Arusha is considered as the doorway to the northern safari trail. While the city itself has very little tourist attractions in terms of historical landmarks and monuments, its location at the foot of Mount Meru make it a favorite stop for those wishing to go on climbing and safari expeditions.
It is likewise home to the Lake Manyara National Park in Arusha Region – Tanzania.
Location
Lake Manyara National Park in Arusha Region – Tanzania runs between the escarpment of Gregory Rift on its western side and Lake Manyara on its eastern side.
Getting There
You can take a bus, taxi or a car hire service going to the Lake Manyara National Park in Arusha Region – Tanzania via the routes that run along Serengeti as well as the Ngorongoro Crater.
What to See and Do
Lake Manyara National Park in Arusha Region – Tanzania is most famous for its flamingos and elephants. You can also catch views of tree – climbing lions, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, baboons, vervet monkeys, waterbucks and zebras.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers as there are about three hundred various species of birds living within the premises of the park. The flamingos here number by the thousands and you can see them on the soda lake within the park.
There are also herons, egrets, storks and geese.
Game drives whether during the daytime or nighttime is the best way to explore the national park. When the water level allows, you can likewise go down the waters of the lake on a canoe.
There are picnic sites around the park, bike trails and nature trails that you can check out as well.
Brief History
Lake Manyara National Park in Arusha Region – Tanzania was established in the year 1960.
It has a coverage area of approximately three hundred and thirty square kilometers, two hundred square kilometers of which are taken up by the lake.
Its lush vegetation makes it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animals and birds. The birds in particular number by the thousands and you can find them within the forest area as well as the lake area.
Cost
Entry fee for Lake Manyara National Park in Arusha Region – Tanzania is US$ 35 per adult and US$ 10 for kids between 5 and 16 years of age. Kids under 5 years of age are free of charge.
Guide fees for safari walks are US$ 20 per guide while guides for game drive safaris are US$ 10 per guide.
Other Information
If you would like to view the large animals living in the park, the best time to visit is during the dry season, between the months of July and October.
For bird watching, the best time to visit is during the wet season, from the months of November thru June the following year.
