Overview

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and diverse wildlife reserves, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Covering approximately 330 square kilometers, the park is relatively small but incredibly diverse, offering a mix of lush groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, grassy floodplains, and alkaline lakes. The park’s centerpiece is the shallow Lake Manyara, which fluctuates in size depending on the season and supports an abundance of birdlife, including flocks of flamingos.

Located just 126 kilometers west of Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park is easily accessible and often visited as part of the northern safari circuit, along with Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire National Park. The park’s compact size makes it ideal for a day trip, but its rich wildlife and stunning scenery provide an unforgettable safari experience.

Key Attractions

Lake Manyara

The park’s namesake, Lake Manyara, is a large alkaline lake that occupies nearly two-thirds of the park’s area. The lake is famous for its flocks of flamingos, which congregate in large numbers along the shoreline during the wet season. While the flamingos are seasonal, the lake supports over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Other waterbirds commonly seen include pelicans, storks, cormorants, and herons. The shimmering water, framed by the Rift Valley escarpment, creates a dramatic and scenic backdrop.

Tree-Climbing Lions

One of Lake Manyara’s most famous attractions is its population of tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions, the lions in Manyara have developed a unique habit of lounging in the branches of acacia trees. This rare behavior is not well understood but may help the lions escape insects and the heat on the ground. Spotting these elusive tree-dwelling lions is one of the highlights of a visit to the park.

Groundwater Forest

At the park’s entrance, a lush groundwater forest dominates the landscape, sustained by underground springs. The forest is home to large troops of baboons, as well as blue monkeys and bushbucks. The dense canopy creates a cool and shaded environment that is completely different from the open plains of other northern parks, offering a refreshing start to a game drive.

Hot Springs (Maji Moto)

Towards the southern part of the park, visitors can find the Maji Moto hot springs, a geothermal feature that adds to the park’s diversity. The springs offer a scenic picnic spot, with the water bubbling out from underground and flowing into the lake. The springs provide excellent views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley escarpment.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

Despite its relatively small size, Lake Manyara National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Some of the key species include:

• Elephants: Lake Manyara is known for its large herds of elephants, often seen in the dense forests and along the lake’s edge.
• Giraffes: The park’s giraffes are commonly spotted grazing in the acacia woodlands.
• Hippos: The park features a Hippo Pool where visitors can observe these massive creatures wallowing in the water.
• Buffalos, Zebras, and Wildebeests: Large herds of buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests roam the park’s savannahs and floodplains.
• Baboons and Blue Monkeys: The park’s forested areas are home to some of the largest troops of baboons in East Africa, as well as playful blue monkeys.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: The park is one of the few places in Africa where lions have been seen resting in trees.
• Birdlife: With over 400 bird species, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, especially those hoping to spot waterbirds like flamingos, pelicans, and storks.

Safari Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular way to explore Lake Manyara National Park. Visitors can traverse the park’s varied ecosystems, from the lush groundwater forests to the grassy plains and lakeshores, spotting elephants, lions, hippos, and an array of birdlife. The park’s compact size makes it ideal for a half-day or full-day safari, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.

Canoeing on Lake Manyara (Seasonal)

During the wet season, when the lake’s water levels are higher, canoeing safaris on Lake Manyara offer a unique and peaceful way to explore the park. From the water, visitors can get close to flamingos, hippos, and other waterbirds while taking in panoramic views of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Night Game Drives

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania that offers night game drives. These guided drives give visitors the chance to spot nocturnal animals such as bush babies, genets, porcupines, and perhaps even leopards on the prowl. The park’s night drives offer a rare opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the African bush after dark.

Treetop Walkway

The Manyara Treetop Walkway is a thrilling canopy walk that offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the forest. Elevated suspension bridges take visitors high into the forest canopy, allowing for close-up views of birds, butterflies, and monkeys. The walkway provides a unique way to experience the park’s diverse flora and fauna.

Birdwatching

With its large lake and variety of habitats, Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s premier birdwatching destinations. Visitors can spot thousands of flamingos along the lake’s shores, as well as pelicans, cormorants, storks, and herons. The forests and savannahs support a wide range of other bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.

Best Time to Visit

Lake Manyara National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:

• Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals are easier to spot near water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. The dry season is also ideal for game drives along the lake shore, where large herds of elephants, buffalos, and other animals congregate.
• Wet Season (November to May): The wet season is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive, and flamingos gather along the lake’s edges. The park’s landscapes become lush and green, and this is also the calving season for many herbivores. Although the wet season offers excellent birdwatching, some roads may become impassable due to rain.

Accommodation

Lake Manyara National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury lodges to budget campsites:

• Luxury Lodges: For a high-end experience, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers luxurious accommodations in the heart of the park, with stunning views of the forest and personalized safari experiences.
• Tented Camps: For a more immersive safari experience, tented camps like Manyara Green Camp offer comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations closer to nature.
• Budget Lodges and Campsites: For budget-conscious travelers, several lodges and campsites are located just outside the park, in the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu, offering affordable options while still being close to the park.

Getting There

Lake Manyara National Park is located about a two-hour drive (126 kilometers) from Arusha, making it easily accessible by road. It is a convenient stop on the way to other northern safari circuit destinations, such as Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

For those flying, Lake Manyara Airport offers charter flights from Arusha and other destinations, making it a quick and easy way to reach the park.

Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park?

• Tree-Climbing Lions: Lake Manyara is one of the few places in Africa where you can spot lions lounging in trees.
• Birdwatching Haven: With over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks, Lake Manyara is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.
• Scenic Beauty: The park’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to expansive floodplains and the stunning Rift Valley escarpment, provide breathtaking scenery.
• Unique Activities: Lake Manyara offers activities like canoeing, night game drives, and a treetop walkway, which provides different ways to explore the park.
• Proximity to Other Parks: Its location along the northern safari circuit makes Lake Manyara a perfect stop on a longer safari trip through Tanzania.

Despite its smaller size, Lake Manyara National Park offers a rich and varied safari experience, with its tree-climbing lions, abundant birdlife, and beautiful landscapes. It is a must-see destination for anyone exploring northern Tanzania.