Tanzania Safari Destination
Lake Manyara National Park
A soda lake, groundwater forest and open grassland beneath the Rift Valley wall, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Location
Arusha and Manyara, Tanzania
Size
About 330 sq km
Ideal stay
1 day
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Tree-climbing lions
Tanzania, Northern Circuit
A small park with remarkable variety
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, packing a soda lake, groundwater forest and open grassland into one compact park.
It is famous for lions that sometimes rest in the branches of acacia trees, a behaviour seen in only a handful of places. Elephant, baboon and hippo are common, and flamingos gather along the shore when conditions are right.
Why Lake Manyara is worth the stop
Six reasons this park earns its place on a Kenya safari.
Tree-climbing lions
A rare behaviour, best spotted in the park’s acacia trees.
Flamingo flocks
Flamingos gather along the shore when conditions are right.
Groundwater forest
A lush, shaded forest fed by underground springs.
Elephant herds
Healthy elephant populations across varied terrain.
Rift Valley views
The escarpment frames the lake with dramatic scenery.
Rich birdlife
More than 400 bird species recorded.
When to visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches what you most want to see.
June to October
Dry season
Wildlife gathers near the lake and forest edge.
November to February
Flamingo season
Flocks are often largest along the shore.
January to March
Green season
Lush scenery and excellent birding.
April to May
Long rains
The quietest time, with lower rates.
Wildlife you can expect to see
A surprising variety for such a compact park.
Lion
Sometimes seen resting in the branches of acacia trees.
Elephant
Families move between the forest and the lakeshore.
Flamingo
Pink flocks along the lake when conditions are right.
Baboon
Large troops live in the groundwater forest.
Hippo
Found in the pools at the lake’s northern end.
Giraffe
Browsing the acacia woodland across the park.
Things to do at Lake Manyara
An easy, rewarding day between Arusha and Ngorongoro.
Guided game drives
Search the forest and grassland for tree-climbing lions.
Canoeing
Paddle the shallow lake when water levels allow.
Birdwatching
Look for cranes, storks and flamingos.
Cultural visits
Meet communities living along the park’s edge.
Escarpment viewpoints
Take in the lake from the Rift Valley wall.
Forest walks
Explore the groundwater forest and its monkeys.
Planning your trip to Lake Manyara
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Lake Manyara
- By road: about two hours from Arusha.
- On the circuit: a natural stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
- Combined routes: pairs with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Where to stay
- On the escarpment: lodges with sweeping views over the lake.
- Mto wa Mbu and Karatu: comfortable lodges close to the gate.
- Every budget: from mid-range camps to luxury lodges.
Lake Manyara safari tours
Itineraries that include Lake Manyara on the northern circuit.
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 11 Days 10 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Nairobi, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 8 Days 7 Nights
Good to know
Lake Manyara questions, answered
Still wondering about something? Ask our Nairobi team any time on WhatsApp.
Where is Lake Manyara National Park?
It lies at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, about two hours from Arusha.
Will I see tree-climbing lions?
It is possible but never guaranteed. The lions only climb trees some of the time.
How long do you need at Lake Manyara?
One day is usually enough, often on the way to Ngorongoro.
What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
June to October is dry and good for wildlife, while November to February is often best for flamingos.
Can you canoe on Lake Manyara?
Canoeing is sometimes possible when water levels allow. We will confirm when you book.
Can Lake Manyara be combined with other parks?
Yes. It fits between Tarangire and Ngorongoro on the northern circuit.
Start Planning Your Lake Manyara Safari
Tell us your travel dates and we will build a northern circuit safari that includes Lake Manyara.