Adventure Nature

Hidden Secrets of Lake Manyara National Park – Pink Lake, Luxury Lodge

lake manyara national park
Written by See Africa Today

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.’

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

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.

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