What to do in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a wilderness experience in diverse habitats, from its Rift Valley soda lake to dense woodlands and steep mountainsides. Apart from a spectacular setting, the park is famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions and the vast elephant herds it was established to protect, with a number of touristic activities and more of what to do in Lake Manyara National Park.
The shores of the lake, encrusted with pink flamingo, attract more than 400 species of birds, many of them waterfowl or migrants. Large herds of buffalo, cheetah, Masai giraffe, and impala roam the lake shores and the forested valley slopes.
Wildlife
The black-maned tree-climbing lions of Manyara can be an entertaining sight as you watch them navigate the branches of the trees before resting lazily on a quiet spot. The other wildlife within the park includes herds of buffalo, cheetah, Maasai giraffe, baboon, elephant, hippo, and impala. The lake’s shores are inhabited by thousands of pink flamingos, and other birdlife is also prolific. Waterbirds are in abundance here, with pelicans, storks, stilts, egrets, and herons all seen close to the source, whilst in the forested areas other species such as guinea fowl, crowned eagles and hornbills can be spotted.
Blessed with abundant attractions have given the opportunity to a number of tourism activities to be done at Lake Manyara National Park, to tourists who would visit this beautiful park.
Activities at Lake Manyara National Park.
Several tourists activities that can be conducted in Lake Manyara National Park includes, Birding Safaris, Boating and Canoeing, Horse and Camel Riding, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Safaris, Camping Safaris, Night Game Drives, & Wedding Safaris
Bird Watching.
Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and storks.
Game drive.
Both night and day game drives are conducted at Lake Manyara National Park. The compact game-viewing a circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience
From the entrance gate, the road winds through an expanse of lush jungle-like groundwater forest where hundred-strong baboon troops lounge nonchalantly along the roadside; the blue monkeys scamper nimbly between the ancient mahogany trees; dainty bushbuck tread warily through the shadows, and the outsized forest hornbills honk cacophonously in the high canopy.
In contrast with the intimacy of the forest, is the grassy floodplain and its expansive views eastward, across the alkaline lake, to the jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on these grassy plains, and so do the giraffes – some so dark in coloration that they appear to be black from a distance.
Inland of the floodplain, a narrow belt of acacia woodland is the favored haunt of Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Squadrons of banded mongoose dart between the acacias, whereas the diminutive Kirk’s dik-dik forages in their shade. Pairs of klipspringer are often seen silhouetted on the rocks above a field of searing hot springs that steams and bubbles adjacent to the lakeshore in the far south of the park.
Boating & Canoeing.
Canoe ride when the water levels are high will bring you close to the wildlife, especially those interested in bird watching, as you get more closer to the birds, have a chance to spot other hiding water birds in swamps and papyrus vegetation.
Honeymoon Safaris.
For the newly wedded couples, or those who would like to wed and make their engagement or re-engage, Lake Manyara honeymoon safari is the perfect choice for them. Your honeymoon can be arranged with the Masai culturalism leading the event.
Wildlife Photography.
Blessed with a number of attractions, Lake Manyara National Park has attracted a big number of photographers, as it rewards you with great opportunities for the perfect dream shots you would like to take on a safari. Photography vehicles are in place to aid your wildlife filming and photography event, with great photographic guides who can aid and guide you on how to spot and take great photos. The guide knows all the corners for what you’re looking for, and they know the perfect weather and time for this.
Visit the hot spring.
Maji Moto is hot springs located within the park that has an average temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.
Camping adventure.
If your fun of an outdoor activity like camping, Lake Manyara National Park offers the best camping ground for those who are fun with camping, with wonderful campfires, as you can as well set your camps at the edge of the Lake and watch over the beautiful sunset. In the evening, swap tales of the day’s adventure around a roaring campfire and tuck into a delicious meal before you retire for the night under a blanket of a million stars. As you drift off to sleep relish the phenomenal surround sound of the spectacular bush; the calls, rustles, rumblings, crackles, and ripples of the wild. At night you hear lots of noises and even the occasional “something” walking in your tent. Quite the experience to really be “out there with the animals”. Ensure you pack all meat etc back in the containers, then cooler than a car.
Camping is exhilarating to see all the animals up close and personal and somewhat “intense” falling asleep with only a thin tent protecting you from some of the predators that often come out at night.
Walking Safaris.
An adventure-filled combination of a walking safari and tranquil nights spent in the middle of the Lake Manyara National Park wilderness, this activity is perfect for the avid explorer.
Discover the wonders of the park by foot as you navigate through its beautiful landscapes to your campsite for the night. In the evening, swap tales of the day’s adventure around a roaring campfire and tuck into a delicious meal before you retire for the night under a blanket of a million stars.
Visit Maasai Bombas
Surrounding Lake Manyara Tanzania are villages of the Maasai people who live in their quaint circular huts made of mud and straw which they refer to as Bombas. The Maasai are very friendly and often break into song and dance as they welcome you to their village.
Get a taste of the Maasai culture
If you are looking for a taste of the indigenous cultural heritage you must visit some of the neighboring villages where you can also taste the local cuisine and mingle with the locals, to understand the rich culture of Tanzania better.
On your Tanzania Safari to Lake Manyara National Park, Enclose Africa Safaris can help you to put all these together, and tailor for you a perfect safari to Lake Manyara National Park, combining it, with other Park such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.