Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic gem located along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania. Covering about 330 square kilometers, it’s a small yet biodiverse haven famed for tree-climbing lions, vibrant birdlife, and picturesque lake views.
Though often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique and tranquil safari experience. Its compact size allows for intense wildlife encounters in a short period. From dense forests and open savannahs to marshy floodplains and alkaline lakes, the variety of habitats is astonishing. The park is ideal for first-time visitors, bird lovers, and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
With its accessibility from Arusha and proximity to Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara is a key part of the Northern Safari Circuit. Whether you’re on a day trip or staying overnight, the park’s beauty and wildlife will leave a lasting impression.
A compact yet diverse park offering thick forests, open plains, soda lakes, and lush floodplains. Ideal for day safaris, the park is home to elephants, hippos, baboons, flamingos, and the rare tree-climbing lions.
330 km²
100+
All year round
Yes (since 1981)
Tree-Climbing Lions & Flamingos
Fed by underground springs, these lush green forests are home to elephants, baboons, blue monkeys, and bushbucks, offering shade and cooler temperatures year-round.
This shallow soda lake dominates much of the park’s area and attracts flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds. Its pink shimmer during the wet season is especially stunning.
Home to zebra, giraffes, wildebeests, and predators, these grassy expanses provide classic safari scenes, especially toward the southern reaches of the park.
Seasonally wet lowlands provide feeding grounds for hippos, buffaloes, and waterbirds. These are also hotspots for large mammal sightings during the dry season.
Lake Manyara National Park may be small, but it boasts an impressive variety of wildlife. Elephants are commonly seen in the forests, while hippos wallow in pools along the lake’s edge. The park is best known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa.
Troops of baboons—sometimes in the hundreds—are a common sight, alongside vervet monkeys, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, and zebras. Birdwatchers will find a paradise here with over 400 bird species, including large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, and raptors such as fish eagles and augur buzzards.
The park enjoys a warm climate year-round. The dry season (June to October) is best for general wildlife viewing as animals gather around shrinking water sources. The wet season (November to May) transforms the landscape into a lush paradise and is ideal for birdwatching and photographing dramatic scenery. Rain can make some trails muddy but also brings life to the park.
June to October & Mid-December to February
March to May & November to early December
Lake Manyara National Park lies in northern Tanzania, about 125 kilometers west of Arusha. It’s conveniently located on the route to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, making it a common first or last stop on a Northern Circuit safari.
The park covers around 330 square kilometers, with the alkaline lake making up nearly two-thirds of its area. Though smaller than other parks, its diversity and ease of exploration make it highly rewarding.
Lake Manyara is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, flamingo-filled lake, and dense primate populations. Its diverse habitats pack a wide range of experiences into a single day.
Visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, baboons, vervet monkeys, buffaloes, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. The birdlife is also exceptional, especially during the wet season.
Yes. The park is safe and well-maintained. Guided tours by licensed operators ensure secure wildlife viewing. Following your guide’s instructions will keep you safe throughout your safari.
Lake Manyara can be visited year-round. June to October is best for dry-season wildlife viewing. November to May offers lush greenery and spectacular birdlife, especially flamingos and migrant species.
Activities include game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris (in designated areas), and cultural visits to nearby Mto wa Mbu village. Canoeing is sometimes available when water levels permit.
Lake Manyara is a 2-hour drive from Arusha on good tarmac roads. Domestic flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport land at Lake Manyara Airstrip, located just outside the park gate.
Bring neutral-colored clothes, a sunhat, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. During wet months, add waterproof shoes and a light rain jacket.
Yes. Luxury options include Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (andBeyond), Escarpment Luxury Lodge, and Manyara Serena Safari Lodge. There are also midrange lodges, mobile camps, and budget tented camps near Mto wa Mbu.
The soda-rich waters of Lake Manyara attract thousands of flamingos, especially during the wet season. The lake’s pink hue creates a dramatic contrast with the green forests and Rift Valley escarpment.
Flamingos are most visible from November to May, when water levels are high and food is abundant. Their numbers vary with rainfall and lake salinity but peak during the rains.
Besides flamingos, you’ll see pelicans, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, bee-eaters, and birds of prey like martial eagles and fish eagles. The mix of habitats ensures year-round birdwatching.
Canoeing is available seasonally, typically during the wet months when lake levels rise. It offers a peaceful way to observe hippos, aquatic birds, and the surrounding landscapes from the water.
Absolutely. It’s often combined with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti in a classic Northern Circuit itinerary. Its location makes it an easy first or final safari destination.
Yes. The park’s small size, gentle terrain, and high wildlife density make it ideal for family safaris. Some lodges offer children’s programs and special family accommodations.
Its tree-climbing lions, alkaline flamingo lake, lush forests, and the dramatic backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment give Lake Manyara a rare combination of wildlife and beauty in a small space.
Yes, but predator density is lower than in Serengeti or Ngorongoro. Lions are occasionally spotted in trees, and leopards and hyenas are present but harder to see.
Yes. Options near Mto wa Mbu include Migunga Forest Camp, Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, and Kirurumu Tented Lodge—all offering easy access and great lake views.
Lake Manyara supports unique ecosystems and biodiversity within a compact area. It contributes to sustainable tourism, community income, and bird and elephant conservation in the Greater Rift Valley region.
