
What is so special about Lake Manyara National Park?
What is so special about Lake Manyara National Park? Tanzania is a fabulous country with overwhelming attractions within its borders. The natural beauty in wildlife parks, beaches, mountains, and more, is what most visitors look for. Additionally, the culture is amazing, with welcoming tribes and lifetime performances. Tanzania has a dozen of wildlife parks. But only most visitors would choose Serengeti or Ngorongoro, not only for their fame but also for a diverse wildlife population.
Probably, you’re looking for a peaceful location to experience the magic of a Tanzania safari. Lake Manyara is the right choice for you. But wait “What is so unique about Lake Manyara?” If this is an important question for you, you’ve come to the right place. This article will reveal the uniqueness of Lake Manyara National Park and the reasons why you should visit it.
In northern Tanzania, at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, is Lake Manyara National Park. It’s one of the captivating destinations you should not miss while in Tanzania. You can reach it from Arusha – the base of many Tanzanian safaris.
There are plenty of unique things that set Lake Manyara National Park away from sister parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, and others. Here are five special things about Lake Manyara.
Tree-climbing lions
If you’ve seen lions in Serengeti or elsewhere and thought it’s over for lions, you’re wrong. There is this unique species of lion – tree climbing lions. And yes, these felines can get up trees for a long time. Unfortunately, these lions are very hard to find. They are only available in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
These lions climb a variety of trees, but mainly acacia thorn trees and sycamore-fig trees. The branches in these trees are low and horizontal. It’s unclear why lions learned to climb trees, keeping in mind that their physical structure and shape are good for climbing. But possibly these predators climb to escape some insects, to cool, or to survey the area for possible prey.
As you drive past thorny acacia, sausage, or fig tree, look up to see a lion or two of them resting. They usually climb when it gets hotter on the ground. So, the afternoons are perfect for searching tree climbing lions.
Flamingos
When visiting soda lakes, it’s common to see flamingos on the shore. Why? Because flamingos feed on spirulina algae, which thrive in alkaline waters. The flamingo has slender legs, and more attractively pink feathers, which create a pink hue when you look at the lake from a distance.
Flocks of pink flamingos gather on the lake shore. Their beautiful feathers and color will turn you into a birder even if don’t like them. Grab a modern camera or a telephoto lens, and capture stunning photos for your memory. The best time to see flamingos is from November to May. This is the time they enter their breeding season.
The highest concentration of elephants
Elephants are abundant in Lake Manyara National Park. They form big herds and roam through the vast plains and open woodlands. Like its neighbor, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara has the highest concentration of elephants. And that’s what makes it more interesting because you can find even the world’s largest herds.
During the dry season, there is plenty to expect from this park. Elephants make trips to and from Tarangire. You’re assured of seeing elephant herds roaming in the wilderness.
Lake Manyara
This is a shallow alkaline lake inside this park. It’s about 220 square kilometers. It’s home to spirulina algae, which usually thrive in alkaline water. Usually, algae attract millions of pink flamingos and other water birds making the shoreline scenic. Canoeing is possible when the water level is satisfactory. And you can embark on a boat safari or go fishing with locals and more. Because this lake serves as a water source for many organisms, swimming is forbidden.
Rich wildlife
Lake Manyara has a rich wildlife diversity. It has the world’s largest concentration of baboons. These elegant primates are everywhere. You can see them in the lush forests shaking branches. Other animals include graceful Maasai giraffes, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, elands, and others. The leopard is occasionally seen usually at dusk or early morning.
The best thing about Lake Manyara is that you can explore wildlife during the day and night. If you miss something in the day, you can see it during a night safari. Nocturnal animals like jackals, porcupines, egrets, hyenas, and birds like owls and night jars usually unveil their moments in the dark.

Canopy walk
If you think game drives are the only things Lake Manyara can offer, you’re wrong. There is this treetop walkaway rising 15 meters off the ground with a length of about 340 m. This bridge is suspended in a lush forest. You’ll experience the wild from a bird’s-eye view. See baboons, unique trees, birds, and other animals. This walk is perfect for spending your evening after a busy day.
Final words
You have a thousand reasons to visit Lake Manyara National Park. Its rich biodiversity is enough for a thrilling holiday. If you’re motivated by this destination, book a safari tour with Focus East Africa Tours. With experienced staff, we promise to leave an unforgettable experience in your life. Start a plan with us.
