Lake Manyara is small — only 330 km² — but layered. Groundwater forest at the entrance, open floodplain in the middle, an alkaline lake fringed by pink flamingos at the heart, and the Great Rift escarpment rising 600 metres behind.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, an unusual behaviour seen in only a handful of places worldwide. Add baboons in troops of two hundred, large elephant families that emerge from the forest at dawn, and one of Tanzania's richest birdlists, and you have a half-day or full-day experience that rewards slowing down.
We typically include Manyara as the opening or closing chapter of a Northern Circuit safari — a soft landing or a gentle goodbye, easily reached from Arusha and entirely different in character from the open plains that follow.
Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions — a rare and famous behaviour
- Vast troops of baboon and blue monkey in the groundwater forest
- Flamingos and pelicans on the alkaline lake
- Hippo pools and a permanent elephant population
- Treetop canopy walkway (optional)
- Excellent birding — over 400 species
When to go
June–October for classic dry-season game viewing. November–May for the dramatic landscapes, swollen waterfalls and outstanding birding, including migratory species.
Wildlife
Elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, leopard and the celebrated tree-climbing lions. Olive baboons in spectacular troop sizes, plus a strong birdlife including African fish eagle and pink-backed pelican.
Why we love it
It's the perfect first taste of safari — easy, varied, beautiful — and a quiet way to ease into the Northern Circuit rhythm before the bigger parks.
