Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a spectacular and compact wildlife destination located in northern Tanzania at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Dominated by a shallow alkaline lake, the park encompasses just 330 square kilometers but contains a remarkable variety of habitats including dense groundwater forest with ancient mahogany and fig trees, grassy floodplains, rocky escarpment, and acacia woodland. The park is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally found lounging on branches in umbrella thorn and sausage trees—a unique behavior rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. The setting at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment is truly spectacular, offering stunning views across the lake toward the escarpment walls. While wildlife is not as prolific as in the Serengeti, visitors should expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, and various primate species including olive baboons and blue monkeys. The park features a thrilling 370-meter treetop walkway that offers a bird's-eye view into the unique groundwater forest habitat. Lake Manyara is often treated as a sideshow to more famous destinations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, yet it remains a worthwhile addition to any safari itinerary. The park is renowned for its exceptional birding opportunities, with large flocks of pink-hued flamingos and numerous other waterbird species. Activities include game drives, night drives, canoe safaris, walking safaris, and visits to hot springs (Maji Moto). Due to recent high water levels, the lakeshore game-drive track has been affected, which has changed wildlife viewing dynamics. The park is conveniently located near Arusha and serves as an ideal stop en route to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, making it an accessible and rewarding safari destination.

Lake Manyara is characterized by a shallow alkaline lake at the base of a dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. The landscape features dense groundwater forest with ancient mahogany and fig trees, grassy floodplains, rocky escarpment walls, and acacia woodland. The park offers remarkable scenic variety in a compact area, with stunning views across the lake toward the escarpment.

The park is located near Mto wa Mbu village, which has a vibrant local community. Some lodges are affiliated with local environmental and public health NGOs. Community-based tourism initiatives exist, and visitors can engage with local Maasai and other communities through guided walks and cultural experiences.

Early morning and late afternoon light provides optimal photography conditions. The Rift Valley escarpment backdrop offers dramatic scenery. The treetop walkway provides unique perspectives of forest canopy. Flamingos and waterbirds offer excellent bird photography opportunities. Tree-climbing lions are challenging but rewarding subjects. Bring telephoto lenses for wildlife photography and wide-angle lenses for landscape shots.