Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park nestles at the foot of the escarpment of the Eastern arm of the Rift Valley 945 meters above sea level. Lying in the shallow depression, Lake Manyara spreads out in a heat haze backed by a narrow band of forest and the sheer red and brown cliffs of the escarpment. The park's name is derived from the Maasai word for the Euphorbia tirucalli, a bush which they grew to keep their cattle from straying. The entrance to Lake Manyara National Park is from the village of Mto wa Mbu, 'Mosquito Creek', a market town several tribes converge to form the richest linguistic mix in Africa

Lake Manyara the shallow, alkaline lake consumes the majority of this area. The land portion of the park is tucked between the lake and the sheer rock walls of the rift valley escarpment that tower 2,000 feet above. The park is home to three distinct habitats including a lush groundwater forest, open flood plains and acacia woodlands. In just a two-hour round trip foray into the park, it is possible to see all the main highlights in the groundwater forest and the floodplain's leading up to the lake.

Wildlife

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for Acacia Tortilis tree-climbing lions. Resident herbivores that you will likely encounter include elephant, hippo, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, warthog and impala. Primates include vervet monkey and baboon. Lake Manyara boasts one of highest concentrations of baboons in Africa. The baboons are among the more exciting animals to watch in the park as they squabble and feud in their large extended family groups.

The baboons, elephants and impala can be found in the groundwater forest in the immediate area around the park gate. On the flood plains and fringes you will encounter buffalo, wildebeest and giraffe. There are also several pools supporting large concentrations of hippos. Carnivores include lion and leopard. With over 300 species including migratory birds, even the most seasoned bird enthusiast will not be disappointed. In every tour and guidebook you will undoubtedly find a description of Lake Manyara that references 'the famous tree climbing lions'. It is true that there are lions in Manyara and they have been known to climb trees.

Accommodation

Accommodations at Lake Manyara's escarpment caters to all personalities making it a must visit park for any person visiting northern Tanzania. The park has at least four recognized accommodations allowing guests the opportunity to select a program that fits their budget.