Overview:

Lake Manyara National Park is a small but scenic park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania.

It is best known for its:

• Tree-climbing lions
• Large flocks of flamingos
• Groundwater forests and hot springs

Though often used as a stopover en route to Ngorongoro or Serengeti, it offers unique habitats and wildlife experiences in its own right.

Location: 126 km (2 hrs) from Arusha Size 330 sq. km (only ~1/3 is dry land) Established: 1960 Part of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit

Highlights of Lake Manyara

Tree-Climbing Lions

• One of the few places in Africa where lions are often seen resting in acacia trees.
• While not guaranteed, spotting them is a special thrill unique to Manyara.

Elephants

• Famous for close-up sightings of large elephant herds.
• The park was once home to some of Africa’s largest tuskers.

Lake Manyara

• A shallow alkaline lake that covers about two-thirds of the park.
• Attracts thousands of flamingos and over 400 species of birds.
• Seasonal home to pelicans, storks, cormorants, and more.

Diverse Ecosystems

• Despite its small size, the park has varied habitats, including:
• Groundwater forests (with fig and mahogany trees)
• Open savannah
• Acacia woodlands
• Hot springs (Maji Moto) on the southern end of the park
• Alkaline lake shores

Primates & Other Wildlife

• Common sightings include: • Baboons (large troops), Blue monkeys, vervet monkeys Buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, occasionally leopards and hippos

Location & Access

• Distance from Arusha: ~2 hours’ drive
• On the way to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti
• Closest town: Mto wa Mbu – offers cultural tours and markets

Season Months

• Dry Season June – October Best for wildlife spotting

• Wet Season November – May Lush scenery, great for birding Flamingos Varies with water levels – best in wet season but not guaranteed year-round

TOP ACTIVITIES

• Game drives (half-day or full-day & night game drive)
• Bird watching tours
• Canoeing (seasonal, when water levels are high)
• Nature walks and forest treks
• Cultural tours in nearby Mto wa Mbu village
• Visit to the hot springs (Maji Moto)

 Why Visit Lake Manyara?

• Close to Arusha – great for a short safari
• Tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife
• Beautiful scenery with Rift Valley escarpment views
• Less crowded than Serengeti or Ngorongoro
• Ideal for family safaris, bird lovers, and photographers