Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara, formerly renowned as a hunting ground, has now transformed into one of Tanzania’s most captivating national parks. Situated at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, its groundwater forest provides a refreshing change of scenery from the savannah-dominated parks. The park boasts a plethora of diverse vegetation that sustains a rich wildlife population, nourished by babbling streams and cascading waterfalls that spill over the cliff. In the southern region of the park, hot springs emerge at the foot of the escarpment, while hippos bask in the lake’s vicinity.
Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by the verdant forest, which is home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Further ahead, the forest gives way to woodlands, grasslands, swamps, and the soda lake itself, which spans 390 sq km and provides a haven for over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, sacred ibises, cormorants, and Egyptian geese. Two notable attractions in Lake Manyara National Park are the tree-climbing lions, which spend most of their day lounging on the branches of acacia trees six to seven meters above the ground, and tree-climbing pythons. However, like Tarangire, the park’s primary draw is its elephant population, which can be observed in large numbers. Additionally, the park is home to giraffes, impalas, hippos, and a diverse array of smaller animals.