June and July tend to be the coolest, averaging 25 °C (77 °F).

Lake Manyara National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem that includes various habitats such as acacia woodland, Soda Lake, equatorial forest, and savannah grassland. The park’s Manyara Soda Lake is home to lesser flamingos and pelicans. Additionally, it is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which is a unique feature as lions in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire are not known for climbing trees. The park is teeming with wildlife, including large herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and several antelope species, along with the world’s largest concentration of baboons and other monkey species. If you are lucky, you might also spot leopards and rhinos. Birdwatchers will find over 320 bird species in the park, including numerous migratory birds, especially during the wet season from late October to December.

Two rivers, the Mto wa Mbu and Endabash, flow through the park, and hot springs can be found in its southern area.

For visitors, the best time to explore Lake Manyara National Park is during the dry season, from July to September. There are various accommodation options available, including the Luxurious Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, and Chem Chem Safari Lodge.