Lake Manyara National Park is situated on the western slopes of the Rift Valley with the Lake spanning a total of 390sq. kms, two thirds of the total park area.

From the top of the escarpment where most lodges are situated, there is a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding National Park. It is often possible to spot herds of buffalo and elephant from the lodges.

From the east, the Rift Valley wall rises several hundred metres to form an impressive backdrop to the lake. From the west, if one is perched at the top of the escarpment, the park lies far below, with a long green strip of water that glistens in the sunlight. The vegetation around the lake’s shores is surprisingly varied and comprises mostly forest, acacia woodland and open grassland. The park covers an area of 330 sq km of which about 230 sq km is the lake itself.

You will always find hippo in the Simba River, elephant in the forests and a resident herd of Cape buffalo on the open plains at Mahali Pa Nyati, which means, ‘the place of the buffalo’ in Swahili. In addition, there are approximately 400 species of birds, good leopard sightings and the occasional tree-climbing lion. Canoeing safaris are a great option and only run when the lake is high.

This beautiful park is at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprises of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Since it is only 130KM from Arusha it may be visited as a day excursion.

Wildlife
Gazelles; impala; buffalo; wildebeest; the famous tree climbing lion; hyaena; baboon; giraffe; hippopotamus; and a great number of smaller mammals; 350 species of bird, storks and flamingoes

Giraffes

Gazelle