Lake Manyara National Park national park is one of the most sought-after destinations in Tanzania, it is known for its unique species the tree-climbing lions, which have adapted to climbing trees, and are rare to find, the other only place in Tanzania to see them is the Serengeti national park, a sight of these species while on your Tanzanian safari is thrilling, the park covers an area space of approximately 330 square kilometres, most of this is the Lake Manyara decorated with many pelicans and pink flamingoes, it was gazette as a national park in 1960 to protect animal species that call this home, for example, the large herds of African elephants. The national park is the second oldest conservation area of Tanzania being managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.
Lake Manyara National Parkis named after a soda ash Lake Manyara, the name Manyara is obtained from the Masai people, it is a particular plant they use on their home fences to distinguish villages,the tree is known as the Euphorbiatirucalui, in the Masai language it is called “Emanayara”. Lake Manyara National Park may not have a high population of animal species as the other conservation areas along the northern circuit however it is a rewarding destination full of the game expect to see mammals like African elephants, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, hyenas, jackals, leopards giraffes, lions, Rhinos mention a few, there are over 450 species of birds that have been recorded in the national park, some of these are endemics to the rift valley region.
How to reach Lake Manyara National Park is through the northern circuit, by road it takes approximately 126 kilometers, this takes about 2 hours to drive to the national park from Arusha, the park is strategically placed on the main road of Arusha to Karatu, the scenic drive from the rift valley region is super interesting to encounter, guests have the chance to either use public means, do a self-drive or use a tour operator, the most recommended is to use a tour operator this comes with convenience, you are picked straight from the airport and transferred to the national park.
Flying from Arusha is the other option how for reaching Lake Manyara National Park, it is the fastest way of getting to the conservation area, flights can be arranged on schedule or charter to land at the nearest airstrip for example the Kilimanjaro airstrip, which is from here that you will be picked and a scenic drive to the lodge that has been booked for your stay.
Lake Manyara National Park can be reached any time of the year but best during the dry season between December-February and June-September, during this time the park receives less rainfall, the trails are much drier and hence easier to access, it is also high tourism season hence expect to be with more travellers within the national park.
In conclusion, there is available accommodation in the conservation area ranging from the best budget to luxury, example facilities include Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and Lake Manyara Serena Lodge to mention a few.