The Emerald Gem of the Rift Valley

Lake Manyara National Park

A narrow strip of land famous globally for its tree-climbing lions and a unique, lush groundwater forest.

            See the Tree Lions    
Explore the Ecosystem

The Rift Valley's Hidden Biodiversity

Lake Manyara National Park, though one of Tanzania's smaller parks, is incredibly diverse. It is set between the high **Great Rift Valley** wall and the alkaline **Lake Manyara**. This unique geography creates five distinct vegetation zones: from the vast, open water of the lake to the dense **Groundwater Forest**, home to baboons and blue monkeys. The park is a major stop for migratory birds and offers one of the best introductory safaris in the Northern Circuit.

Groundwater Forest

Lush, dense forest sustained by seepage from the Rift Valley wall.

Northern Circuit Gateway

Often the first or last stop on the northern Tanzania safari route.

Lake Manyara Groundwater Forest
Unique Habitats, Unique Animals

Lake Manyara Highlights: Lions, Elephants, and Birds

The park is famous for the highest concentration of **baboons** in the world and its **tree-climbing lions**, a rare behavior only seen here and in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth Park. The large lion population often rests high up in the shady **acacia and sausage trees**. The alkaline lake attracts a breathtaking spectacle of up to 1.5 million **flamingos** during the wet season. You will also find buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and large herds of elephants.

Tree Climbing Lion

Tree-Climbing Lion 🦁

Lions here have a unique habit of resting on acacia and sausage tree branches to escape tsetse flies and the heat.

Pink Flamingos on Lake

Pink Flamingos 🦩

The shallow, alkaline lake attracts massive flocks of Lesser and Greater Flamingos, creating a spectacular pink edge to the water.

Baboon Troup

Baboons 🐒

The dense forest near the entrance gate hosts the largest concentration of baboons in the world, often seen grooming and foraging.

Manyara Giraffe

Giraffes & Hippos 🦒

The Maasai giraffe thrive here, along with large groups of hippos visible in the lake's shallow muddy pools and river mouths.

Tip: The flamingos are best viewed during the wet season (Nov-May) when the lake levels are high.

Manyara Adventure Activities

Lake Manyara offers unique water-based and canopy activities unavailable in many other Northern Circuit parks.

Canoeing Safaris

A fantastic chance to see birdlife and hippos from a unique, quiet perspective on the lake (seasonal, depending on water levels).

Treetop Walkway

Experience the forest canopy from a 370m long suspension bridge, offering a unique bird's-eye view of the dense groundwater forest.

Night Game Drives

Lake Manyara is one of the best locations for authorized night safaris to spot nocturnal animals, including the tree-climbing lions (seasonal).

Local Village Tours

Visit the neighboring Mto wa Mbu village, a bustling cultural hub where different tribes showcase their crafts, farming, and beer brewing.

Luxury Tents and Lodge Comfort

Where to Stay at Lake Manyara

Accommodations range from stunning cliff-side lodges near the Rift Valley escarpment to intimate, well-appointed tented camps near the park entrance.

Intimate Camps

Luxury Tented Camps

Camps located close to the main gate or groundwater forest, providing excellent proximity to the morning game drives.

  • Excellent location
  • Authentic bush atmosphere
PREMIUM VIEW
Cliff-Side Lodges

Escarpment Lodges

Lodges built high on the Rift Valley wall, offering stunning panoramic views over the lake and park below.

  • Breathtaking lake views
  • Infinity pools
Value

Mto wa Mbu Area

Budget and mid-range accommodation located in the nearby cultural town of Mto wa Mbu, offering great value.

  • Excellent budget value
  • Cultural tours access
1 Chat with Us