Lake Manyara National Park is a small but beautiful wildlife park located in northern Tanzania. It lies between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater and is often included in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. The park covers about 330 square kilometers, two-thirds of which is covered by the lake itself. Though small, Lake Manyara offers a great mix of scenery, animals, and birdlife. It is a great stop for a day trip or the first day of a longer safari.
Landscape and Scenery
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its diverse and stunning scenery. The park stretches from the shores of Lake Manyara to the base of the Great Rift Valley wall. As you enter the park, you drive through a lush groundwater forest filled with large trees, vines, and babbling streams. After the forest, the land opens into grassy plains and swamps near the lake. In the distance, you can see the towering cliffs of the Rift Valley. The mix of forest, water, grassland, and cliffs makes the park very scenic and ideal for photography.
Wildlife in the Park
Even though Lake Manyara is small compared to Serengeti or Tarangire, it has a wide variety of animals. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting on tree branches—a rare behavior in lions. You may also spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, baboons, warthogs, impalas, and monkeys. The forest at the entrance is home to large troops of baboons, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Hippos are commonly found in the hippo pool near the lake.
Birdlife at Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is one of the best places in Tanzania for bird watching. The park has over 400 species of birds. The lake itself is a key attraction for bird lovers, especially because of the thousands of flamingos that gather along the shore. Other water birds include pelicans, storks, cormorants, herons, and ducks. In the forest and grasslands, you can see hornbills, kingfishers, bee-eaters, eagles, and more. Bird watching is excellent year-round, especially during the wet season when migratory birds arrive.
Tree-Climbing Lions
One of the most famous features of Lake Manyara is its tree-climbing lions. While lions in other parks usually stay on the ground, the lions in Manyara are sometimes seen lying on branches, especially on hot days. This behavior is unusual and draws many visitors hoping to catch a glimpse. Though sightings are not guaranteed, it adds a unique excitement to any game drive in the park.
Activities in Lake Manyara National Park
The most common activity in the park is a game drive. Because the park is small, a game drive here usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day visit. Some lodges and camps outside the park offer guided walking safaris or bike rides through the local villages or along the lake shore. You can also visit nearby Maasai communities to learn about their culture and traditions.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Manyara National Park can be visited all year round. The dry season, from June to October, is best for seeing large mammals because the vegetation is thinner and animals come to the lake to drink. The wet season, from November to May, is great for bird watching and lush green scenery. During this time, you may also see large groups of flamingos and other water birds. Roads inside the park remain open year-round, but some trails may be muddy during heavy rains.
How to Get There
Lake Manyara is very easy to reach. It is about 125 kilometers from Arusha, or a 2 to 2.5-hour drive by car. It is also close to other safari destinations like Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. This makes it a convenient starting or ending point on a northern Tanzania safari. You can also fly to Lake Manyara Airstrip, which is located just outside the park. Many tour operators include Lake Manyara as part of a longer safari package.
Where to Stay
There are no lodges inside the park, but many accommodations are available nearby, especially in the town of Mto wa Mbu or just outside the park gates. You can find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury lodges and tented camps. Some places offer beautiful views of the lake or the Rift Valley escarpment. Staying nearby also allows you to explore the surrounding area, which includes local farms, markets, and cultural experiences.
Who Should Visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is perfect for travelers who want a short, scenic safari experience. It is ideal for first-time safari goers, families, bird watchers, and anyone who enjoys beautiful landscapes. Because the park is smaller and easy to explore, it works well as a day trip from Arusha or as a stop on the way to Ngorongoro or Serengeti. The park’s quiet environment and rich birdlife also make it a peaceful destination.
Conclusion
Lake Manyara National Park may be smaller than other parks in Tanzania, but it is full of charm and natural beauty. From tree-climbing lions to flamingos and elephant herds, it offers a little bit of everything in one scenic location. The diverse habitats, friendly nearby communities, and easy access make it a must-visit stop on any northern Tanzania safari. Whether you’re spending a few hours or an entire day, Lake Manyara leaves a lasting impression.
