Lake Manyara

At the foot of the Rift Valley lies Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its immense scenic diversity in a small area. Dense groundwater forest, open savannahs and the shimmering soda lake provide habitat for elephants, hippos, flamingo colonies and the famous tree-climbing lions. A varied safari experience just a few hours from Arusha.

Soda Lake

Year-round

Midrange price level

1 day

Lake Manyara National Park sits at the base of the mighty East African Rift Valley. Even the drive there is impressive, as the steep escarpment of the Rift Valley rises like a natural wall along the park. Inside, lush groundwater forests alternate with open grasslands, hot springs, and wide lakeshores. This variety of habitats means visitors can experience remarkably diverse landscapes in a very small area.

In recent years, however, Lake Manyara has increasingly overflowed its banks. Data from the Tanzania National Parks Authority shows that the water level has risen significantly since around 2010, due to heavier rainfall, sediment deposition, and altered inflows. Large sections of shoreline vegetation are now underwater, and roads in the park are often impassable.

Despite these changes, Lake Manyara National Park remains a fascinating destination where the dynamic forces of nature can be seen in spectacular ways.

Animals in Lake Manyara National Park

Between dense forest and sparkling lake shores, Lake Manyara National Park reveals a surprisingly rich animal world in a small space. Baboons noisily roam the groundwater forest, while giraffes gracefully wander among acacias and giant baobabs.

In the open savannahs, elephants, zebras, impalas and buffalo gather. Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which like to rest high up in the branches. In the water, hippos splash while crocodiles lie motionless on the banks waiting for prey.

But the park is especially renowned for its spectacular birdlife: flamingos paint the lake shore pink, and kingfishers, hornbills and shimmering starlings make Lake Manyara a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Highlights

01

Tree-climbing lions

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its lions, which often rest high up in the forks of trees. This behaviour is rare and seen in only a few parks across Africa.
02

Flamingo paradise

During the rainy season, thousands of flamingos gather in the shallow, alkaline lake, turning the shores bright pink. It’s a spectacular sight for bird lovers.
03

Hot springs

At the southern end of the park, hot, steaming springs bubble up from the ground. The mineral-rich water has formed turquoise pools—a fascinating natural phenomenon off the usual safari circuit.
04

Lush groundwater forest

At the foot of the Rift Valley grows a lush, evergreen forest. Baboons, blue monkeys and shy forest antelopes live here, creating an exciting contrast to the open savannah.

Activities

Game drive

Discover baboons, elephants and lions on thrilling drives.

Birdwatching

Experience huge flamingo flocks and over 400 other bird species.

Canoe tour

Glide across the water and see birds and green shoreline forests.

Night Game Drive

Discover shy animals after darkness falls.

Getting there

By car

From Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park can be reached in about 2 to 2.5 hours. The route is mostly on well-developed roads and is often included in guided safaris.

By plane

Lake Manyara Airport makes the park easily accessible by small aircraft. Flights from Arusha take around 30 to 40 minutes.

Are you ready for your adventure?

Whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro, get to know the Maasai and their culture, or float over the savannah in a hot air balloon, you'll find everything you need here!

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Lake Manyara

Animals in Lake Manyara National Park

Highlights

Tree-climbing lions

Flamingo paradise

Hot springs

Lush groundwater forest

Activities

Game drive

Birdwatching

Canoe tour

Night Game Drive

Getting there

By car

By plane

Are you ready for your adventure?