Lake Manyara National Park
Named after the Tarangire River which crosses through the park, Tarangire is Tanzanian’s sixth largest national park. Travelers can anticipate encountering a range of different wildlife, including over 550 bird species, as they journey along the river’s course. The dry season in Tanzania may cause rivers to dwindle and grasslands to turn yellow, yet the Tarangire River continues to flow. When other water sources run dry, hundreds of thousands of animals embark on a march to reach this lifeline, affording travelers the opportunity to witness the largest congregations of wildlife during this arid season. Throughout the year, Tarangire plays host to Tanzania’s most substantial elephant herds and lies along the path of the wildebeest migration. It is, without a doubt, a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with its swamps harboring the world’s largest concentration of breeding birds, including the imposing Stockingthighed Ostrich. Regardless of the season, Tarangire remains a magnificent destination, boasting diverse landscapes and rich vegetation that promise an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
DETAILS:
The compact game-viewing circuit within Manyara offers a condensed representation of the Tanzanian safari experience. As you enter, a meandering road leads through a lush, jungle-like groundwater forest. Here, you’ll encounter troops of baboons lounging nonchalantly, blue monkeys darting between ancient mahogany trees, dainty bushbucks moving cautiously in the shadows, and oversized forest hornbills creating a cacophonous symphony in the high canopy. Contrasting with the intimacy of the forest, the grassy floodplain unfolds with expansive views to the east, across the alkaline lake, revealing the jagged blue volcanic peaks emerging from the Maasai Steppes.
Herds of large buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and even dark-colored giraffes congregate on these grassy plains. Moving inland from the floodplain, you’ll find a narrow belt of acacia woodland, which is the favored territory of Manyara’s famed tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Bands of banded mongooses dart through the acacias, while diminutive Kirk’s dik-diks forage in their shade. Silhouetted pairs of klipspringers are often seen on the rocks above searing hot springs that steam and bubble near the lakeshore in the park’s southern reaches.
Lake Manyara also provides an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s rich birdlife. With over 400 recorded species, even a first-time visitor to Africa can reasonably expect to spot around 100 species in a single day. Highlights include the sight of thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, along with other large waterbirds like pelicans, cormorants, and storks
WHAT TO EXPECT ON A TYPICAL SAFARI DAY:
At Memorable Safari, we offer flexible game drives from 6 am to 6 pm. Your itinerary aligns with designated game drive areas, adhering to park regulations. You can choose to start early or enjoy a leisurely breakfast on different days. In some parks, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for wildlife viewing. We recommend early game drives in Serengeti & Ngorongoro with packed meals. Each evening, plan the next day with your guide based on wildlife and weather. Patience in observing animal behavior is encouraged. We tailor your safari to your interests, ensuring an exceptional experience that surpasses your expectations. For more information on what to expect and what to pack check out our Travel Guide.
