Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and ecologically diverse wildlife reserves. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is centered around the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, which covers about two-thirds of the park’s area. It is part of the larger Manyara Biosphere Reserve and is a popular stop on the northern safari circuit, often visited alongside Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior not commonly observed in other lion populations. It also supports large populations of elephants, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various species of antelopes and primates, including baboons and vervet monkeys.
Lake Manyara is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 400 species of birds. Large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, storks, cormorants, and other waterfowl are commonly seen, especially during the wet season. The lake’s alkaline waters attract thousands of flamingos, creating a stunning pink shoreline.
Game drives for wildlife viewing
Birdwatching tours
Canoeing (when water levels permit)
Walking safaris along designated trails
Cultural visits to nearby villages such as Mto wa Mbu
The park features a variety of ecosystems, including:
Groundwater forests with fig and mahogany trees near the entrance
Acacia woodlands
Swamps and marshes
Open grassy floodplains near the lake
Dry season (June to October): Ideal for game viewing as animals gather around water sources.
Wet season (November to May): Excellent for birdwatching and scenic beauty, though some roads may be muddy.
