Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of northern Tanzania’s most scenic safari destinations, beautifully positioned between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara.

Although relatively compact, the park offers an impressive variety of habitats, including groundwater forest, open grasslands, acacia woodland, wetlands and lakeshore environments. This diversity supports a rich range of wildlife within a small area, making Lake Manyara an excellent destination for both first-time and returning safari travelers.

The park is especially famous for its tree-climbing lions, one of its most distinctive wildlife attractions. Visitors may also encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, warthogs and large troops of baboons.

Lake Manyara itself attracts numerous bird species, including flamingos when conditions are favorable, as well as pelicans, storks, herons and other waterbirds. The park is widely regarded as one of Tanzania’s rewarding birdwatching destinations.

The dramatic Rift Valley escarpment provides a spectacular backdrop to the park, while the lush groundwater forest near the entrance creates a striking contrast with the more open areas surrounding the lake.

Because of its location between Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara National Park fits perfectly into a Northern Circuit safari and is ideal for game drives, birdwatching, photography and scenic exploration.