Lake Manyara National Park

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Home / Destinations / Lake Manyara National Park – A Safari with a View

A Park of Surprises

Lake Manyara National Park might be small, but it packs a punch. Nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, it offers lush forests, open plains, and a soda lake rich with flamingos. Famous for its tree-climbing lions and scenic beauty, it’s a great stop on the way to Ngorongoro or Serengeti.

Why Visit Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara National park is a unique safari destination. Lake Manyara has different features that makes it special, the following are the features.

  • Best place to see tree-climbing lions
  • Beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley
  • Thousands of pink flamingos during the wet season
  • Lush groundwater forests and open savannahs
  • Close to Arusha and easily combined with other parks

Top Things to Do

Lake Manyara offers more than just beautiful scenery and flamingos. From wildlife drives to forest walks and cultural tours, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in and around the park.

1. Game Drives

See lions lounging in trees, elephants wandering the forest, and baboons in large troops.

2. Birdwatching at Lake Manyara

Home to over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and eagles.

3. Canopy Walk

Walk among the treetops on a 370-meter suspended walkway – a fun and family-friendly activity.

4. Cultural Visits to Mto wa Mbu

Learn about local cultures, visit banana plantations, and enjoy Swahili food.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Tree-climbing lions
  • Elephants, Hippos, Baboons, Buffalos
  • Flamingos and other waterbirds
  • Possible sightings of leopards and warthogs

Getting There

  • 2–3 hours drive from Arusha
  • Nearby Lake Manyara Airstrip for fly-in safaris

Where to Stay

Lake Manyara National park has many places to stay, from budget camps to luxury lodges. You can choose to stay in areas for easy game drives or other preferred locations. 

  • Luxury: &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
  • Mid-range: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
  • Budget: Twiga Lodge, nearby campsites

The Bottomline

Lake Manyara is a wonderful introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and natural beauty. It’s small but scenic, making it a great addition to any Northern Circuit safari.

Popular Questions

Where is lake Manyara national park?

Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania, along the road that connects Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. It lies at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, in the Manyara Region. The park is about 126 kilometers (approximately 2 hours’ drive) west of Arusha town. It surrounds the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, which covers a large portion of the park. This location makes it a convenient stop for safaris heading toward the more famous northern circuit parks.

Lake Manyara National Park, covers an area of about 325 square kilometers, of which Lake Manyara itself takes up around two-thirds of the total area. The land portion of the park is relatively small but densely packed with diverse habitats. These include groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open grassy plains, and hot springs. Despite its size, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species. It is especially famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos.

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