Lake Manyara National Park

Embark on a journey to witness the iconic tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara National Park with our specialized tours.

About Lake Manyara

East Africa, Tanzania

Lake Manyara is the beautiful home of mega-throngs of flamingos, as viewers of Out of Africa will know, and want to see for themselves.

Africa is blessed with epic lakes — Tanganyika is the world’s second deepest; all the Rift Lakes are gigantic stunners, and Lake Victoria is a massive and complex inland sea. But many, including Ernest Hemingway, consider the smaller gem of Lake Manyara — with its diamond-white alkali rim, its million or so coral-coloured flamingos, and the deep sapphire waters at its centre — the loveliest of all.

The lake is a birder’s heaven (it’s frequented by 300 migratory avians), and the water from its Crater Highlands-supplied springs makes it a forested redoubt for all the most glamourous large mammals, including the famed Manyara tree-climbing lions (it’s a little irreverent, but tree-lounging might be a better description).

If you’ve seen Out of Africa (if not: you owe it to yourself) you’re familiar with Lake Manyara. It’s the lake that Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen fly over in a biplane, the lake that heart-thumpingly seems to burst into life, when tens — hundreds! — of thousands of flamingos lift from its waters.

While the park lacks a density of wildlife, it does boast great diversity. Elephants are well-catered for and occur in large herds. Other popular species such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest are seldom far from sight. Of the Big 5, only rhinos are absent and the local lions have a peculiar habit of climbing trees. A healthy population of spotted hyenas means that sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs are quite rare.

Birdwatchers are spoiled, with over 400 species, while the vegetation is equally fascinating, with ancient fig trees and giant baobabs among the highlights.

Lake Manyara National Park is roughly 126 km (78 mi) from the safari gateway of Arusha, or a 2.5-hour drive. Visitors can also fly directly to the park, which has an airstrip.

Highlights

Majo Moto kubwa hot springs

Hot water percolates to the surface, creating a fertile swampy habitat that is ideal for nesting birds.

Bird-watching

A bird lover’s paradise, with over 500 species, including rare endemic species and summer migrants.

Walking safaris

gain a fresh perspective and appreciation of nature by exploring on foot in the company of an armed guide.

Unusual Species

Fringe-eared Oryx, the rare Coke’s hartebeests, long-necked gerenuk, dik-dik, grant’s gazelles, amongst others.

Baobab Trees

an abundance of these peculiar ‘upside-down trees’ are found within the park. Visitors can walk inside the “Poacher’s Hide” tree.

Mini-Migration

Tanzania’s second largest migration occurs when wildlife converges on the Tarangire River during the dry season.

Landscape

The landscape of Lake Manyara National Park is a mesmerizing blend of stunning natural elements. Lush green forests fringe the shores of the sparkling alkaline lake, while the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment adds a dramatic touch. Open grasslands and acacia woodlands stretch across the park, creating a picturesque setting for wildlife encounters. Ancient mahogany trees, fig-trees, and towering baobabs punctuate the landscape, offering shade and a sense of grandeur. The park’s diverse terrain, from the serene lake to dense forests and expansive plains, provides a captivating canvas for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Lake Manyara National Park is celebrated for its birdlife diversity, yet it also provides a distinct game-viewing experience, differing from larger Tanzanian parks due to its size and the lake’s expanse. Notably, rhinos are absent, and leopards are rare, but visitors can frequently see elephants and buffalo near water sources. The park’s lions, though not numerous, offer the unique sight of tree-resting behavior.

The park boasts a variety of antelope species and other game, including impalas, bushbucks, greater kudus, zebras, and wildebeests. Spotted hyenas dominate among predators, reducing the presence of leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Night drives may reveal smaller carnivores like servals, jackals, and wild cats, crucial for ecological balance.

Primate diversity enriches the park, with olive baboons, vervet, and blue monkeys easily spotted. For bird enthusiasts, Lake Manyara is a paradise, home to flamingos, pelicans, herons, storks, and raptors, including eagles and vultures, drawn by the lake’s alkaline waters and supporting the park’s rich biodiversity.

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