Stretching
for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley
escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by
Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”.
The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual
microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.
From the entrance gate, the road winds through an expanse of lush
jungle-like groundwater forest where hundred-strong baboon troops
lounge nonchalantly along the roadside, blue monkeys scamper nimbly
between the ancient mahogany trees, dainty bushbuck tread warily
through the shadows, and outsized forest hornbills honk
cacophonously in the high canopy.
Contrasting
with the intimacy of the forest is the grassy floodplain and its
expansive views eastward, across the alkaline lake, to the jagged
blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes. Large
buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on these grassy
plains, as do giraffes – some so dark in coloration that they appear
to be black from a distance. Inland of the floodplain, a narrow belt
of acacia woodland is the favoured haunt of Manyara’s legendary
tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Squadrons of
banded mongoose dart between the acacias, while the diminutive
Kirk’s dik-dik forages in their shade. Pairs of klipspringer are
often seen silhouetted on the rocks above a field of searing hot
springs that steams and bubbles adjacent to the lakeshore in the far
south of the park.
Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife.
More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time
visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in
one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on
their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such
as pelicans, cormorants and storks.
Lake Manyara Accommodation
KIRURUMU TENTED CAMP MANYARA
Set
high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Kirurumu has marvelous
view over the distant Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mount
Losimingori. Behind Kirurumu, the Ngorongoro highlands rise to form
the gateway to Ngorongoro region. The tented camp is extremely
unobtrusive, having been built with great sensitivity to
eco-tourism. The staff here are friendly, the lodge comfortable,
food delicious and atmosphere peaceful at all times. With just
twenty tastefully furnished tents, its still a personal lodge.
LAKE MANYARA HOTEL LAKE MANYARA
Being
one of the first hotels built in the Manyara region, it commands one
of the nicest views of the lake. It is a simply furnished hotel with
around one hundred rooms, suited perfectly for those who don't seek
luxury, however want an ideal location to explore this fascinating
area. It has mature and colourful gardens, a great swimming pool and
its restaurant is supplied daily by local farm producers.
groups.
LAKE MANYARA SERENA
LODGE LAKE MANYARA
It
would be difficult to find a more dramatic setting than the Lake
Manyara Serena Lodge. Situated at the edge of an escarpment, this
deluxe lodge overlooks both the Great Rift Valley, which formed
millions of years ago, and the beautiful soda lake of Manyara with
is lavish supply of bird life. The birds themselves have provided
the inspiration for the lodge's architecture. Graceful, curving and
free flowing, it is built in the local circular style and exudes an
atmosphere of peacefulness where man and nature co-exist. From the
patterns in the reception area resembling bird migration paths, to
the soft geometric designs in the bedrooms, there is barely a single
straight line in its design. The bar and restaurant offer guests
both indoor and outdoor seating at each meal. Sumptuous menus,
buffets and barbecues are served to guests alongside authentic
African dishes.