Lake Manyara National Park
Msasa River
The Msasa River is named after the local name for the small tree, Cordia ovalis which has broad rough leaves. Hamerkops or hammer-headed storks are frequently seen in this area. They are brown birds with dark bills and feet and can easily be distinguished by their odd hammer-shaped head. Many legends surround these birds, and it is considered unlucky to kill one. They live on frogs and other aquatic creatures. Their nests are very large structures of sticks and grass built in the fork of a tree, often near water.
On the left, after the bridge, is a loop road to a picnic site by the lake shore. Many of the birds found at the hippo pool can also be seen here.
White and pink-backed pelicans are also seen here. The white pelican is larger than the pink-backed but has, despite its name, a pinkish tinge. Both species live mainly on fish which they catch in their pouches and then swallow with an upwards toss of the bill. Pelicans are strong fliers and often soar on thermals above the rift wall escarpment.
This is a fine spot from which to observe pied kingfishers as they hover over the Msasa River delta with their sharp eyes alert for the movement of fish in the water below. On spotting suitable prey the kingfisher plunges into the water, and if successful, carries the food to the branch of a nearby tree, where it can quickly gulp the fish down.
Depending on the level of the lake you may see flamingos. The lesser flamingo can be distinguished from the greater, not only by its smaller size but also by its very dark red beak and more crimson color of its body. Lesser flamingos make up 90 percent of the East African flamingo population. They feed on algae while the greater flamingos eat small crustacea, which they sieve through their bills. These different diets mean that the two species can coexist. Flamingos move about in large flocks from one East African soda lake to another, so it is not possible to say with certainty when they will be at Manyara. When present, they provide an unforgettable spectacle, not only when feeding in the lake but also as they fly with their long necks and legs outstretched.
Buffalos are often found near the lake shore and can be seen in mixed breeding herds, as single males living alone or in bachelor herds. They weigh up to 775 kilograms (1,708 pounds), measure about one and a half meters (five feet) at the shoulder and carry massive, heavily bossed horns.
Buffaloes are exclusively grazers and spend more time feeding at night than during the day. This may be because they have a poor ability to regulate their body temperature and must therefore avoid too much activity during the heat of the day. As they need to drink regularly and are especially fond of wallowing, Buffaloes tend to stay close to water.
A buffalo herd is a cohesive unit with a well established social hierarchy, each animal knowing its status in relation to another. Females form the core of the herd and bulls leave and rejoin the herd at will. The bulls' movements seem to be linked to mating behavior. In the dry season, when fewer females come on heat, older bulls leave and form bachelor herds.
When lions are bold enough to approach a herd, the bulls form a ring with the cows and calves in the center. Usually they are able to drive the lions away. Although cows and calves are occasionally taken, it is, paradoxically the lethargic old bulls that are easiest for the lions to kill.
Special Thanks to Thomson Safaris and Tanzania National Parks for contributing Tanzanian information.
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