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Lake Manyara National Park
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Lake Manyara
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Lake Manyara is one of the most scenic parks that you
will encounter on your journey in Tanzania.
Measuring only 330 sq. km, of which the lake occupies
230 sq. km, it is ideal for a day trip.
Lake Manyara is situated on the base of the
escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. It derives its
name from the Maasai word ‘manyara’ which is a
plant known to us as Euphorbia tiraculli. This
plant is used by the Maasai as a hedge to form a
stockade for their cattle. As you approach the village
Mto wa Mbu (pronounced mtowamboe) from Arusha, the
rift wall provides spectacular viewing. Whilst driving
up the rift wall, Lake Manyara appears behind you. The
view is breathtaking, as you take in this massive lake
with it’s silver shimmer and surrounding vegetation.
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Like most Rift Valley lakes, the water is alkaline.
This attracts vast flocks of flamingos, which form
pink foam against a silver background of water. There
are numerous waterbirds in the area, including
pelicans that waddle around next to short grasses on
the shore of the lake. The park is a bird lover’s
haven with a variety of local species inhabiting the
forest and bush. The best time to observe these birds
is in the late afternoon and early morning. The park
authorities have recently allowed for tourists to
canoe along certain portions of the lake, enabling
bird and animal watching to become another experience
altogether.
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Famous tree climbing lions
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Animals found in the area include zebra, wildebeest,
waterbuck and warthog. Manyara is also known for its
tree-climbing lions. These majestic animals find
shelter in the branches of trees from the heat and
biting flies. There is a particular belt, which they
frequent along the woodland, south of the Msasa River.
These lions also have a peculiar specialisation of
killing buffalo. An adult buffalo weighs in the
proximity of one and a half tons, being far larger
than the average weight of an adult male lion.
On the southern side of the park, you will find the
hot springs of Maji Moto. This word directly
translated from Swahili means hot water, and are about
60ºC. The views from some of the lodges on the rift
wall are spectacular, and it is highly recommended
that you spend at least one day/night of your safari
in the area.
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