Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most picturesque and ecologically diverse safari destinations. Dominated by a vast, shimmering soda lake that covers nearly 75% of the park’s surface, it offers a striking backdrop to an incredible variety of wildlife and landscapes.
Venture into the lush forests and you’ll encounter large troops of baboons, along with elephants moving gracefully through the trees. On the open plains, keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras. And don’t miss one of the park’s most unique attractions the tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in the branches.
Birdwatchers will be in paradise, with hundreds of species including flamingos, pelicans, and hornbills thriving around the lake. The park’s terrain shifts dramatically from dense jungle and acacia woodlands to grassy floodplains and dramatic escarpments making every game drive an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned explorer, Lake Manyara offers a perfect blend of wildlife, scenery, and serenity a true haven for nature lovers.
One of the most awe-inspiring features of Lake Manyara National Park is the dramatic Rift Valley Escarpment, a towering wall of rock that rises over 400 meters above the park’s floor. This majestic cliff forms part of the legendary Great Rift Valley a colossal geological scar stretching down the eastern side of Africa.
Formed between 20 to 25 million years ago when tectonic forces caused the earth’s crust to split, the Great Rift Valley is so vast and deep it can even be seen from space like two great lines carved into the continent.
The escarpment isn’t just visually stunning it also plays a key role in shaping the region’s diverse ecosystems. From lush groundwater forests and open savannahs to alkaline lakes and dense woodlands, the varied terrain nurtures an incredible range of flora and fauna.
For nature lovers, geologists, and photographers alike, witnessing the Rift Valley from Lake Manyara offers not just a scenic highlight, but a powerful reminder of the Earth’s ancient and ever-changing forces.
Night game drive
Canopy walk / Treetop Walk
Mountain bike tour around Lake Manyara
Cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu
Visit to a Maasai village
Visit to the Hadzabe tribe
The best time to see large animals in Lake Manyara is during the dry season, from July till October. If you are a bird lover you can better visit the park from November till June. During this season you can spot abundant birdlife – think pelicans, African fish eagle, hornbill, hamerkop, black heron, little bee-eater and many more.
Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania, approximately 126 km (about 2 hours) west of Arusha. It’s part of the famous Northern Safari Circuit, between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
The park is renowned for its dramatic scenery, diverse ecosystems, and unique wildlife especially the tree climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and the expansive soda lake that attracts flamingos and other birdlife.
The park can be visited year-round, but the dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing. The green season (November to May) brings lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching
Common sightings include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, wildebeest, and baboons. You may also spot tree-climbing lions, hippos, and a wide variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and hornbills.
Lake Manyara National Park covers about 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), with the lake itself making up roughly 75% of the area.
Yes! Lake Manyara is one of the few national parks in Tanzania that offers night game drives, giving you a chance to see nocturnal wildlife in action
In addition to game drives, visitors can enjoy a treetop canopy walk, mountain biking, cultural tours in Mto wa Mbu, and visits to local tribes like the Maasai and Hadzabe.
Absolutely. Its compact size and rich biodiversity make it ideal for a half-day or full-day safari, especially for travelers with limited time or as a first stop on a Northern Circuit safari
The park features incredibly diverse terrain, from lush groundwater forests and open grasslands to the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and the shimmering soda lake.
Stunning views on the Great Rift Valley, abundant birdlife, troops of baboons, zebras, elephants and tree-climbing lions, the giant soda lake and the ultra-diverse landscapes make Lake Manyara worth your visit.
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