Tanzania · National park
Lake Manyara National Park
Forest, flamingos and the Rift Valley wall
Size
About 650 km², much of it lake
Location
Northern Tanzania
Best time
Year-round
Known for
Forest · Flamingos · Baboons
About the park
Beneath the Rift Valley escarpment
Lake Manyara is a compact park squeezed between the steep wall of the Great Rift Valley and a shallow alkaline lake. Groundwater springs feed a lush forest of fig and mahogany trees, surprisingly green for this part of Tanzania.
In a short drive you pass through forest, open grassland, acacia woodland and lakeshore, each with its own wildlife. Large troops of baboons, blue monkeys, elephants and giraffe are common, the lions are known for sometimes resting in trees, and the lake can attract flamingos and pelicans. It’s perfect for a half day on the way to Ngorongoro or the Serengeti.
Highlights
Why visit Lake Manyara
Groundwater forest
A lush forest at the foot of the escarpment, full of monkeys.
Flamingos & waterbirds
Pelicans, storks and seasonal flamingos on the lake.
Tree-climbing lions
Lions here are known for lounging in acacia branches.
Treetop walkway
A canopy walk through the forest treetops.
When to visit
Good all year. Dry months (June to October) are best for mammals; the wet season brings more birdlife and greener scenery.
Wildlife you may see
Baboon, blue monkey, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, lion, wildebeest, zebra, flamingo, pelican and over 400 bird species.
Getting there
About 2 hours by road from Arusha, on the main route to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Visit with Asili
Trips including Lake Manyara
Plan your Lake Manyara safari
Tell us when you’d like to travel and we’ll design a private journey that includes Lake Manyara.
Enquire now