Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but remarkably diverse park on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, set dramatically at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Famous for its tree-climbing lions and a soda lake fringed with flamingos, it packs an extraordinary range of habitats – said to number up to eleven ecosystems – into a small area, making it a rewarding stop between Arusha and the Serengeti.

Tree-climbing lions and wildlife

Manyara is best known for its unusual tree-climbing lions, often draped over acacia branches. The park also protects large herds of elephant, plus buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra and big troops of baboon and blue monkey in its groundwater forest.

Birdlife and the soda lake

The alkaline lake and its shores attract flamingos, pelicans and over 400 bird species, making Manyara one of Tanzania’s finest birding destinations.

Activities

Beyond game drives, the park offers a treetop canopy walk, night drives, birding and canoeing when water levels allow.

Best time to visit

The dry season (June to October) is best for big game, while the wet season brings lush scenery and the best birding and flamingo numbers.

Plan your Manyara safari

Lake Manyara pairs perfectly with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Start planning your Tanzania safari.