Lake ManyaraAbout Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake in northern Tanzania surrounded by a national park that includes gallery forest, floodplain and Rift escarpment habitats. The lake and its reedbeds attract large numbers of waterbirds when conditions are suitable and are an important seasonal resource for wildlife.
Visitors typically experience a compact circuit of habitats from the lakeshore to groundwater forest and open woodland; the area is noted for sightings of tree-climbing lions, baboons and flocks of birdlife. The park provides short drives and walks that concentrate on the lake edge and forest fringes for wildlife viewing.
The lake lies at the foot of the eastern Rift Valley escarpment in the Manyara Region, close to the towns that serve the northern safari circuit. Its setting is a narrow band of wetland between alluvial plains and steep high ground.
- Birdwatching note: Known for flamingos and a diversity of waterbirds, the lake’s appearance and bird populations change with seasonal rains and water levels.
- Notable wildlife: Tree-climbing lions have been recorded in the area, and sightings of both primates and elephants are common around the park margins.
What to See#
- The lake and shore habitats: The lake itself is a shallow, alkaline body of water fringed by reedbeds and seasonally inundated flats, important for waterbirds and flamingos when conditions permit.
- Groundwater forest and escarpment woodlands: A strip of groundwater forest and acacia woodlands at the base of the Rift escarpment supports baboons, monkeys and other wildlife that visitors commonly see on drives.
Nearby Attractions to Lake Manyara
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara
Dry season is best for dependable game viewing; wet season is best for birds and newborns.
Weather & Climate near Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (597 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 23° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 23° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.6 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Very Good | 18° - 29° | 24° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 23° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Excellent | 18° - 25° | 21° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 7 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Excellent | 15° - 22° | 19° | 4 mm | some cloud | 67% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Ideal | 15° - 24° | 20° | 2 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Ideal | 16° - 26° | 21° | 4 mm | some cloud | 58% | 2.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Excellent | 17° - 27° | 22° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 59% | 2.5 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 28° | 23° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Very Good | 18° - 28° | 23° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
How to Get to Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is about an hour’s drive from the town of Karatu and roughly 2-3 hours from Arusha by road. Many safari operators include it in northern circuit itineraries; public minibuses serve Karatu from Arusha and nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting Lake Manyara
- Drive or boat along the lake's southern marshes at dawn for the best birding and hippo activity.
- Visit the hot springs and the 'tree-climbing lions' area to see the curious leopard-lion behavior (though true tree-climbing lions are rare).
- Combine a Lake Manyara visit with Tarangire or Ngorongoro for a varied northern circuit.