Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve

Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area in northern Tanzania containing grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and an alkaline lake at its center. The landscape includes habitats ranging from open plains to thick vegetation zones where diverse wildlife species coexist.

The area was designated as a national park in 1960 and received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1981, expanding its protected status. This international recognition reflected growing commitment to conserving the landscape and its inhabitants.

The Maasai, Iraqw, and Barabaig communities practice pastoralism and agriculture in designated zones of the reserve. You can observe their herding practices and farming methods as part of daily life in these areas.

Access is possible through Lake Manyara Airport or by car from Arusha. The area is larger than most visitors expect, and the best time to explore is during or shortly after rainy seasons when water is abundant throughout the landscape.

The reserve hosts more than 350 bird species, including large flamingo populations that gather along the lake shore during wet seasons. These seasonal concentrations create viewing opportunities that shift noticeably depending on rainfall patterns.