This park delivered its name from a plant named “Euphorbia tirucalli” known as Emanyara in Maasai language and the plant has significant value to Maasai as they use it to protect their hedges (Boma). The park was once a famous hunting ground, now it is one of the Tanzanias’ most attractive sanctuaries which was declared a national park in 1960and a man and biosphere reserve in 1981, this charming park is tiny by comparison with most of other parks on safari itinerary but its special quality and abundant wildlife make it most worthwhile visit.

The park is located at the walls of the rift valley escarpments and it covers an area of 648.7 Kilometers square approximately to 402 miles of which 262.7 kilometers square (163 miles) is covered by the lake and 386 kilometers square is the dry land. Its ground water forest offers a nice variety of scenery from the more savannah dominated parks, a wealth of surprising varied vegitations sustain a wealth of wildlife nourished by chattering streams and waterfalls spilling over the cliffs. In the southern part of the park hot spring bubbles to the surface in the shadow of the escarpment and high population of hippopotamus, the park is a home to more than 400 bird species, large herds of buffalos and elephants; as the visitors enter the gate they pass through into the lush forest which is a home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys, further along the forest open up to the woodlands, grasslands and swamps.

The park is well known for its spectacular tree climbing lions which spend most of their time spread out on the tree branches of acacias six to seven meters from the ground but also the park is well known for its tree climbing pythons. Alongside this park lies the Mto wa mbu “The river of mosquitoes” a small village which hosts almost all the tribes found in Tanzania believed to be more than 120 tribes dwelling in this small town conducting different activities including woodcarving, painting and farming. Several cultural programs are set in the village and can offer a wider experience of different culture in this village. For more of cultural tours and experiences please check out our cultural tour packages and will be the perfect way to top up on your wildlife safari experiences.

Things to do at Lake Manyara national park
 Game drives both day and night game drives
 Bird watching
 canoeing
 forest walks alongside the lakeshores
 cultural tours in a small town of Mto wa Mbu
 Bike tours and abseiling outside the park
 Day trip is also possible to organize
 Forest Hikes
 Home stays
 Birding
 Filming
 View points ¬_Hippo pool and Lake Manyara view point

 When to visit the park
 The Park is practically accessible through the year but best time to visit the park is during less or no rain seasons which are between Junes to mid march. It is also great time for wildlife watching.