Lake Manyara National Park

Entry to this park is through a groundwater forest full of baboon, monkeys and birds. Further in are grasslands, woodlands, swamps and hot springs. The soda lake covers 200 sq. kms and supports over 400 bird species. For such a small area, the number of predators and prey is incredible. Manyara is a very peaceful Park; you can see herds of Impala close to giraffe with elephant and warthog in the background, all grazing and browsing in close proximity.

Despite not offering a variety of wildlife as abundant as other northern parks or being so spectacular, known for its eleven ecosystems and its high density of mammals. Among its fauna includes elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, and wildebeest, all easily visible to a lesser extent, hyenas, and leopard and tree lions.

Best Time to Visit

Lake Manyara NP offers reasonable wildlife viewing throughout the year, the Dry season, from June to October, is the best time. Wildlife is easier to spot because the vegetation is thinner and animals gather around predictable water sources. The Wet season, from November to May, offers the most beautiful scenery, but roads can sometimes become slippery and difficult to negotiate.

Wildlife

The forest patch at the entrance of the park is home to habituated troops of olive baboons and blue monkeys. The occasional bushbuck can also be spotted here, darting off in the undergrowth. Pairs of klipspringer are sometimes seen balancing on the rocks at the far south of the park and the hippo pool is a good place to see these semi-aquatic creatures up close.

Activities

Game drive, also at night by arrangement. A good road network
Canoeing on Lake Manyara