Located on the road from Arusha to Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara National Park is set between the Great Rift Valley and the soda-rich lake, making it a frequent stop on Tanzania safaris headed to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Stretching 50 kilometers along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara was described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.” Although the concentration of wildlife is less impressive than in some of Tanzania’s other parks, Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, habituated baboons, large elephant populations, and impressive birdlife. With its varied ecosystems and breathtaking views, it is an ideal stop for anyone planning a Tanzania Photography Safari. 

The game-viewing circuit through Lake Manyara National Park offers a microcosm of a Tanzania safari. After passing through the entrance gate, you’ll experience a road winding through a lush, jungle-like groundwater forest where baboon troops lounge casually beside the road, blue monkeys scamper between mahogany trees, bushbuck tread carefully through the shadows, and forest hornbills honk noisily in the high canopy.

Birdwatching on a Lake Manyara Safari

Lake Manyara is home to an incredible variety of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. More than 400 species have been noted, and even a first-time visitor to Africa can reasonably expect to see 100 of these in one day. Thousands of pink flamingos stoop and graze, presenting colorful specks against the gray minerals of the lake shore.

 It’s impossible to predict how many flamingos you might see, as they flit between here and other East African lakes, but the experience is always rewarding. Inside Lake Manyara National Park, even reluctant bird-watchers will find something to marvel at as yellow-billed storks swoop on the winds rising from the escarpment and herons flap their wings against the sun-drenched sky.

Wildlife in Manyara: Tree-Climbing Lions, Baboons, Elephants, and More

The famous tree-climbing lions are another major attraction of Lake Manyara. The only kind of their species in the world, they make the mahogany and elegant acacias their home during the rainy season and are a rare but well-known feature of the northern park. Lake Manyara National Park also hosts the largest concentration of baboons found anywhere in the world, making it an ideal spot for primate-focused safaris.

 In contrast to the intimate forest, the grassy floodplain offers expansive views to the east across the lake to jagged blue volcanic peaks rising from the vast, endless Maasai steppes. Large buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra herds meet on these grassy plains, along with giraffes, some so dark in coloration that they appear black from a distance. Inland, you can see squadrons of banded mongoose darting between the acacias, while the diminutive Kirk’s dik-dik forages in their shade. 

In the far south of the park, pairs of klipspringer are often seen silhouetted on the rocks above a field of blazing hot springs steaming and bubbling next to the lakeshore. The uniqueness of Lake Manyara’s wildlife makes it ideal for both first-time Tanzania Family Safaris and veteran safari-goers.

Access to Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is relatively small and can easily be reached from Arusha on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Most visitors spend just a day or half a day here, but there is plenty to see, and we can show you the highlights in a relatively short period of time.

When to Visit Lake Manyara

The peak season for Manyara is officially from July to October, but for a park as small as this, that should not be a deciding factor. Lake Manyara is consistently good for game viewing throughout the year. It’s a great way to start your Tanzania safari, and we recommend including it in your Northern Tanzania circuit when heading to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Accommodations in Lake Manyara National Park

The most famous lodge at Manyara is the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, which is the only accommodation inside the park. Most visitors stay outside the park but near the park gate, allowing them to explore the entire park by entering early in the morning. Along the Rift Valley escarpment, there are many accommodations offering great views of the valley and the lake. Staying in the Rift Valley outside the park opens up a wealth of possibilities, including village walks, hiking, and mountain biking. We also recommend staying in the nearby Karatu area.

We hope you are inspired to add Lake Manyara National Park as a stop on your big Tanzania Safari Tour. If you have any questions or would like us to create a bespoke itinerary for you, please feel free to get in touch. Start planning your next big adventure with Tanzania safari trips!