Lake Manyara National Park

About Lake Manyara National Park

Set beneath the towering cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse wildlife reserves. Covering about 330 square kilometers, the park is dominated by the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, which expands and contracts with the seasons and attracts thousands of flamingos and over 400 bird species throughout the year.

Highlights

Lake Manyara is best known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that sets it apart from other parks in Tanzania. Elephants roam the groundwater forests, hippos wallow in the lake’s calm waters, and large troops of baboons can be seen along the roadsides. The park’s landscapes shift dramatically—from thick forest and open grasslands to acacia woodlands and hot springs—offering photographers and nature lovers a variety of breathtaking scenes. The panoramic views from the Rift Valley escarpment are among the most beautiful in East Africa.

Getting There

The park lies about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Arusha, making it an easy two-hour drive along a well-paved road. It’s often included as the first stop on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, en route to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Charter flights from Arusha or other nearby airstrips are also available for those short on time.

What to Do

Visitors can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and cultural visits to nearby Mto wa Mbu village. The park also offers guided walking safaris and canoeing (seasonal) when water levels permit—unique ways to experience wildlife from new perspectives. Whether you’re watching elephants under ancient mahogany trees or flamingos painting the lake pink, Lake Manyara delivers an unforgettable safari experience in just a single day.