Lake Manyara National Park
A compact, beautiful park beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, famous for its forest, flamingos and tree-climbing lions.
- Size
- About 330 km²
- Best time
- Year-round
- Known for
- Tree-climbing lions & birdlife
- From Arusha
- About 2 hours by road
Discover Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park stretches along the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, between the steep rift wall and the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara. Although it is small, the park packs in remarkable variety: lush groundwater forest fed by springs, open grassland, acacia woodland, hot springs and the lake shore, all within a short drive of each other.
Wildlife and Birdlife
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in the branches of acacia trees, although sightings are never guaranteed. Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippos and large troops of olive baboons are common, and blue monkeys live in the forest. With more than 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans and storks on the lake, Manyara is one of the best birding parks in Tanzania.
More Than a Game Drive
Lake Manyara is also one of the few northern parks where you can step out of the vehicle, with a treetop canopy walkway through the forest, and it is close to the lively village of Mto wa Mbu, where cycling and cultural tours introduce you to local life.
Getting There
The park entrance is about two hours' drive from Arusha, just past Mto wa Mbu, and on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. That makes Manyara a convenient half-day or full-day stop on a northern circuit safari.
Where It Is
Lake Manyara National Park on the Map
Why Go
Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park
- Tree-climbing lionsLions that are known to rest in the branches of acacia trees.
- Rift Valley sceneryThe dramatic escarpment wall rising above the park and the lake.
- Groundwater forestLush, spring-fed forest home to blue monkeys and baboons.
- BirdwatchingMore than 400 species, including flamingos and pelicans on the lake.
- Treetop walkwayA canopy walk through the forest for a bird's-eye view of the park.
- Mto wa Mbu villageCycling and cultural tours in one of Tanzania's most diverse villages.
Signature Journeys
Lake Manyara National Park Safaris
8 Days
Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks – 8 Days
From $6,550 to $7,750 per person
8 Days
Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara – 8 Days
From $8,400 to $8,995 per person
10 Days
Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire – 10 Days
From $10,050 to $11,100 per person
Good to Know
Lake Manyara National Park FAQs
Will I see tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara? +
Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, but they are not seen on every visit. Our guides know where the prides tend to rest, which improves your chances.
How long do I need in Lake Manyara National Park? +
A half day or a full day is usually enough to explore the park, as it is compact. Many guests visit on the way from Tarangire or Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater.
When is the best time to visit Lake Manyara? +
June to October is best for general wildlife viewing, while the wetter months from November to June are best for birds, including migrant species and flamingos.
Are there flamingos at Lake Manyara? +
Flamingos are often seen on the lake, but their numbers vary with water levels and the season, so their presence is not guaranteed.
Keep Exploring
More Tanzania Destinations
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