Lake Manyara National Park is unique due to its rare tree-climbing lions and the white-pink spread of soda ash on the lake. The national park has one of Tanzania’s biggest elephant populations and breathtaking scenery that attracts tourists, and flocks of pink flamingos that give the lake its pink colour. It’s often unseen of a pink lake, except for a few places in Africa such as Senegal’s Lake Retba and Lake Turkana, alias ‘Jade Sea.’
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Where is Lake Manyara National Park Pink Lake?
The lake is located in the northern part of Tanzania, about 126 kilometres west of Arusha Town. Its waters are shallow and alkaline, full of salt deposits. The lake swells up or reduces in size based on the seasons. It covers an area of 220 sq km, which is about two-thirds of the park’s total surface area. Lake Manyara National Park spans 330 square kilometres, of which, as mentioned, 220 square kilometres is from the lake when the water levels are high in the rainy season.
Lake Manyara National Park tree-climbing lions. Photo/Getty Images
Since Lake Manyara is adjacent to the Tarangire National Park, the two parks share scores of wild animals, assuring visitors of sights to remember. As for the game, there are plenty of elephants, wildebeests, along with herds of giraffes, and buffalo. The park is also famous for its many zebras, impalas, warthogs and waterbucks.
The road circuit for game drives is limited. It is covered in about four hours and costs about $200 per day, depending on the tour operator. Lake Manyara National Park is most famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, which can only be found in just two populations across the world the other being in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
There are flocks of pelicans and pink flamingos on the lake. Close to the park borders and floodplains, you will enjoy views of egrets, stilts, erons, spoonbills, stalks and other waders. Further, woodlands equally offer great bird views with interesting species including crowned eagles, crested guinea fowl and the silvery-cheeked hornbills. The park is also home to native Maasai, allowing for a remarkable cultural experience for visitors.
Where is Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge?
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is the heartbeat of Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. Photo/Kubali Tours
While at the Lake Manayara National Park, head out to Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge. This lodge offers a stunning view of Lake Manyara and Mount Meru. On a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is clear from the lodge. The lodge is set on pristine, lush green gardens and local vegetation that host well over 130 species of birds.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is the ideal place to base your northern safari experience. It is minutes from the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands, all are just a short drive from the lodge. The lodge is just 110 km from Arusha, which is approximately an hour and a half drive. It is also just a few minutes from the Lake Manyara Airport and Lake Manyara National Park.
How Many Rooms Does Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge Have?
As for accommodation, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja lodge boasts 50 deluxe rooms and extravagant two-bedroom luxury villas, all with panoramic views of the surrounding area. All rooms are tastefully decorated with all the amenities one would expect in a five-star lodge. The rooms come inclusive of inside and outside shower areas, baths, air conditioning, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, mini bar, safes and private balconies.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge. Photo/Discover Africa Safaris
The spectacular main house has all the luxuries, including a main lounge, a grand hallway, dining room, spa, boutique, conference room, boardroom, media (TV) room, outside fireplace, rim flow pool, billiard table, gym and children’s activity room. Experience at the Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is designed for travellers with an affinity for luxury. Safari adventurers at Lake Manyara National Park
The lodge spans strategic locations where guests can marvel at the captivating backdrop for exploration, all the while enjoying the meticulously curated blend of architecture, which showcases an intersection of creativity and innovation. As for meals at the lodge, guests are treated to a gourmet spread featuring exquisite delicacies ranging from local dishes to world-favourite menus.
Guests savour the flavours of authentic African cuisine and experience the cultural tradition of dining together or privately, poolside or on the room deck, all under the star-studded African night sky. Whether together or private, guests are treated to a culinary journey curated to their specific desires and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is unique about Lake Manyara National Park?
Tree-climbing lions and a pink lake are the unique aspects of Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.
2. Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?
Lake Manyara is worth visiting. It supports the existence of hundreds of wild animals and birds.
3. How much is park fees in Lake Manyara?
East African residents above 16 years pay $5.5 7 to enter the park while foreigners/non-East Africans pay $50. East Africans between ages 5 – 15 pay $3 while non-EA citizens pay $10.