Lake Manyara National Park is situated in the northern circuit of Tanzania, it is a real gem of the African wilderness stretching along the floor of the Great Rift Valley region, the park is the second oldest national park of Tanzania covering an area space of approximately 330 square kilometres, the most if it is occupied by the Lake Manyara after which it was named. The park is home to several animal species including the so-called big five of the wilderness (African elephants, African buffaloes, Rhinos, leopards, and lions) it is notable for the tree-climbing lions in Tanzania it is one of the 2 places to see the tree climbing lions and the other is the Serengeti National Park.
The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is any time of the year however the dry season the best time to the national park is, it receives the short dry season from the months of December-February and June-September for the longer dry season, these are also referred to as dry tourism season a time when many travellers come to the national park, during the time of the year animals gather around the few left drinking places of water mostly around the Lake Manyara, the grasses are thin which makes it easier to see wildlife species of the conservation area, a reduction in water pots simply means less of Malaria because mosquitoes have less breeding points. The dry season is the most recommendable time to visit the national park despite it coming with higher prices in tour costs and accommodation facilities.
The wet season, on the other hand, is possible to visit as well, it is the best time to go birding while in the national park, this stretches in November, May, April, and March it is a fruiting time of the region, which attracts several bird species including migratory species, the lush green environment is not to miss while in the park, it is also a good time to do a boat cruise along the Lake Manyara along the marshy swampy areas expect to view several bird species like pink flamingoes, pelicans, and hornbills. Accommodation facilities during the wet season offer discounted rates to travellers. However, the other downside of the wet season is that is very difficult to see large mammal species.
Lake Manyara National Park can be accessed any time of the year, Arusha is a 2 hours scenic drive to the ecosystem, and the entire road is a smooth drive to the national park, but the inner roads of the car may need a 4×4 wheel car drive, you will drive through the Mto Wa Mbu while here clients can have a chance of visiting the local market area. The other option for reaching the National Park is by flying to the destination, the nearest airstrip is the Lake Manyara airstrip it is from here that you will be given a scenic drive to accommodation that has been booked for your stay.
In conclusion, Lake Manyara National Park can be visited any time of the year but best during the dry season trips to the ecosystem can be combined with other destinations along the northern circuit of Tanzania for example the Serengeti National Park and the Tarangire National Park.