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Walking safaris at Lake Manyara and Jangwani Corridor

Walking safaris in Lake Manyara National Park and the Jangwani Corridor offer an intimate and exhilarating way to experience Tanzania’s rich biodiversity, culture, and landscapes. Lake Manyara National Park, with its tropical forests, acacia woodlands, and the stunning backdrop of the Great Rift Valley, provides a perfect setting for walking safaris. These walks are not just about seeing wildlife but about experiencing the environment in a way that a vehicle can’t replicate. Guided by knowledgeable rangers and armed for safety, you’ll follow natural trails where you might encounter everything from playful monkeys to majestic giraffes, zebras, and the elusive tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.

 

Lake Manyara’s walking safaris are tailored to explore different aspects of the park’s ecosystem:

  • Forest Hikes: Through dense forest cover, offering sightings of various primates and birds.
  • The Msara Trail: A longer hike near the Rift Valley Escarpment, ideal for birdwatchers and those seeking more adventurous treks.
  • Lake Shore Trail: Meanders through acacia woodlands, providing opportunities to observe flamingos and other wildlife along the lake’s edge.
  • Iyamba River Trail: A journey through less-trodden paths, rich in birdlife like storks and pelicans.

The Jangwani Corridor, lying between Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley’s natural wall, is less about walking and more about the unique experience of night game drives. Here, the landscape transitions from grazing lands to a critical wildlife migration route. The corridor’s night drives are a rare treat, where the darkness amplifies the sounds of nature, and the spotlight illuminates fleeting glimpses of nocturnal life, adding a layer of mystery and thrill to your safari.

Location

  • Lake Manyara National Park: Situated in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, approximately 1.5 hours from Arusha town, it’s easily accessible for those exploring the Northern Safari Circuit.
  • Jangwani Corridor: This corridor is adjacent to Lake Manyara National Park, extending from its northeast corner towards Eslalei Village and Manyara Ranch, offering a buffer zone for wildlife movement.

Day Tour and Itinerary

Lake Manyara Walking Safari:

  • Morning: Start early with a safety briefing from your guide and ranger. Embark on a chosen trail like the Forest Hike or the Lake Shore Trail, where you’ll walk for about 2-3 hours, enjoying the sounds and sights of the park.
  • Midday: Return for lunch, either a picnic in the park or back at your lodge.
  • Afternoon: If time and energy allow, engage in another activity like the treetop walkway or game drive, or relax at your accommodation.

Jangwani Corridor Night Drive:

  • Evening: After a day in Lake Manyara, transition to the Jangwani Corridor for a night game drive. The drive lasts about 2 hours, starting as the sun sets, offering a completely different wildlife experience.

Birds of Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is a haven for birdwatchers:

  • Flamingos create a spectacular display along the lake’s shores.
  • Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and Narina Trogon can be seen in the forest.
  • Raptors like the African Fish Eagle patrol the skies.
  • Resident and Migrant Birds: From March to June, breeding behaviors are on full display, while November to March brings migratory species.

Birds of Tarangire

Though not directly part of this safari, nearby Tarangire shares many bird species:

  • Ostriches and Kori Bustards are common sights.
  • Lilac-breasted Roller adds color to the landscape.
  • Hornbills of various species, including the Southern Ground Hornbill, are prevalent.
  • Kingfishers ranging from the tiny African Pygmy to the Giant Kingfisher.

What Makes This Tour Unique

  • Intimate Wildlife Interaction: Walking safaris allow for quiet, unobtrusive observation of wildlife, offering a personal connection to nature.
  • Night-time Experience: The Jangwani Corridor’s night drives provide an adventure into the nocturnal world, a rarity in many parks.
  • Diverse Habitats: From the lush forests to open plains, the variety of ecosystems offers different wildlife and birdlife experiences.
  • Cultural and Natural Immersion: Guides share insights into the park’s ecology and the cultural significance of the areas.
  • Flexibility: Both walking and night drives can be tailored to different interests, whether it’s birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying nature’s symphony.

Stay at MoonBow Lodge

After your adventurous day:

  • Comfort: Retreat to the tranquility of MoonBow Lodge, where the rooms blend Tanzanian aesthetics with comfort.
  • Culinary Experience: Enjoy meals that reflect the local flavors, perhaps recounting your day’s adventures over dinner.
  • Further Exploration: The lodge can arrange additional activities or simply provide a space to relax and absorb the day’s experiences.
  • Nature’s Proximity: Located near these natural wonders, MoonBow offers easy access to more safaris or just the peace of the Tanzanian landscape.
  • Cultural Engagement: Evening cultural events or discussions can deepen your understanding of the region, complementing your day’s activities.

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