Lake Manyara
National Park
Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, offers an incredibly varied ecosystem within its modest 330 square kilometres.
Dominated by the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, the park boasts lush jungles, grassy floodplains, and acacia woodlands, all teeming with wildlife. From elephants and giraffes to hippos and flamingos, this gem of Tanzania is a microcosm of the country’s diverse fauna.
The park’s forests are famous for their tree-climbing lions – a behaviour uncommon in lion populations. This unique spectacle draws wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the globe. In addition, herds of buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas graze the park’s verdant plains, while Maasai giraffes roam the acacia woodlands.
The lake covers nearly two-thirds of the park and is a sanctuary for hundreds of bird species, including flocks of pink flamingos that paint a stark contrast against the blue-green algae-filled waters. The vibrant birdlife extends to the woodland, where over 400 species are found, including raptors, hornbills, and weavers. Despite its smaller size than other Tanzanian parks, Lake Manyara National Park offers an enriching wildlife experience with its splendid biodiversity and unique phenomena.

June to September
Most of the year – July to March
330 km² / 127 mi²
954-2,055 m / 3,130-6,742 ft