Nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a hidden gem for birdwatchers. This small but diverse park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. From the vibrant pink hues of the flamingos to the soaring eagles and storks, Lake Manyara offers a kaleidoscope of avian wonders.
Ernest Hemingway remarked that this park had the loveliest lake in Africa, and he may have been right. The lake covers one-third of the park's size, and despite its high salt content, it is safe for animals to drink so it remains an essential life source for many animals in the area. It is also the prominent hangout spot for wild flocks of flamingos, and other bird life.
However, truly unique to Lake Manyara National Park is its resident tree-climbing lions. Researchers have still not concluded why these lions habitually laze among the treetops, but nevertheless, it is an extraordinary sight to see.
Take a boat ride along the lake's tranquil waters and witness the unique sight of tree-climbing lions, a behaviour rarely seen elsewhere. Lake Manyara National Park is a true gem showcasing Tanzania's wildlife's incredible diversity.
Please take this opportunity to explore this marvellous park with our Lake Manyara day trip package.
- Tree-climbing lions
- Diverse bird species
Start of the safari early Morning:
We set sail to explore Lake Manyara from Arusha. Our highly credentialed guide will pick you up from your residence/hotel, brief you on your safari then proceed to Lake Manyara. The trip from Arusha to Lake Manyara is around 2 hours. Expect beautiful landscapes along the way with the terrain changing from hilly to a rugged landscape.
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the few national parks in Tanzania that is easily accessible by both air travel and ground transportation.
We shall kick off the game drive first exploring the lake and watching this beautiful lake filled with swaths of pink flamingos.
Mid-morning Game Viewing
We continue the drive seeking to see the favourite bit of the park, The Hippo Pool. Several hippos join to play and exert dominance in and around the pool. Hippos have an unusual mouth gape, and may just take the cake as the largest mouth on land. At full stretch, hippo mouths can measure 4 feet tall, enough for a toddler to stand up in.
We continue roaming looking for the tree-climbing lions. An unusual characteristic as lions are not known for climbing trees, a fate preserved for the elusive leopards. The lion population at Lake Manyara is impeccable, making for an amazing experience for lion enthusiasts.
Your tour guide will look for a picnic spot inside the park for a picnic lunch or we can opt to have lunch just outside of the park.
Afternoon Game Drive
After a good meal and some refreshments, we continue with our game drive exploring more wildlife. Driving through the park is a nice and adventurous experience after all the great plains and stretched-out landscapes. Here you might come close to the animals, without you even knowing! So keep your eyes and ears open! Our afternoon drive is trying to spot wildlife that we might have missed during our morning game drive.
Lake Manyara Day Trip Experience
At the end of the day, we will get ready for the drive back to Arusha.
What is included in the tour
- Park entrance fee
- Ground Transport on a comfortable 4*4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Drinking Water & packed lunches
- Soft drinks and Snacks while on safari
