Lake Manyara National Park

Your Lake Manyara National Park Safari Begins Here.

Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania is famed for its unusual tree-climbing lions and pink flamingos that gather along the lake shores in their thousands. The park is located south of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, and was primarily established to protect the large herds of elephants which call this part of Tanzania home. Wildlife watching in the park centers around its shallow alkaline lake which is a key habitat for more than 350 bird species including greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, and other endemic waterfowl, as well as many migrant birds that visit during the summer months, from November to April. The lake is huge – 50 km (30 miles) long and about 16 km (10 miles) wide, but it is mostly shallow enough for large animals like elephants to wade from one end to another.

“The lake is fringed by acacia and sycamore trees, which offer an elevated vantage point from which the famous tree-climbing lions of Manyara can observe their prey.”

The lake is fringed by acacia and sycamore trees, which offer an elevated vantage point from which the famous tree-climbing lions of Manyara can observe their prey. Providing an iconic and memorable sight for visitors. With its diverse landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, Lake Manyara offers an exceptional wilderness experience for those who would like to enjoy both game drives and walking safaris. In the north of the park, close to the gate, bird enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to observe hundreds of species of birds from an elevated canopy walk – the Treetop Walkway is the first such trail of its kind in Tanzania and includes 3 suspension bridges and various lookout points.

Frequently asked questions

Why visit Lake Manyara?
One of the park’s most distinctive features is the eponymous Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that covers a significant portion of the park. This lake serves as a habitat for various bird species including waterbirds such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, a unique behavior rarely seen elsewhere.
When is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
Observing wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is rewarding throughout the year, with peak viewing opportunities occurring from late June to October during the Dry season. However, the park showcases its most stunning splendor during the Wet season, spanning from November to May.
How to get to Lake Manyara?
Lake Manyara is part of the northern safari circuit and can be visited together with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. The best way to get there is by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport, and then departing from the nearby town of Arusha it is a comfortable 90-minute drive to the entrance gate.
What wildlife can you see in Lake Manyara?
Besides its iconic tree-climbing lions and elephants adorned with impressive tusks, Lake Manyara is a gathering place for herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras on its expansive grassy plains. The lake also serves as a seasonal home for large flocks of flamingos, and its shores are a constant habitat for hippos and various bird species, including pelicans, and storks.