LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK, Tanzania — Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) perched on a tree at Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
Photograph by David Coleman. Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, is a small but exceptionally diverse protected area that showcases some of East Africa's most varied landscapes and wildlife. Covering an area of 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), of which 200 square kilometers (77 square miles) is lake when water levels are high, the park is a gem in Tanzania's network of protected areas. The park is centered around the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, which expands and contracts with the seasons. During the wet season, the lake can cover up to 200 square kilometers, while in the dry season it nearly disappears, leaving behind a shimmering, soda-encrusted lakebed. This fluctuation creates a dynamic ecosystem that supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife. One of Lake Manyara's most famous features is its large flocks of flamingos. Both lesser and greater flamingos can be seen wading in the shallow waters, creating a stunning pink spectacle against the backdrop of the lake. The park is also home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are not guaranteed. This unusual behavior, rarely seen in other parts of Africa, has made Lake Manyara's lions a subject of much interest and speculation among researchers and visitors alike. Lake Manyara National Park boasts an impressive variety of habitats within its relatively small area. These include the alkaline lake itself, groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and the dramatic cliffs of the Rift Valley escarpment. This diversity of landscapes supports an equally diverse array of wildlife. Large mammals found in the park include elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. Primates are well-represented, with olive baboons and Sykes' monkeys being common sights, especially in the groundwater forest
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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