Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park may be small in size, but it offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes and wildlife. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is known for its tree-climbing lions, vast birdlife, lush groundwater forest, and seasonal pink-hued lake. It’s the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s safari circuit, especially for those looking for a scenic and varied one-day game drive.

📍 Key Facts

Location: Northern Tanzania, between Arusha and Ngorongoro
Size: 330 km² (127 sq mi), with the lake covering two-thirds of the park
Established: 1960
Famous For: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, groundwater forest
Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry season for wildlife); November–May (wet season for birding and greenery)

🐾 Wildlife in Lake Manyara

The park is home to an impressive variety of animals and birds:

Unique Species: Tree-climbing lions (rare behavior), hippos, and baboons
Other Mammals: Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and wildebeests
Birds: Over 400 species including flamingos, pelicans, storks, hornbills, and African fish eagles

🌿 What Makes Lake Manyara Unique

Diverse Ecosystems: From groundwater forest and acacia woodlands to hot springs and floodplains
Alkaline Lake: Seasonal home to flocks of pink flamingos and other waterbirds
Hippo Pool Boardwalk: Up-close hippo viewing from a raised platform
Great for Birders: One of Tanzania’s best bird-watching destinations
Accessible Location: Ideal for short visits or the first stop on longer safaris

📸 Why Visit Lake Manyara?

To see tree-climbing lions and large baboon troops
For a scenic day safari with lush landscapes
To enjoy excellent birdwatching near the lake
As a perfect starting point for your Northern Tanzania safari

📚 Did You Know?

Lake Manyara inspired parts of Ernest Hemingway’s writing after his 1930s safari
It has one of the largest baboon populations in Africa
The park’s groundwater forest is fed year-round by underground springs
The lake’s water level and flamingo numbers vary dramatically with seasons