Lake Manyara National Park

Discover the Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park

Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, soda ash lake attracting thousands of pink flamingos, and one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations. Located in northern Tanzania, southwest of Arusha, the park offers diverse activities for tourists. Covering two-thirds of its 230 km² area, the soda lake is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including marshland, acacia woodland, and rocky slopes. Established as a national park in 1960, Lake Manyara is a prime wildlife viewing destination.

Animal found at Tarangire national Parks

• All big five animals
• The world’s largest concentration of baboons
• Buffaloes.
• Bushbucks.
• Civets.
• Dik-diks.
• Elephants.
• Galagos.
• Genets
• Zebras
• Antelopes
• wildebeests

In Lake Manyara National Park, part of the renowned Tanzania Safari circuit, you can witness lions sleeping on trees. This unique behavior is likely due to the park’s dense vegetation, which helps them avoid heat and insects.

Attractions in Lake Manyara National Park

Tree-Climbing Lions: Lake Manyara is home to a unique population of tree-climbing lions, found only in two places worldwide, the other being in Uganda's Ishasha area.
Birds: The park boasts diverse birdlife, with flocks of pelicans and pink flamingos on the lake, and various waders like egrets and spoonbills near the floodplains. The woodlands also offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Vegetation: Nestled against the Great Rift Valley's escarpment, Lake Manyara features grassy floodplains, mixed acacia woodlands, and captivating evergreen forests sustained by groundwater springs.
Elephants: The park is known for its large elephant population, easily spotted in the lush forests and acacia woodlands, where ample water and vegetation provide excellent feeding grounds.
Treetop Walkway: This suspended bridge allows visitors to explore the forest canopy, with viewpoints for enjoying stunning views of Lake Manyara National Park.
Maasai Experience: On the way to the park, tourists can stop in Mto wa Mbu town for a cultural experience with the Maasai, known for their vibrant traditions.
Lake Manyara Hot Springs: Also known as Maji Moto Kubwa, these hot springs on the park's western shores bubble at over 60 degrees Celsius, hot enough to boil an egg!

A lion relaxing on a tree is a rare and peaceful sight, calmly resting in the branches as it enjoys the shade and surveys its surroundings.

Activities or things to do at Lake Manyara National Parks

• Game drives
• Night game drive
• Walking safaris
• Canoeing
• Birding watching
• Filming and photograph
• Canopy tree walking
• To visit Lake Manyara
• To visit the hot spring area

A monkey with her baby is a heartwarming sight, as she gently cares for and keeps a close watch over her little one in the wild.

The best time to visit

Wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara National Park is rewarding year-round, but peaks from June to October during the dry season, offering abundant animal sightings. In contrast, the wet season from November to May transforms the park into a lush paradise, with vibrant vegetation and spectacular waterfalls cascading down the escarpment.

Spot the Big Five: Join us for an incredible safari

An elephant with close viewing offers a breathtaking experience, allowing you to observe its majestic size and detailed features up close in its natural habitat.

2-Day Safari From Zanzibar Island

Lions on trees are a rare sight, as these majestic creatures climb to relax or survey their surroundings, often seen in places like Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park.

3-Day Safari From Zanzibar Island

Close viewing of a monkey on a Tanzania safari lets you observe its playful nature, expressive face, and agile movements as it interacts with the wild surroundings.

4-Day Tanzania Lodge Safari

The view of buffaloes is among the best safari experiences in Tanzania, offering a chance to see these impressive creatures in their natural habitat.

Affordable 2 Day Tanzania Camping Safari

Massive monkeys, like the large baboons or adult vervet monkeys, can be seen in Tanzania, displaying their strength and social behavior in the wild.

4-Days Flying from Zanzibar Island

A hot air balloon at sunset over the Serengeti in Tanzania offers a stunning view, with the golden sky and vast landscape creating a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

4-Day Luxury Safari itinerary

6 Questions About the Tanzania Lake Manyara National park Answered by Gasper N. Akyo

1. What is unique about the tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara is one of only two places in the world where you can see tree-climbing lions, a fascinating behavior that attracts many visitors.

2. What types of birds can be found in the park?

The park is home to over 400 bird species, including large flocks of pelicans and pink flamingos on the lake, as well as various waders and woodland species.

3. What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara for wildlife viewing?

The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources.

4. How does the park's landscape vary?

Lake Manyara features diverse landscapes, including grassy floodplains, mixed acacia woodlands, and lush evergreen forests sustained by groundwater springs.

5. What cultural experiences can visitors enjoy nearby?

Visitors can engage with the Maasai culture in Mto wa Mbu town, offering a unique insight into the traditions and lifestyle of this iconic community.

6. Are there any notable natural features in the park?

Visitors can engage with the Maasai culture in Mto wa Mbu town, offering a unique insight into the traditions and lifestyle of this iconic community.