Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet remarkably scenic Rift Valley destination where groundwater forest, open woodland, alkaline lake shores, and the dramatic Manyara Escarpment meet. Its diverse habitats support elephants, giraffes, buffalo, flamingos, over 400 bird species, and the famously elusive tree-climbing lions. Short game drives reveal an impressive variety within a small area.
Discover the Destination
Lake Manyara National Park forms a narrow strip between the Rift Valley escarpment and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. Despite its compact size, the park changes quickly from dense forest to open grassland and lake edge.
Wildlife can be concentrated close to the road during the dry season. Elephants, baboons, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, and predators all use different parts of this varied ecosystem.
Lake Manyara is ideal as an introduction to the Northern Circuit or as a scenic day safari from Arusha, after which travelers commonly continue to Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Why Visit
Discover the wildlife, landscapes, culture, and experiences that make this destination exceptional.
Forest, woodland, lake, marsh, and escarpment scenery create unusual variety.
The park is nationally famous for lions that sometimes rest in acacia trees.
Waterbirds, forest species, and seasonal flamingos attract birdwatchers.
Its location makes it convenient to combine with nearby wildlife destinations.
Safari Experiences
Move from groundwater forest to lake shoreline while tracking Manyara’s resident wildlife.
Watch pelicans, flamingos, storks, kingfishers, and woodland species around the lake.
Capture elephants, lions, baboons, and dramatic escarpment panoramas.
Combine Lake Manyara with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti on one itinerary.
Safari Packages
Our recommended itineraries include this destination and can be customized around your dates, accommodation, and travel interests.
4 Days / 3 Nights
Lake Manyara - Ngorongoro
Explore two scenic and wildlife-rich Northern Circuit destinations.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Tarangire - Manyara - Ngorongoro
Enjoy varied landscapes and excellent resident wildlife in a compact itinerary.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Manyara - Serengeti - Ngorongoro
Combine Lake Manyara with the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Northern Circuit - Zanzibar
Add Zanzibar beaches to a complete Northern Circuit wildlife journey.
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Arusha, Tanzania
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