Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania is easily accessible from Arusha and offers diverse habitats including the alkaline lake, forests, and grassy plains. It is famous for tree-climbing lions and over 400 bird species. Activities include game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris, and cultural interactions with the Maasai. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October for wildlife viewing and the wet season for birdwatching.

Accessibility

The park is easily accessible by road from Arusha, with a travel time of about 2-3 hours.

Climate

Manyara National Park experiences a varied climate, with hot and humid conditions in the lowlands and cooler temperatures in the higher elevations.

Popular for

The park is renowned for its diverse habitats, including the alkaline Lake Manyara, dense forests, grassy plains, and groundwater forest. It is particularly known for its tree-climbing lions, which are a unique sight in the park.

Size

The park covers an area of approximately 330 square kilometers.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from June to October, is considered the best time to visit Manyara National Park for optimal wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. However, birdwatching is excellent during the wet season (November to May) when migratory birds visit the park.

Activities

Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching (the park is home to over 400 bird species), walking safaris, and cultural interactions with the local Maasai communities.