Tanzania Safari Destination
Lake Manyara National Park
Tree-climbing lions · Flamingos · Groundwater forest
Tree-climbing lions · Flamingos · Groundwater forest
Lake Manyara National Park is a small but incredibly diverse park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, vast flamingo flocks and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. The park covers 330 km², with two-thirds of it being the alkaline lake itself.
The park's unique groundwater forest, fed by springs from the escarpment, is home to elephants, buffalo, hippos and over 400 bird species.
Park Size
330 km²
Best Time
Jun–Oct
Bird Species
400+
Drive From Arusha
~1.5 hours
Lake Manyara is famous for lions that rest in trees — a rare behaviour seen in very few places in Africa.
Thousands of flamingos feed along the lake's alkaline shores, creating a pink spectacle.
Large hippo pods wallow in the rivers and pools that feed the lake.
A unique evergreen forest fed by underground springs from the Rift Valley escarpment.
Dry season. Best for large mammals and tree-climbing lion sightings.
Wet season. Flamingos more abundant. Lush green scenery and excellent bird watching.
As a small park, it can be visited any time and is often combined with Tarangire or Ngorongoro.
Tree-climbing lions. Flamingos. Beautiful scenery.