Lake Manyara National Park is located 130 kilometers from the city of Arusha, between the Ngorongoro and Tarangire National Parks.
The territory of the reserve occupies 330 sq. km, of which 230 falls on the lake (during the rainy season) and is located at an altitude of 950 m between the alkaline lake of the same name and the rock of the Great African Rift.
The Lake Manyara National Park was created to protect the animals from poachers, whose terrible raids in the 1970s and 1980s threatened the continued existence of elephants on these lands. At present, the fauna is carefully protected, and the elephant population has reached its former levels.
The breathtaking view of the reserve and the wonderful safari have attracted many celebrities. This reserve was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite place.

Lake Manyara National Park is a place quite unique. Firstly, the most diverse landscapes have unthinkably merged here: sparkling lakes, hot springs, dense forests and steep cliffs; as a result, almost all animals live in this park. And secondly, tree-climbing lions live here – because of the very dense forests, they climb high acacias to look out for prey. An exclusive and delightful spectacle – you can’t see it anywhere else!

The incredible abundance of birds (more than 380 species) has made this park world famous among ornithologists. They come here from all over the world to observe and study the behavior of numerous pink flamingos and large birds of prey, of which there are 64 species (!). But you don’t have to be an ornithologist to understand how entertaining this spectacle is. Of the birds, in addition to predators and flamingos, you can see pelicans, cormorants, and cranes in summer.
Also noteworthy are the unique local sunsets. African sunsets are generally something special, but here they have surpassed everything possible.

Actually, like a local safari: there is such an abundance of animals here that your safari will begin even during the transfer on the way to the lodge.
The reserve begins with dense thickets of the jungle, in which flocks of baboons and other monkeys are in charge, creating constant noise and fuss. During the day, you can often see a lioness resting on a branch with outstretched paws, indifferently examining the surrounding monkeys. Everything is here, and rhinos, and funny warthog pigs, and cheetahs, elephants, various antelopes. Huge crocodiles live in the lake.
Behind the forest, there is an amazing view of the lake with cliffs reflecting in it. Large families of hippos are very noisy, making grunting sounds and periodically castling vigorously in the water. Herds of buffalo calmly watch those around them.
More than 400 species of animals are registered in the reserve. Even a simple observer will be able to see a good hundred different species in one day.

Time to visit the reserve:
The months from December to February and from May to July are the most interesting months for safari in Manyara. In principle, the Manyara Park is open to the public all year round, but from August to September there is some decline in the animal population.

The most suitable season for bird watching is November and December, when there is little rainfall and at the same time it becomes humid and hot. Bird watching is also good during the period of more prolonged rains, namely from March to June.