National park · Northern Circuit
Lake Manyara National Park
A compact park known for tree-climbing lions and flamingo-lined shores.
Last updated
- Circuit
- Northern Circuit
- Type
- National park
- Best time
- June to October, November to December for flamingos
- Location
- 3.62° S, 35.82° E
- Safaris
- 2 trips visit
Overview
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park may be one of Tanzania's smallest parks at just 330 km², but its diversity of habitats and unique wildlife make it a must-visit destination on the Northern Circuit. The park stretches along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering dramatic scenery and an incredible variety of ecosystems.
The park is most famous for its tree-climbing lions - a rare behavior where lions rest in the branches of acacia trees. While not guaranteed, spotting these unusual felines is a memorable highlight. The alkaline lake itself attracts thousands of flamingos when conditions are right, creating a pink-hued spectacle against the backdrop of the rift valley wall.
Lake Manyara packs an incredible diversity into its small area: groundwater forest with mahogany and fig trees, acacia woodland, open grassland, and the lake shore. This variety supports over 400 bird species and a healthy population of elephants, hippos, giraffes, and primates including baboons and blue monkeys.
- Tree-Climbing Lions
- Flamingos
- Ground Water Forest
- Hot Springs
On the ground
What you can see and do
Wildlife you may see
- Lion
- Elephant
- Hippo
- Giraffe
- Flamingo
- Baboon
- Blue Monkey
Things to do
- Game Drives
- Bird Watching
- Canoeing
- Treetop Walkway
Where to stay
Lodges and camps
Tented camp · Mid-range
Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Location
Where Lake Manyara is
3.62° S, 35.82° E in the Northern Circuit. See it with every other park.
“I've been on safaris in Kenya and South Africa, but Tanzania with Bald Eagle was something special. The Ngorongoro Crater is like nowhere else on Earth. The attention to detail and personalized service exceeded all expectations.”
Trips
Safaris that visit Lake Manyara
- 5 days · Wildlife5-Day Budget Tanzania SafariExperience the magic of Tanzania's Northern Circuit without breaking the bank. This camping safari visits Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater with professional guides and quality camping equipment. Perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.Price on requestView itinerary
- 4 days · Wildlife4-Day Essential Tanzania SafariOnly have a few days? This compact safari hits the highlights of Tanzania's Northern Circuit: Tarangire's elephants, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater - all in 4 action-packed days.Price on requestView itinerary
Nearby
More in the Northern Circuit
- Mountain
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Uhuru Peak Summit · Five Climate Zones · Glaciers3.08° S, 37.35° EDestination guide - Conservation area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world's largest intact volcanic caldera.Crater Floor · Big Five · Maasai Culture3.17° S, 35.58° EDestination guide - National park
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's most famous park, home to the Great Migration and endless plains teeming with wildlife.Great Migration · Big Five · Endless Plains2.33° S, 34.83° EDestination guide - National park
Tarangire National Park
Famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.Elephant Herds · Baobab Trees · Tarangire River4.02° S, 36.02° EDestination guide
