Lake Manyara National Park

About Lake Manyara National Park

Located in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is 126 kilometers west of Arusha Town, covering an area of 330 square kilometers including a lake surface of 230 square kilometers. Despite its compact size, the park packs incredible diversity into its boundaries.

Established as a game reserve in 1957 and granted National Park status in 1960, Lake Manyara became part of the UNESCO Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve in 1981. The park's name comes from the Maasai word 'emanyara,' referring to the Euphorbia plant used to create protective livestock enclosures.

The park is characterized by dramatic scenery - behind the spectacular Great Rift Valley's steep western escarpment lies the narrow protected area between the escarpment and the alkaline lake. The landscape includes grassy floodplains, bands of mixed acacia woodlands, and patches of evergreen forest fed by perennial underground springs from the escarpment base. This diverse ecosystem supports one of Africa's most unique lion populations and serves as a vital habitat for large elephant herds and over 350 bird species.

Highlights

Tree-climbing lions - One of only two populations in Africa

360-meter tree-top canopy walkway through forest

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981

Great Rift Valley escarpment dramatic backdrop

350+ bird species including flamingos and pelicans

Large elephant herds similar to Tarangire

Alkaline lake attracting thousands of pink flamingos

Baboon troops up to 200 members

Compact park perfect for day trips (1.5 hours from Arusha)

Diverse ecosystems from groundwater forest to acacia woodland

Wildlife

Tree-climbing Lions (unique population)

African Elephants (large herds)

Giraffes

Zebras

Wildebeests

Impalas

Waterbucks

Warthogs

Kirk's Dik-dik

Klipspringer (on escarpment)

Leopards

Baboons (troops up to 200 members)

Hippos

Cape Buffaloes

350+ bird species including pink flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, egrets, herons, storks, crowned eagles, crested guinea fowl, silvery-cheeked hornbills

Activities

Game Drives - Morning and afternoon wildlife viewing

Tree-climbing Lion Tracking - Spotting lions resting in fig trees

Tree-top Canopy Walk - 360-meter elevated walkway through forest

Flamingo Viewing - Thousands of pink flamingos on alkaline lake

Bird Watching - Over 350 species in diverse habitats

Elephant Observation - Large herds foraging in woodlands

Baboon Watching - Social troops feeding and caring for young

Photography - Great Rift Valley escarpment and wildlife

Picnicking - Designated scenic spots with lake views

Cultural Tours - Nearby Maasai village visits

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when animals congregate at limited water sources making wildlife viewing easier. July to October offers the driest conditions with passable roads and thin vegetation for optimal game viewing. The short dry season in January-February also provides excellent conditions. During the wet season (November-May), the park becomes lush and green with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates, though some roads may be challenging.