Lake Manyara is located in northern Tanzania, between the Serengeti and Arusha. Lake Manyara is a national park of roughly 330 km2 (130 square miles) in size. It is a destination that is often included in itineraries for the Serengeti due to its proximity to the park. Aside from its easy access from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, there are other reasons to be sure to visit this park. The biggest reason is the wide array of bird life it offers. If you are a birder and are more keen on looking to the skies for your wildlife, Lake Manyara may be your ideal location. There is a large soda ash lake that is heart of the park. Here, you will find many bird species, including large numbers of flamingos and raptors. The park is very green and can be difficult to navigate during the heavy rains season, which runs from mid-March through mid-May.
As for large animals, Lake Manyara is home to elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, antelope and, if you are lucky, you may even see a tree-climbing lion.
Outside of the park, there are also other activities to enjoy. Two main activities are tribal visits and visits with local orphanages. If you are planning to visit a local orphanage, donations are always needed and greatly appreciated. Items that are always in need are school supplies, including pencils, pens, paper, erasers, book bags, rulers and stickers.
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Park fees vary depending on nationality. Most people will not visit Lake Manyara on their own, but will do it on a guided safari. A list of tour operators who offer tours to Lake Manyara, Tanzania can be found here http://www.yourafricansafari.com/african-safari-tour-operators/search.Sunscreen, hat, camera with good zoom.Lake Manyara is roughly a three hour drive from Arusha.You will want a 4x4 vehicle.Rhotia Valley Plantation Lodge Gibbs FarmTarangire Ngorongoro Crater
Updated: August 3, 2015
