Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park – Tanzania’s Scenic Jewel

Nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the country’s most diverse and picturesque safari destinations. Covering about 330 km², with nearly two-thirds of its area occupied by the shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, the park offers a compact yet rich safari experience. Its unique landscapes—ranging from lush groundwater forests to open savannah, hot springs, and the Great Rift Valley wall—make it one of Tanzania’s most scenic gems.

What Makes Manyara Unique

Great Rift Valley Scenery
The dramatic backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment adds unmatched beauty to game drives and photography.

Tree-Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara is famously home to lions that climb and lounge on acacia tree branches, a rare and fascinating behavior found in only a few places in Africa.

Alkaline Lake & Flamingos
The soda lake attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds, turning the shores pink during peak seasons. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here.

Diverse Habitats in a Small Area
Despite its small size, Manyara packs an impressive variety of ecosystems: evergreen groundwater forest, open plains, swampy wetlands, and hot springs (Maji Moto).

Why Visit Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara is the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s safari circuit—a compact park with dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife sightings, and birdlife in abundance. It is often visited as part of the northern safari route, combining beautifully with Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.

Whether you come for the tree-climbing lions, the flamingo-covered lake, or the adventurous treetop walkway, Manyara promises a safari experience that is scenic, diverse, and unforgettable.