Nestled between Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara regions and cradled in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a gem of natural beauty. The area, once a hunting ground, transformed into a game reserve in 1957 and later flourished into a 325-square-kilometer national park in 1960, with the vast Lake Manyara dominating its landscape.
The ideal time to embark on a Tanzanian adventure here is during the dry season. Peak viewing months are July, August, and September, characterized by minimal rainfall. For warmth and sunny skies, January, February, and March are the best, offering optimal conditions for wildlife viewing.
The region experiences two rainy seasons: short rains from November to December and long rains from March to May, with April being the wettest month. It’s advisable to avoid tours to Lake Manyara during the rainy seasons as the conditions can hinder wildlife observation and photography.
The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting large herds of elephants, giraffes, leopards, impalas, bushbuck, hippos, warthogs, spotted hyenas, zebras, and wildebeests. It’s also home to primate species like vervet and blue monkeys.
While famous for its flamingos, Lake Manyara National Park also hosts an incredible variety of birds, including Great White Pelicans, Yellow-billed Storks, Marabou Storks, Ayer’s Hawk-Eagles, egrets, Sacred ibises, Saddle-billed Storks, Stilts Herons, and spoonbills.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpments, adding to the park’s allure and making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird watchers