Lake Manyara National Park
A compact jewel where pink flamingos rim a soda lake and famous tree-climbing lions drape themselves across ancient acacias.
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park may be one of Tanzania's smaller parks, but it packs remarkable diversity into a compact and beautiful setting at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is dominated by the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara itself, which at its fullest covers much of the park's area and draws huge flocks of flamingos and over 400 species of birds.
The park is most famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions, which lounge in the branches of acacia trees — a behaviour seen in only a handful of places in Africa. Beyond the lions, dense groundwater forest, open grassland, the soda lake and the dramatic Rift Valley wall create a mosaic of habitats supporting elephants, hippos, giraffes and large troops of baboons.
Its location at the gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands makes Lake Manyara an ideal and rewarding first or final stop on a Northern Circuit safari.
Key Highlights & Unique Experiences
Famous tree-climbing lions
One of very few places on Earth to see lions resting in the branches of acacia trees.
Flamingos and birdlife
Over 400 bird species, with flamingos famously fringing the soda lake in pink.
Diverse habitats in a small area
Groundwater forest, lake, grassland and Rift Valley escarpment all within a compact park.
Perfect circuit gateway
Ideally placed at the foot of the Ngorongoro Highlands for an easy add-on to any safari.
Seasonal Guide & Weather
June – October (Dry Season)
Best for large mammals as wildlife concentrates and roads are easiest; good general game viewing.
November – June (Wet Season)
Spectacular for birding and flamingos, with lush scenery and the lake at its fullest.
Year-round
As a compact park close to Arusha, Manyara rewards visitors throughout the year.
Activities & Signature Experiences
Game Drives
Explore forest, lakeshore and grassland in search of lions, elephants and hippos.
Birdwatching
A birder's paradise with flamingos, pelicans, storks and raptors.
Canopy Walkway
A treetop walkway offering a thrilling perspective of the groundwater forest.
Night Game Drives & Cultural Visits
Available in certain areas for a different angle on the park and region.
What You'll Discover
Notable Wildlife
- Tree-climbing lions
- Large flamingo flocks
- African elephant and buffalo
- Hippo at the hippo pools
- Giraffe and zebra
- Large baboon and blue monkey troops
- Over 400 bird species
Famous Landmarks & Viewpoints
Lake Manyara
The shallow soda lake that gives the park its name and its flamingos.
Groundwater Forest
Lush forest fed by springs from the Rift Valley wall.
Rift Valley Escarpment
The dramatic backdrop rising sharply above the park.
Hippo Pools
Permanent pools where hippos and waterbirds gather.
Where You'll Stay
Luxury Lodges
Elegant lodges perched on the Rift Valley escarpment with sweeping lake views.
Mid-Range Lodges & Camps
Comfortable, well-located options near the park gate and in nearby Karatu.
Day Visits
Easily explored as a half or full-day visit en route to Ngorongoro.
Manyara is often enjoyed as a half-day or full-day visit on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
Getting There & Useful Info
By Road
About 2 hours from Arusha, at the gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands.
On the Circuit
Frequently the first park visited on a Northern Circuit safari.
By Air
Lake Manyara airstrip offers fly-in access for quicker itineraries.
Lake Manyara National Park FAQs
Lake Manyara is best known for its rare tree-climbing lions and its flamingo-filled soda lake, along with exceptional birdlife and diverse habitats in a compact area.
Tree-climbing behaviour is special and not guaranteed on any single visit, but Manyara is one of the very best places in Africa to look for it.
A half-day to full-day visit is typical, often combined with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti on a longer safari.
Outstanding — with over 400 species including flamingos, pelicans and storks, it is one of Tanzania's premier birding destinations.