A massive soda lake crowded with flamingos, tree-climbing lions and a breathtaking scenery is what makes Lake Manyara National Park famous. This smaller wildlife reserve is not only incredibly diverse, but also the perfect place to see the spectacular 400 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment.
Tranquil soda lake
The blend of diverse habitats and wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is unlike anything else you see in Northern Tanzania. This park is not dominated by savannah, but by a huge soda lake covering almost two-third of the park. Furthermore, the Manyara ecosystem includes acacia woodland dotted with large fig trees, swamps, hot springs and open grass plains.
Troops olive baboons
The ‘jungle’ forest at the entrance of the park gate is home to hundreds of olive baboons, chilling and playing along the roadside. Elephants favour the acacia woodland, just like Manyara’s lions. You can see them climbing and resting along the branches of large fig trees. Another highlight is the magnificent sight of thousands of pink-hued flamingos in the lake during the wet season. Other wildlife in Manyara includes hippos, bush babies, leopards and giraffes. Furthermore, bird lovers can spot over 400 bird species in this park, such as hornbills, pelicans and the Lilac Breasted Rollers.
Great Rift Valley
Lake Manyara is certainly the perfect spot to watch the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. It rises 600m (2,000ft) into the air, forming a beautiful backdrop to the park. This rift valley is a long crack in the crust of the earth, all the way down the eastern part of Africa. Since the park lies in the Great Rift Valley it created an unique ecosystem and diverse habitats in Lake Manyara National Park.
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