Description
Although it is one of Tanzania’s smaller wildlife enclaves, Lake Manyara National Park is a spectacular reserve that boasts an incredible diversity of terrain, as well as plant and animal species. Established specifically to protect the elephant herds that have made this area world renowned, the park provides an excellent and varied wildlife experience. An incredible array of habitats, as well as a wealth of biodiversity, is crammed into a relatively small area in Lake Manyara National Park.
Apart from the elephants, Lake Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions, as well as the thousands of flamingos that inhabit the lake shore. Large herds of buffalo, cheetah, Maasai giraffe, hippo and impala can be encountered. The lake supports an incredible diversity of birds, particularly water fowl and migrants.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is located in the remote south western region of the park, allowing for leisurely tracking of the park’s famous tree-climbing lions and for unimpeded viewing of the flocks of pelicans and flamingoes, and the buffalo cooling in the soda lake. The tree houses have been crafted from local timber and makuti (palm fronds) and feature large open decks and spacious rooms.
Game drives are in open 4x4 vehicles, led by experienced rangers and guides. The wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is used to the presence of humans, thus making game drives and night drives all the more rewarding. Maasai naturalists can lead you on bush walks in the vicinity of the camp, providing an ideal opportunity for you to learn more about the fascinating fauna and flora in Lake Manyara National Park.
Accommodation
Ten elegant stilted treehouses are cradled in the boughs of mahogany trees, ensuring privacy for all guests. Built of timber and makuti (palm fronds), the interiors are bleached, earthy and stylishly understated. Rooms are spacious with sitting areas and viewing decks. Ensuite bathrooms with a bath, outdoor shower, twin hand basins and private w.c.
Childcare
Although there are no specific childcare facilities, children are welcome although regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in the regular game-drives. Childminders can be booked and meal times altered to suit. Children aged 6 to 11 years are accommodated on game-drives at the lodge manager’s discretion.
Facilities
The sitting and dining areas overlook a charming forest boma lined with ngalawas (dugout canoes). The Lodge has a Safari Shop featuring signature community craftwork and a range of lodge branded safari clothing. There is also a lovely swimming pool for guests to enjoy between safaris.
Activities
Activities from the Lodge include morning and afternoon game-drives in open safari vehicles in Lake Manyara National Park, excellent birdwatching and picnics at scenic picnic sites overlooking the Lake. Night game drives are also available.
When to travel
Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May - the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, and the short rains are in November and December, much lighter than the long rains. January and February are again dry (the short dry season) so this is another good time to visit.
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Location and directions
Lake Manyara, Tanzania
In the remote southern end of Lake Manyara National Park, northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only lodge in the Park.
How to get there
8.5hr international flight, 1.5hr international flight by light aircraft. There are daily flights from Dar Es Salaam to Lake Manyara airstrip this is followed by a scenic 21/2 hour leisurely game drive to the lodge through the National Park.
