lake manyara national park
lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic and wildlife-rich park located in northern Tanzania. It covers approximately 648 square kilometers, of which around two-thirds is covered by Lake Manyara. The park was established in 1960 to protect its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Manyara lies at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is famous for its lush groundwater forest, open grasslands, and the soda lake. The park is home to elephants, tree-climbing lions, hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, and a large variety of birds. The mix of landscapes and habitats makes it one of Tanzania’s most interesting and compact parks, ideal for short but rich wildlife experiences.
Animal to see in Manyara National Park
Manyara National Park offers unique experiences for visitors. One of the most special attractions is the tree-climbing lions, rarely seen elsewhere. The park also features large herds of elephants, rich birdlife, and troops of baboons often seen near the entrance. The groundwater forest provides a cool, green canopy and supports many animals and birds. The shallow Lake Manyara used to host thousands of flamingos, painting the shoreline pink. Though their numbers have now decreased, the lake still draws many other bird species. The beautiful scenery, from lush forest to open plains and views of the Rift Valley escarpment, makes it a remarkable destination.
About Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake situated within Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania. It spans roughly 200 square kilometers and plays a crucial role in supporting the park’s ecosystem. The lake is a seasonal home to many water birds and animals, especially during the wet season. Its waters attract elephants, buffaloes, and other herbivores that come to drink. While the lake is known for its soda content, it also serves as a haven for various fish and aquatic species. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara offers stunning reflections and peaceful scenery.
Birds to See at Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a birder’s paradise, with over 400 species recorded. Though flamingos once flocked in great numbers, forming pink carpets along the lake’s edges, they are now rare due to recent changes. About five years ago, flamingos were abundant in Lake Manyara. However, increased rainfall caused the lake to expand and become deeper. Since flamingos prefer shallow, alkaline waters that support their primary food—cyanobacteria and small crustaceans—the deep water now offers little nutrition, causing their numbers to drop drastically. Despite this, birdwatchers can still spot pelicans, storks, egrets, herons, kingfishers, ibis, and birds of prey like fish eagles and hawk species.
Hot Springs in Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park features hot springs, locally called Maji Moto, located near the southern end of the park. These geothermal springs are heated by underground volcanic activity from the Rift Valley. The water that bubbles up is hot, and the surrounding rocks often have mineral deposits and colorful algae due to the high temperatures. Though the springs are not suitable for bathing, they are fascinating to observe and provide insight into the region’s geothermal activity. The hot springs area also attracts various animals and birds, and the contrast of steamy water with the surrounding landscape makes for a unique sightseeing spot.
Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is a dramatic geological formation that runs through eastern Africa, and Manyara National Park lies at its base. The valley’s steep escarpment rises sharply from the park, creating a stunning backdrop and influencing the park’s diverse habitats. The valley was formed by tectonic plate movements, resulting in rifts and fractures in the Earth’s crust. In Manyara, the escarpment plays a crucial role in water catchment, feeding the groundwater forest and sustaining wildlife. The view from the top of the escarpment offers a breathtaking panorama of the park, Lake Manyara, and the surrounding plains stretching toward Serengeti.