Horseback and Camel riding safaris in Lake Manyara National Park

Horseback and Camel riding safaris in Lake Manyara National Park: Lake Manyara National Park located in Tanzania, is one of the most remarkable and diverse parks in East Africa. The park is located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is located 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha and can be reached by car in an hour and a half. The park can also be reached from Babati the capital of the Manyara Region. Lake Manyara Airport is nearby, and to the south, situated on the escarpment above the park, is the 35,399 ha Marang Forest Reserve. To the east is the Kwa Kachina Wildlife Migration corridor, which allows wildlife to migrate between the nearby Tarangire National Park to the southeast, Lake Manyara to the west, and the Engaruka Basin to the north. Lake Manyara National Park is part of the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve. Lake Manyara, including the areas within and outside the national park, along with the Marang Forest Reserve on the adjacent uplands are included in the Lake Manyara Important Bird Area. The national park was established in 1960 and it spans an area of around 330 square kilometers, with Lake Manyara itself accounting for about two-thirds of this expanse. The park is the charming soda lake that occasionally swells and secedes with the seasons.

Horseback and camel riding safari in Lake Manyara National Park offer a thrilling way to explore the park’s varied landscape. Skilled guides lead you through the park’s trails, allowing you to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species along the way. The experience of riding on horseback and camel also allows for a more intimate and immersive experience with nature, as you can observe wildlife in their natural habitat without the noise and disturbance of a vehicle.

Horseback and camel safaris allow visitors to get closer to wildlife without the noise disturbance of motor vehicles. This quieter approach often results in more intimate encounters with animals such as wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, Granit’s gazelle, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, cape buffalo, warthogs, predators such as lion, leopard, African wild cat, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, serval, honey badger, African civet, genet species and several mongoose species. These safaris are environmentally friendly, minimizing the carbon footprint compared to traditional game drives. They offered a sustainable way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, from dense forests to open savannahs.

Riding on horseback or camelback offered a different vantage point, allowing riders to see the landscape and wildlife from a higher perspective. This can be particularly advantageous for spotting birds and other smaller animals that might be missed from a vehicle.

Horseback safari in Lake Manyara National Park is typically guided by experienced guides who ensure safety and an informative experience. Visitors can expect to traverse various terrains such as open plains, woodlands, and the shores of Lake Manyara itself. The horses are well-trained and accustomed to the presence of wildlife, making the experience both thrilling and safe. more so Camel safaris also offer a slower-paced, yet equally captivating way to explore the park. Camels, known for their endurance and ability to navigate challenging terrains, offer a comfortable ride through the park’s diverse landscape. These safaris often spot scenic viewpoints mad opportunities to learn about the local flora and fauna from experienced guides.

What to wear when going on a horseback and camel riding safari at Lake Manyara National Park

When going on horseback and camel riding safaris at Lake Manyara National Park, it is important to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing, here are some of the recommendations for what to wear;

Long pants; wear comfortable, close-fitting pants to prevent chafing the saddles. jeans or riding tight are a good option.
Closed-toed shoes or boots; opt for sturdy shoes or boats with a small heel to help keep your feet sure in the stirrups
Helmet; safety should always be a priority when horseback riding, so wearing a riding helmet is highly recommended.
Lightweight, breathable top; choose a breathable top such as a t-shirt or moisture-wicking shirt, to help keep you cool and comfortable while riding
Sun protection; don’t forget to wear sunscreen sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
Gloves; consider wearing a riding glove to protect your hands and improve your grip on the reins
Insect repellent; Lake Manyara National Park is known for its abundant wildlife, so be sure to bring insect repellent to ward off any pesky bugs.

Best time to go on horseback and camelback riding safaris in Lake Manyara National Park

The best time to go on horseback and camel riding safaris at Lake Manyara National Park depends on your interests and preferences. The dry season from June to October makes for more comfortable riding conditions. Additionally, wildlife viewing is usually easier during the dry season as animals are more likely to be gathered around the water bodies. It is important to note that the weather conditions can vary, so it is recommended to check with tour operators like Focus East African Tours for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Other activities to do in Lake Manyara National Park besides horseback and camelback riding safaris

In addition to horseback and camelback riding safaris Lake Manyara National Park offers a variety of exhilarating activities such as canoeing on the tranquil waters allows visitors to observe wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles and various bird species from a unique angle. Explore the African safari experience with a local guide on a day trip walking safari, an authentic and economical means of exploring the wildlife and exploring the wonderful Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway, local Maasai tribe bombas huts, and bombast lake adventures spotting flamingos, storks and pelicans. Boat cruise, choose a luxury boat or speedboat and feel the Salt Lake breeze while savoring views of the surrounding scenery. Bird tours with an incredible range of birds to view including the Martial eagle and silvery-cheeked hornbill in a tranquil setting. Canoeing at Manyara Lake offers a relaxed way to discover nature and the beautiful Manyara lakes. This provides visitors with magnificent lake views, coming close to flamingos and pelicans. Expect to spend between 2 and 3 hours. additionally experiencing the hot springs on the western shores of Lake Manyara National Park, through which flows several hot springs that seep from the nearby rift valley escarpment.

Contact our trusted tour operator for more information and inquiries about horseback and camel riding safaris in Lake Manyara National Park, and book with our tours and travel companies, such as Focus East African Tours, who offer the best tour packages while on a Tanzania safari.