Lake Manyara National Park
Overview
Lake Manyara National Park is a small yet incredibly diverse park located just 90 minutes from Arusha and often visited on the way to Ngorongoro or Serengeti. Covering 325 square kilometers, two-thirds of the park is taken up by the shallow alkaline Lake Manyara, which attracts an astonishing array of birds and wildlife.
Despite its compact size, the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, massive flocks of flamingos, and rich habitats ranging from groundwater forests to open grasslands and hot springs. Its dramatic Rift Valley escarpment backdrop makes it one of the most scenic parks in Tanzania.
All you need to know about lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse safari destinations, set dramatically between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. Though relatively small in size, the park offers an incredible variety of habitats from lush groundwater forests and acacia woodlands to open savannah, swamps, and hot springs.
The park is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and rich birdlife, including flocks of flamingos and over 400 recorded bird species. Other wildlife highlights include giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and troops of playful baboons.
Beyond wildlife, Lake Manyara offers breathtaking scenery: sweeping Rift Valley views, the sparkling lake that changes with the seasons, and cultural encounters in the nearby village of Mto wa Mbu.
Wildlife in Lake Manyara
Tree-Climbing Lions: Unique behavior rarely seen elsewhere.
Elephants: Large herds often found in the forests.
Hippos: Gather in the hippo pools near the lake.
Birdlife: Over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and crowned eagles.
Other Wildlife: Buffalo, giraffes, baboons (huge troops), wildebeest, zebras, and impalas.
Activities in Lake Manyara
Game Drives: Explore the park’s forests, open plains, and lakeshore.
Birdwatching: Paradise for ornithologists, especially during the wet season.
Canoeing (Seasonal): Available when water levels are high.
Walking Safaris: Some areas allow guided walking safaris along the Rift Valley escarpment.
Treetop Walkway: A suspended canopy walkway the first of its kind in Tanzania offering a unique forest perspective.
Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park
Famous tree-climbing lions.
Large flocks of flamingos painting the lake pink (seasonal).
Stunning Rift Valley escarpment views.
Treetop Canopy Walkway – unique safari perspective.
Rich diversity packed into a small, easy-to-explore park.
Travel Tips for Lake Manyara
Duration: 1–2 days is usually enough to explore the park.
Best Combined With: Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or Serengeti.
Crowds: Can be busier than Tarangire due to its location on the safari circuit, especially in peak season.
Wildlife Seasons: Flamingos are seasonal, so sightings are not guaranteed.
