Lake Manyara

An integral part of the Tanzania safari experience, Lake Manyara National Park shouldn’t be overlooked in the rush to visit its more famous neighbors – the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It literally lies down the road from the town of Arusha, Tanzania’s entry and exit point for the ‘northern safari circuit’ and makes a relaxing, breath-catching stopover for a day or two.

Lying at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake, the north-west of which is protected by the Lake Manyara National Park. Much of the 330km² parks is taken up by the lake but one of the many surprises in store for visitors is the remarkably wide diversity of terrestrial habitats – forest, wetland, floodplain, acacia woodland – which in turn supports an equally impressive variety of wildlife.

The first thing you’ll notice on a Lake Manyara safari is the birdlife: nearly 400 species have been recorded here and it’s an excellent and easily accessible introduction to the birds of East Africa. Feathered highlights include large flocks of flamingos and many birds of prey.

More surprises lie ahead for the visitor. Besides a supporting cast of buffalo, antelope, zebra, and giraffe, Lake Manyara is home to a growing elephant population while the park’s lions have developed the intriguing habit of climbing trees. The ever-elusive leopard occurs in the park, while boat cruises will take you in search of snorting hippo pods and basking crocodiles.