Lake Manyara National Park –
Where Forest Meets Floodplain
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but diverse park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its flamingo-filled lake, lush groundwater forest, and famous tree-climbing lions, it’s the perfect introduction or add-on to your Northern Tanzania safari.
Why Visit Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara National Park is a hidden gem on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and incredible biodiversity within a relatively small area. Nestled between the Rift Valley escarpment and the vast soda lake, the park offers lush groundwater forests, open savannah, and flamingo-dotted shores. Easily accessible from Arusha and often combined with Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Lake Manyara makes for the perfect introduction or refreshing contrast to longer safaris.
Wildlife Highlights of Lake Manyara
Despite its compact size, Lake Manyara boasts an astonishing variety of wildlife. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions — a rare behaviour seen in very few places in Africa. Vast flocks of pink flamingos and pelicans gather along the shimmering lake, while elephants thrive in the verdant forests. You’ll also encounter troops of baboons, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, wildebeest, and over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for both safari enthusiasts and keen birdwatchers.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Manyara is a year-round destination, each season offering unique experiences. The dry season (June to October) is best for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is sparse, making sightings easier. The green season (November to May) transforms the park into a lush haven, with migratory birds arriving in huge numbers and the scenery at its most photogenic. For those keen on birding, December to April is particularly rewarding.
Our Accommodation Collection
Lake Manyara offers a range of accommodation options to suit every style of safari. Choose from luxury lodges set high on the Rift Valley escarpment with breathtaking views, charming tented camps nestled in the forest, or comfortable family-friendly retreats close to the park gates. Many properties combine safari adventure with modern comfort, offering swimming pools, gourmet dining, and personalised service.
For handpicked stays that perfectly complement your itinerary, please click on Our Accommodation to explore our curated collections.
Things to Do
Beyond traditional game drives, Lake Manyara offers a wide variety of activities. Take a guided walking safari to experience the bush on foot, enjoy a canoe trip across the lake (seasonal), or head out for a night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife. Cultural tours to nearby villages and the thrilling treetop canopy walkway provide unique perspectives of the landscape. Birdwatchers in particular will find endless opportunities to spot both resident and migratory species.
Plan Your Lake Manyara Safari
Lake Manyara is best enjoyed as part of a tailor-made safari, combining its contrasting landscapes and birdlife with the iconic big-game destinations of Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. A day or two in the park provides the perfect balance to a longer northern circuit itinerary. Our expert safari planners can design an itinerary to suit your interests, ensuring you make the most of this compact but diverse gem of Tanzania.
Why Visit Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara offers a unique blend of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful beauty. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this compact park is known for its flamingo-lined lake, tree-climbing lions, and rich birdlife. Game drives reveal elephants, hippos, and giraffes against a backdrop of lush groundwater forests and open savannah. Whether as a soft introduction to the safari circuit or a scenic stop en route to the Serengeti, Lake Manyara delivers an experience that’s both tranquil and unforgettable.
Wildlife Highlights of Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is renowned for its incredible biodiversity packed into a relatively small area. The park is famously home to tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating behaviour seldom seen elsewhere. Large herds of elephants roam the groundwater forests, while the shallow lake itself attracts thousands of pink flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 bird species. You’ll also find giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, and playful olive baboons, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts, birders, and photographers a like.
Why visit Lake Manyara
Begin your journey into one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse national parks. From the flamingo-lined shores of the alkaline lake to the lush groundwater forest and dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is bursting with wildlife, birdlife, and natural beauty. Whether you’re tracking tree-climbing lions, walking beneath towering fig trees, or gliding through the treetops, Lake Manyara invites you to explore at your own pace—and uncover something extraordinary at every turn.
Our Accommodation Collection
Explore our curated selection of accommodation across Tanzania and Zanzibar, ranging from charming budget-friendly stays to indulgent five-star escapes. Whether you’re after a simple guesthouse near the beach, a mid-range safari lodge, or an exclusive private villa, our collections offer something for every style and budget—each chosen for its character, comfort, and exceptional location. view more
Things to Do in Lake Manyara
Despite its compact size, Lake Manyara offers a rich variety of experiences for safari-goers. Enjoy classic game drives in search of tree-climbing lions and elephants, or take a peaceful birdwatching tour to spot flamingos, pelicans, and hundreds of other species. For a more active adventure, explore the park on a guided walking safari, or soar through the forest canopy on the Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway—a unique aerial perspective of the lush landscape. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages and Mto wa Mbu town offer insight into local life and traditions.
Classic Southern Tanzania: safari & beach
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Classic Northern Tanzania safari
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Travel created for your family
Each activity offers a unique experience depending on the season, so coordinating your visit with Ngasini Travel The company can ensure a well-timed adventure.
