Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is situated at the Eastern Side of the Great Rift Valley at the altitude of 945m. The small strip of land stretches along the North Western shore of Lake Manyara. The larger part of the park is formed by the lake itself, which carries very little water at this time. The park entrance is located in woodlands fed by underground water, an exception in this part of Africa. The forest is reminiscent of mountain forests found at a much higher altitude. The first impression of this park even at the present drought - it is incredible green.

laketree

Baboons and elephants are everywhere.

elefants and baboonselefant bull

The ground water rises sometimes too high to support trees and the forest is slowly replaced by swamp. But right now, there is not even a swamp. The animal graze basically at the bottom of the lake. Only in the far distance one can guess the existence of a lake.

swampanimals

The animals seek the little bit of water which is left. The hippo pool is rather crowded and the warthogs enjoy a mud bath.
hippopool warthogs
The elephants look for the water as well. For the smallones this is not very easy, because how to get out once you are in?
elefants at the waterhole baby elefant

Life is much easier for the baboon kids, they just climb on Mummy's back.

baboonsbaby baboon

What's for lunch?

birdlunchlizard

baboonRainer

In two hours time we are back at Ngurdoto.

sunset

back to Tanzania Report

home