We have left Tarangire NP and moved north to the area around Manyara NP. It is in the low land area below the foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater. Here is a mud map of our journey, distance wise we are about half way through.

Manyara NP and the lake are known for a couple of things. The first is the tree climbing lion and the second is the flamingos of Lake Manyara.

We entered the Park at one end and worked our way around the lake edge to the exit, enjoying a picnic box lunch along the way.

We found this game drive a little disappointing as the climbing tree lions did not appear. Sam, our guide, had not seen one for a couple of years and said they were very elusive. Maybe moving further into the park and away from the tracks.
The flamingos were also no where to be seen, had cleared out of the area. Sam noted this appeared to be the result of the expansion of the lake due to increased water inflows. Water was advancing across the lower areas of the park, submerging former wading grounds. Many of the tracks were also underwater and new ones were being cut.

Despite this disappointment we found that Africa seems to give up something new to see and the landscape always surprises. A multi coloured lizard adorned a rock and a blue monkey swung among the trees.

Some of the usual suspects, elephant and antelopes, found homes in the thicker vegetation. Warthogs enjoyed the wetter environment.

We made it out of the park late in the afternoon to our next lodge for a couple of nights, higher up the foothills of Ngorongoro Crater.