Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s smaller but most beautiful protected areas, covering just 330 square kilometres. Its stunning scenery, diverse vegetation, and rich wildlife make it an excellent stop on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Nestled at the base of the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment (which stretches from Jordan all the way to Mozambique), the park offers a fascinating mix of habitats and one of the best birdwatching experiences in Tanzania. Over 380 bird species have been recorded here. At certain times of the year, thousands of flamingos turn the lakeshore into a vibrant pink ribbon as they feed on algae.

Vegetation & Landscape

The park features a remarkable variety of environments:

• Dense groundwater forest with towering fig and mahogany trees

• Acacia woodlands

• Open marshlands and grasslands

• Natural hot springs in the southern section

Wildlife

Lake Manyara is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions have the unusual habit of resting high up in the branches of acacia trees — a behaviour passed down through generations. Apart from the Ruwenzori Mountains in Uganda, this is the only place in the world where lions regularly exhibit this behaviour. Zoologists believe they climb trees to escape the heat and biting flies on the ground. Spotting them is a special treat, though not guaranteed.The park also offers excellent chances of seeing:

• Elephants (Lake Manyara once had one of the highest concentrations in Africa, though numbers have sadly declined due to poaching)

• Hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras

• Various antelopes and gazelles

• Large troops of playful baboons

Getting There

• By road from Arusha: approximately 120 km (1.5 – 2 hours drive)

• By air from Arusha: about 1 hour

The park is accessible year-round and makes a perfect half-day or full-day stop when travelling between Arusha, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti.