Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but surprisingly diverse park at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. The soda lake dominates much of the park's 325 square kilometres and supports enormous flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and storks. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds. The dense groundwater forest along the escarpment base is superb for birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded.
Attractions & Wildlife
Tree-Climbing Lions
Manyara's lions have developed the remarkable habit of climbing fever trees — seeing a lion lounging 8 metres up a tree is one of Africa's most surreal wildlife sights.
Flamingo Flocks
When conditions are right, tens of thousands of lesser and greater flamingos line the lake shore, turning the alkaline water pink — one of East Africa's most spectacular birdwatching spectacles.
Groundwater Forest
A dense fig and mahogany forest fed by underground springs — home to blue monkeys, baboons, and an extraordinary diversity of forest birds.
Hippo Pool
A large permanent pool in the park supports a resident hippo population that can be observed at close range from the viewing platforms — particularly active at dusk.
Photo Gallery
Our Insider Tips
Combine with Ngorongoro and Tarangire on the northern circuit. Manyara is typically visited as a half-day stop between Arusha and Ngorongoro. A single night in Manyara gives a full day's game viewing and makes the northern circuit more relaxed.
The canopy walkway is a great addition. A treetop canopy walkway in the groundwater forest provides exceptional forest bird and monkey viewing from above.
The Rift Valley escarpment views are spectacular from above. Several lodges on the Manyara Escarpment above the park offer extraordinary panoramic views over the lake and Rift Valley — particularly at sunset when the flamingos glow pink.