S
A
F
A
R
I
Embark on a journey of a lifetime with our expertly crafted safari adventures. Discover Tanzania’s wonders with personalized experiences and unmatched hospitality.
6th Floor, Mega Complex, Market/Livingston Street, Arusha, Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic wonder, nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its tree-climbing lions, vast elephant herds, and breathtaking landscapes, the park offers visitors a unique safari experience. The diversity of habitats, from the alkaline lake to the lush forests and grassy plains, makes Lake Manyara an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
With the lake covering up to two-thirds of the park, it attracts thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds, providing a stunning visual spectacle. The compact game-viewing circuit through the park offers a rich variety of wildlife experiences in a relatively short amount of time, making it a must-see destination in Tanzania.
Size: 330 sq km (127 sq miles), of which up to 200 sq km (77 sq miles) is lake when water levels are high.
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the market town of Mto wa Mbu, about 1.5 hours (126km/80 miles) west of Arusha.
Accessible by road, charter, or scheduled flight from Arusha, en route to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Game drives, night game drives, and canoeing (when water levels are high).
Cultural tours, picnics, bush lunch/dinner, mountain biking, abseiling, and forest walks on the escarpment outside the park.
Dry season (July-October) for large mammals.
Wet season (November-June) for birdwatching, waterfalls, and canoeing.
Lake Manyara National Park is a hidden gem, offering one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Tanzania. Extending for 50 km along the base of the towering Rift Valley escarpment, this compact park boasts diverse ecosystems, from the lush groundwater forests to open grassy plains and the expansive lake itself.
As you enter the park, the road winds through a dense forest where troops of baboons and blue monkeys are frequently seen. You might also spot bushbucks and elephants in the shaded woodlands, along with hornbills and other bird species in the high canopy.
The grassy floodplains offer stunning views of the alkaline lake, which is a haven for large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes. On a clear day, the volcanic peaks of the Maasai Steppes rise in the distance, completing the picturesque scene. Look out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions resting in the branches of the acacia trees.
Beyond the plains, a narrow strip of acacia woodland shelters elephants and the occasional sighting of a tree-climbing lion. The southern part of the park is known for its hot springs, where small groups of animals gather, and flocks of flamingos add vibrant color to the horizon.
Lake Manyara is also a birder's paradise. With over 400 species recorded, even novice birders can expect to see hundreds of species in a single day. Highlights include large numbers of flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and storks.
