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Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a shallow fresh-water lake in Tanzania. Said by Charles Gilpin to be the “loveliest [lake] … in Africa,” it is also the home of a diverse set of landscapes and wildlife.

The name “Manyara” comes from the Maasai word emanyara, which is a euphorbia species of plant that is grown into a hedge around a family homestead (Euphorbia tirucalli).

Of the 127 square miles (329 km2) of Lake Manyara National Park, the lake’s alkaline waters cover approximately 89 square miles (231 km2). While most known for baboons, the lake and its environs is also home to herbivores such as hippos, impalas, elephants, wildebeests, buffalo, warthogs and giraffes. Giant fig trees and mahogany seen in the groundwater forest immediately around the park gates draw nourishment from the underground springs replenished continuously from crater highlands directly above the Manyara basin. Leading away from the forest to the fringes of Lake Manyara are the flood plains. To the south are visible the acacia woodlands. Leopards, although in abundance, are hard to get a glimpse of, just like the other elusive carnivores – the lions – of this park.

Lake Manyara provides opportunities for ornithologists keen on viewing and observing over 300 migratory birds, including flamingo, long-crested eagle and grey-headed kingfisher.

With an entrance gate that doubles as an exit, the trail of Lake Manyara National Park is effectively a loop that can be traversed by jeep within a couple of hours that may be stretched to a few more at best, if driving slowly, to watch, observe and enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna. The Rift Valley escarpment forms a noteworthy landmark and provides a spectacular backdrop to Lake Manyara.

Sample Itineraries

After breakfast, then head west from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, which offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley Wall.

The first encounter will likely be the spotting of large baboon troops. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. You will visit Lake Manyara, an alkaline soda lake that is home to an incredible number of birdlife that thrives in its salt water. A pink flamingo bends over and grazes over thousands of colored spots against the gray minerals on the lake shore.

Yellow-billed storks flutter and cork under the heat winds rising from the heights, and herons flutter their wings in the sunny sky. Even reluctant bird watchers will find something to watch and admire in the national park. Hippos can also be spotted. Packed lunches are served at a picnic area.

Late Evening drives back to Arusha and drops off at your hotel.

End of Program

Price includes

  • Park entry fees,
  • Game drives by 4WD safari vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Bottles of mineral drinking water.
  • All Government Taxes

Not included in the price:

  • International Flight
  • Airport transfers
  • Before and After accommodation in Arusha
  • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
  • Tip for the driver

Day 01: Arusha/Lake Manyara National Park 

After breakfast, collect packed lunch then head west from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, which offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley Wall. The first encounter will likely be the spotting of large baboon troops. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

You will visit Lake Manyara, an alkaline soda lake that is home to an incredible number of birdlife that thrives in its salt water. A pink flamingo bends over and grazes over thousands of colored spots against the gray minerals on the lake shore. Yellow-billed storks flutter and cork under the heat winds rising from the heights, and herons flutter their wings in the sunny sky.

Even reluctant bird watchers will find something to watch and admire in the national park. Hippos can also be spotted. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel/Camp (FB) 

Day 02: Full day Excursions in Manyara

After breakfast, drive to Mto Wa Mbu, the Village has a very active cultural program that seeks to show visitors the traditional way of life of the villagers through various activities and also a range of community projects that are in place. You can visit top spots in the area, taste Tanzanian foods and experience authentic cultural interaction.

Lunch at the local restaurants at Mto Wa Mbu, back to the lodge, after dinner at the hotel, depart for Night. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel/Camp (FB) 

 

Day 03: Lake  Manyara National Park/Arusha

After breakfast, then drive to Arusha and drop off at your hotel.

End of Program

Price includes

  • Park entry fees,
  • Game drives by 4WD safari vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Bottles of mineral drinking water.
  • All Government Taxes

Not included in the price:

  • International Flight
  • Airport transfers
  • Before and After accommodation in Arusha
  • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
  • Tip for the driver

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