Photographic safari in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania, spanning about 330 square kilometers – and interestingly, the soda lake itself takes up nearly three-quarters of that space. But in terms of wildlife diversity and landscapes, few places compare to Lake Manyara National Park. In this article, we explore how you can do a photographic safari in Lake Manyara, from start to finish. Let’s dive in.
What is a photographic safari?
A photo safari is just like a normal safari, but with the core purpose of photographing wildlife and landscapes. Wildlife photography requires patience, timing, and a lot of waiting. Because of this, a private safari vehicle is a must-have. It’s best not to share a vehicle unless your companions are also wildlife photographers who understand animal behavior and the need for silence.
Why Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara has unique features that you can’t find even in spectacular destinations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The Serengeti is famous for its many prides of lions, but not for tree-climbing lions. These unique predators are a signature of Lake Manyara (and Queen Elizabeth National Park). Every wildlife photographer would love to feature a picture of a male lion climbing up an acacia tree. You’ll only get this shot in Lake Manyara.
Another highlight worth photographing is lesser flamingos. Large flocks congregate on the lake shore, depicting a pinkish appearance seen from even more than one kilometer away. There’s nothing less in these birds. They feed on algae and shrimp, which are abundant in this soda lake. With timing, you can take pictures of their hatchings. Surprisingly, flamingo chicks aren’t pink at all – they’re born grey. Pink hues develop because of what they eat – they do not inherit it. You’ll discover these from your shots.
Lake Manyara is another feature worth taking pictures of. You can do this while standing on its shore or while on a canoe. The lake has a surface area of around 230 square kilometers and is home to a variety of aquatic species, including fish and hippos. Like we said, lesser flamingos dominate its shallow waters alongside water birds, such as pelicans, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Right after entering the park, you’ll spot large herds of elephants roaming the woodlands and groundwater forests. Buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles are common herbivores frequently spotted in this pristine park. You can also see hyenas, giraffes, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and impalas. All these and many others will make your wildlife photographs spectacular.
The best time for a photo safari in Lake Manyara.
Your photo safari has to be smooth and straightforward. The best time for a photographic safari in Tanzania is from June to October, when the weather is dry and wildlife gathers around sources of water. And you don’t have to pack special gear for rain protection.
Tips for your photo safari
Bring the best equipment.
Having the right, best equipment is key to the success of your photography. Bring the best versions of cameras. Check features like frame rate, resolution, and buffer size. From our experience, we’ve tried several cameras, so we recommend Nikon Z9, Sony a1, and Canon EOS R series. Also, bring the best lenses, such as Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens, Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM, and Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM are better. Other accessories include batteries, chargers, filters, and memory cards.
Start early and finish late.
Every photographer knows the role of sunrise in making pictures gorgeous. So, start when it’s ‘too early’ for others to wake up. Animals are active – predators searching for morning meals and herbivores finding fresh grass. The morning sunrise also paints the vast plains and lake golden, creating a picturesque background sought after by many photographers. The same applies when the sun is sinking into the vast savannahs.
Stay patient and silent.
Sometimes you may ruin a sensational wildlife sighting because of noise or being impatient. A shutter of your camera can scare animals, music, or a call. Let wildlife wonders happen at their own pace. Never force a wildlife scene. And as you wait for the right moment, stay silent. You’ll get a lot of the best shots.
Hire a knowledgeable guide.
Having someone who knows animal behavior and unique places for wildlife photography is crucial for your photo safari. At Focus East Africa Tours, we have trained guides for safari photographers. They have up-to-date knowledge of modern cameras and accessories. They’re a great company while you’re in the wild. Handle your camera when you want to take a rest.
Bottom line
The focus isn’t speed. A photo safari is a slow-paced adventure, special for exploring spectacular landscapes and wildlife. And we want you to capture those exceptional wildlife scenes. Trust us with your photographic safari in Lake Manyara. Let’s start planning.
