LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK.
Great masses of pink hued flamingoes gather on the saline waters of Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara was formed as a result of the Great Rift Valley – over millions of years as the rift grew wider, streams cascaded down and pooled into what is now the famous lake. Algae thrive in the high saline content of the lake. Huge and colorful flocks of birds gather in the water to feed, including many different varieties of birds that coexist together. In fact, well over 300 different species of birds have been recorded here!
GROUND WATER FOREST
This jungle like forest boasts the highest concentrations of baboons in Africa. Nurtured by a permanent supply of ground water from the crater highlands directly above the Manyara basin, a dense evergreen forest of mahogany trees, wild date palms and giant fig trees thrives here. The forest is home to three species of primates including the vervet monkey, blue monkey and baboon. Th elevated walkway around the visitors center at the park gate is the best spot to see the stunning blue monkey.
ACACIA WOODLANDS
The acacia woodlands offer the best overall wildlife viewing in the park. This habitat is favored by the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, leopards and giraffes and can claim the greatest elephant concentration in East Africa. The first long-term field study of elephants in the wild was conducted here and the book entitled ‘Among the Elephants’ by Iain Douglas-Hamilton documents this pioneering work.
Highlights
BEST KNOWN FOR
- Colorful flocks of birds – over 300 species
- Unique alkaline lake habitat
- Excellent hippo viewing
- Elevated walkway overlooking flamingos
SIZE
10 to 30 square miles
TOPOGRAPHY
Saline/Alkaline Lake
MAIN SPECIES
Flamingo, Hippo, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Grey-Headed Kingfisher, Long-Crested Eagle