Manyara Area
Manyara National Park
Manyara National Park is spectacular - the Rift Valley escarpment looms in the distance, forming an impressive backdrop to the beautiful lake. Despite the fact that Manyara National Park only covers an area of 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), more than half of which is lake surface, it contains a wide variety of habitats: ground water forest, acacia woodland, areas of open grassland, lake shores and swampland. It’s no wonder this park supports over 380 different species of birds, and a large variety of mammals and reptiles.
You will also have the opportunity to spend a fantastic evening in Manyara Park: a night game drive on which you could spot nocturnal animals such as bush babies, porcupines, civets as well as hippos grazing on land – unheard of during the daytime.
Mto wa Mbu
Close to Manyara lies Mto wa Mbu, a typical Tanzanian village. If you are interested, you can take a walk with your local guide to experience village life and culture, visiting local schools, the hospital, the village bar, and even residents in their homes.
If it’s exercise you want, then get on your bike! The route takes you down the Great Rift Valley escarpment with stunning views over Manyara Park. You then bike around Mto wa Mbu, stopping here and there to catch a glimpse of village life, and end at the park border.
