Park Overview

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and diverse safari destinations, located across the Arusha and Manyara regions. The park covers an area of 325 km², with about 230 km² made up by the shallow alkaline Lake Manyara itself. Managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, the protected area lies dramatically between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the extensive waters of the lake.

The name “Manyara” comes from the Maasai word emanyara, which refers to the spiky enclosure traditionally built around a homestead, known as a boma. In a similar way, the 600-meter-high escarpment surrounds the lake like a protective wall, creating a natural sanctuary for wildlife and birdlife.

Lake Manyara is Famous For

Lake Manyara National Park is well known around the world for its unique attractions, including:

• Tree-climbing lions – one of the few places in Africa where lions are regularly seen resting in acacia trees.

• Rich birdlife – more than 400 species, including flamingos, pelicans, and birds of prey.

• Diverse vegetation – including groundwater forests, grasslands, and acacia woodlands.

• Large elephant herds – famously studied by zoologist Iain Douglas-Hamilton.

• Tree-top canopy walk – Tanzania’s first suspended walkway, offering an adventurous view of the forest from above.

Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

Day Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular activity in the park, giving visitors the opportunity to explore its different areas in 4×4 safari vehicles. You can expect to see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, leopards, and primates such as blue monkeys and baboons. With some luck, you may also encounter the famous tree-climbing lions.

Bird Watching

Lake Manyara is a true paradise for bird lovers, with more than 400 recorded bird species, including migratory, endemic, and water birds. Some of the highlights include pink flamingos, hornbills, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles.

Night Game Drives

Lake Manyara is one of the few parks in Tanzania where visitors can enjoy night safaris. Accompanied by a ranger and using a spotlight, you can look for nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, civets, genets, porcupines, and hippos grazing under the stars.

Canoeing on Lake Manyara

Canoeing on the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara is another unique experience. Visitors can paddle along the shoreline while looking for hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and groups of flamingos, all while enjoying beautiful views of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Guided Nature Walks

Guided walking safaris offer visitors a closer encounter with nature and wildlife. Led by armed guides, these walks allow you to explore forests, grasslands, and the lakeshore while observing animals such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants on foot.

Cultural Tours

Just outside the park is Mto wa Mbu village, a vibrant community known for its mix of different cultures. Visitors can explore banana plantations, local markets, and traditional homesteads, taste banana beer, enjoy traditional dances, and interact with more than 120 ethnic groups living together in harmony.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park can be visited throughout the year.

• Dry Season (June – October): The best time for game viewing, as wildlife tends to gather around available water sources.

• Wet Season (November – May): The park becomes green and beautiful, waterfalls are flowing, and birdlife is at its peak, particularly with the arrival of migratory species.

Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park?

With its dramatic Rift Valley scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique activities such as canopy walks and night safaris, Lake Manyara National Park offers one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari experiences. Whether you are a bird lover, adventure seeker, or cultural enthusiast, this park is a great addition to a Northern Circuit safari.