Hippos resting in the shallows of Lake Manyara
TANZANIA DESTINATION

Lake Manyara National Park

Rift Valley forest, flamingos and ecological variety.

WHY VISIT

A place that stays with you.

A compact park beneath the escarpment, with groundwater forest, open floodplains and rich birdlife.

Lake Manyara National Park sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. In a single drive you pass from lush groundwater forest to acacia woodland, open floodplains and the alkaline lake shore.

The forest is home to large troops of olive baboons and blue monkeys, while elephants, giraffes, buffalo and hippos move between the woodland and the lake. Seasonal flocks of flamingos and pelicans make it a rewarding park for birders.

Because it is compact, Manyara works well as a half-day or full-day visit on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, or as a gentle introduction for families.

Rift ValleyBirdlifeForest
WILDLIFE & HIGHLIGHTS

What you can see in Lake Manyara.

  • Olive baboon
  • Blue monkey
  • Elephant
  • Giraffe
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Lion
  • Flamingo
  • Pelican
  • Over 400 bird species

Getting there.

Lake Manyara is about two hours' drive from Arusha. The park gate is beside the village of Mto wa Mbu on the main road towards Ngorongoro.

Lake Manyara questions.

How long should I spend at Lake Manyara?

A half-day to full-day game drive covers the main habitats. Many travellers combine it with Tarangire or the drive to Ngorongoro.

Does Lake Manyara have tree-climbing lions?

Lake Manyara is known for lions that rest in trees, though sightings are irregular. Your guide will look for them, but they are a bonus rather than a promise.

Safaris featuring Lake Manyara.