| Like most Rift Valley
lakes, the water is alkaline. This attracts vast flocks of
flamingos, which form pink foam against a silver background of
water. There are numerous water birds in the area, including
pelicans that waddle around next to short grasses on the shore of
the lake. The park is a bird lover’s haven with a variety of local
species inhabiting the forest and bush. The best time to observe
these birds is in the late afternoon and early morning. The park
authorities have recently allowed for tourists to canoe along
certain portions of the lake, enabling bird and animal watching to
become another experience altogether.
Animals found in the area include
zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck and warthog. Manayara is also known for
its tree-climbing lions. These majestic animals find shelter in the
branches of trees from the heat and biting flies. There is a
particular belt, which they frequent along the woodland, south of
the Msasa River. These lions also have a peculiar specialisation of
killing buffalo. An adult buffalo weighs in the proximity of one and
a half tons, being far larger than the average weight of an adult
male lion. On the southern side of the park, you will find the hot
springs of Maji Moto. This word directly translated from Swahili
means hot water, and are about 60ºC.
The views from some of the lodges on the rift wall
are spectacular, and it is highly recommended that you spend at
least one day/night of your safari in the area.
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Tree climbing lions
Lake Manyara National park
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