Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but remarkably diverse wilderness tucked beneath the dramatic walls of the Great Rift Valley. Within its relatively small area, the landscape changes from evergreen groundwater forest and open woodland to wetlands, floodplains and the shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. The park covers about 648.7 km² and is particularly known for its tree climbing lions, elephants, rich birdlife and striking Rift Valley scenery.

The experience here is different from the vast open plains of the Serengeti or the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire. A safari in Manyara takes you through a succession of habitats, where monkeys move through the forest canopy, elephants emerge from the woodland, giraffes browse across the floodplain and thousands of waterbirds may gather around the lake at suitable times of year.

Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park?

Meet the Famous Tree Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara is renowned for its unusual tree climbing lions. With patience and a little luck, visitors may spot lions resting on broad branches above the ground, overlooking the surrounding woodland or floodplain. This distinctive behavior has become one of the park’s signature wildlife experiences.

Enter the Green World of the Groundwater Forest

Near the park’s entrance, underground springs create a lush evergreen forest that feels dramatically different from the drier landscapes surrounding Manyara. Tall trees provide habitat for blue monkeys, baboons, bushbuck and numerous forest birds, creating an intimate safari environment beneath the canopy.

Discover the Flamingo Filled Lake

The shallow alkaline waters of Lake Manyara attract a variety of waterbirds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks and other species. Depending on seasonal conditions and water levels, the lakeshore can become a spectacular gathering place for birds.

Experience the Great Rift Valley

Few safari settings are as dramatic as Manyara’s position beneath the towering Rift Valley escarpment. The cliffs rise above the park and create a spectacular natural backdrop as you travel between forest, woodland, wetlands and open areas.

Encounter Elephants in a Different Setting

Manyara is known for its elephant population, and sightings can be particularly memorable as these enormous animals move through the woodland and forest margins. Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other plains wildlife also inhabit the park.

Explore a Birdwatcher’s Paradise

With more than 400 bird species recorded, Lake Manyara offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching. Raptors, waterbirds, forest species, bee eaters, hornbills, storks, herons and seasonal migrants can all contribute to the park’s remarkable bird diversity.

Things to do at Lake Manyara National Park

Walk Above the Forest Canopy

Take your Manyara experience to another level on the park’s canopy walkway. Elevated above the forest floor, the walkway provides a different perspective of the ecosystem and opportunities to observe monkeys, birds, butterflies and the vegetation below. TANAPA describes the walkway as approximately 470 metres long, with viewing areas reaching up to around 18 metres above the ground.

Explore the Park on a Game Drive

A game drive through Manyara can reveal an extraordinary variety of landscapes within a relatively short distance. Search the woodland for elephants and monkeys, scan the floodplain for giraffes and buffalo, and keep an eye on the trees for the park’s famous lions.

Discover the Wetlands and Hippo Pools

The lakeshore wetlands provide important habitat for hippos and waterbirds. Reedy areas, shallow pools and muddy shorelines create excellent places to pause and observe animals interacting with their aquatic environment.

Visit the Hot Springs

In the southern part of the park, geothermal activity produces hot springs associated with the Rift Valley’s active geological landscape. These steaming waters and mineral-streaked surroundings provide a fascinating contrast to the forests and wetlands elsewhere in the park.

Enjoy a Safari Sundowner

As afternoon fades into evening, the light across the Rift Valley changes dramatically. Find a suitable viewpoint, watch the escarpment and surrounding wilderness glow in the evening light, and enjoy a peaceful sundowner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Capture the Beauty of Manyara

Lake Manyara is a photographer’s dream because the scenery changes constantly. Photograph elephants emerging from the forest, flamingos along the lake, monkeys in the trees, giraffes on the floodplain, dramatic escarpment views and lions resting above the ground.