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Lake Manyara National Park

Northern Safari Circuit

Lake Manyara National Park

A scenic Rift Valley park celebrated for its tree-climbing lions, lush groundwater forests, diverse birdlife, and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara.

Overview

A landscape without equal

Lake Manyara National Park covers approximately 330 km² (127 sq mi), of which nearly two-thirds is occupied by the shallow alkaline Lake Manyara. Established in 1960 and situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, the park protects an extraordinary variety of habitats including groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, marshes, hot springs, and the expansive soda lake. Despite its relatively compact size, Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania's most ecologically diverse national parks and serves as an excellent introduction to the Northern Safari Circuit. It is internationally renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of olive baboons, impressive elephant populations, and exceptional birdlife with more than 400 recorded bird species.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Tree-climbing Lions
  • African Elephant
  • African Buffalo
  • Leopard
  • Masai Giraffe
  • Plains Zebra
  • Blue Wildebeest
  • Hippopotamus
  • Olive Baboon
  • Blue Monkey
  • Vervet Monkey
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Warthog
  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Pelicans
  • African Fish Eagle
  • Hornbills
  • Over 400 bird species

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Guided canopy walkway
  • Night game drives (where permitted)
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife photography
  • Canoeing on Lake Manyara (seasonal water levels permitting)
  • Hot spring (Maji Moto) visits
  • Cultural tours to nearby Mto wa Mbu village
  • Picnic experiences
Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round. June–October offers excellent wildlife viewing during the dry season, while November–May provides lush green scenery, peak birdwatching, migratory birds, and seasonal flamingo concentrations depending on lake water levels.
Photography
Lake Manyara offers remarkable photography opportunities, from elephants wandering through the lush groundwater forest to lions resting in acacia trees. The alkaline lake attracts seasonal flocks of pink flamingos and pelicans, while the dramatic Great Rift Valley Escarpment provides a stunning backdrop for landscape photography. Early mornings and late afternoons produce beautiful golden light throughout the park.

Gallery

Explore Lake Manyara National Park

A visual journey through the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Lake Manyara National Park

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Lake Manyara National Park — Captivating views from the heart of Africa

Related Journeys

Safari packages featuring Lake Manyara National Park

4-Day Private Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara
4-Day
5.0
4D / 3NKilimanjaro International Airport · Arusha

4-Day Private Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

A luxury 4-day private safari through Tanzania's Northern Circuit featuring Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park with luxury accommodation, private game drives, and exceptional wildlife experiences.

4-Day Private Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara
4-Day
5.0
4D / 3NKilimanjaro International Airport · Arusha

4-Day Private Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

A luxury 4-day private safari beginning and ending in Arusha, featuring Tarangire National Park, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, and the scenic Lake Manyara National Park with exceptional wildlife encounters, comfortable accommodations, and professional safari guiding.

3-Day Luxury Safari from Zanzibar: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara – Zanzibar Return
3-Day
5.0
3D / 2NZanzibar Island · Tarangire National Park

3-Day Luxury Safari from Zanzibar: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara – Zanzibar Return

A luxury 3-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar exploring Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Experience private game drives, scenic flights, luxury accommodation, hot bush lunches, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

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