Rivers and Lakes

There are a number of rivers and lakes that are integral to the geography of the country and its wildlife.

The Mara and Grumeti rivers in the Serengeti are famous crossing points for the annual migration. Predator versus prey dominate at the rivers, with a host of animals including giant crocodiles, hyena, big cats, and vultures waiting their turn when the migration arrives.

In the south, the Rufiji river that runs through the Selous National Park is a great place to see crocodiles and hippos at very close quarters.

Lake Manyara is probably the best known of the lakes. It can be found in the north of Tanzania and covers approximately 89 square miles of the 127 square miles that make up the Lake Manyara National Park. Giant fig trees, mahogany trees and acacia woodlands are plentiful in the park, all nourished by underground springs that are replenished constantly from the crater highlands above the Manyara basin.

Lake Manyara is most known for its baboons, but also hosts a range of herbivores including hippos, impalas, elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, warthogs and giraffes.