Lake Manyara National Park lies in the Great Rift Valley in the shadow of a 600m-high escarpment and is famous for flamingos as well as tree-climbing lions.
The national park is comprised of arid grasslands, acacia woodland and a soda lake, which attracts large flocks of flamingo and pelican when full. Whilst small in size, Lake Manyara National Park is nevertheless very picturesque and its wildlife are fairly habituated to humans.
Birdlife here is exceptional, with over 400 recorded species while the lions in the park are renowned for relaxing in the trees when not hunting. The forests support large numbers of baboon, blue monkey and shy antelope such as bushbuck, whilst the grassy plains are inhabited by buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and giraffe. Elephants are also common, while Manyara has a good hippo pool to observe these giant, semi-aquatic mammals.
A visit to this park combines well with the celebrated Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, which are to the north of Lake Manyara. Very close to the park’s southern boundary lies the sun-baked yet strangely enchanting Tarangire National Park, well worth a visit for its high elephant densities and ancient baobab trees.
Location
Why should I visit Lake Manyara?
- A small but very scenic park south of the Serengeti ecosystem
- Seasonal flamingo-viewing on the soda lake
- Incredible birdlife all year round
- Opportunities to observe unusual tree-climbing lions
- Acacia forests filled with primates and antelope
- Plains inhabited by wildebeest, giraffe and buffalo
- A great hippo pool
When is the best time to go to Lake Manyara?
The dry season (June to September) is when animals tend to congregate at remaining waterholes in Lake Manyara National Park. However, the northern section of the park might be crowded in these months. To have the place to yourself, visit just after the wet season, which is generally between March and April.
Our Recommended
Tanzania Sample Itineraries
The following itineraries are just some of the many experiences that we can design for you. All of our tours are private, independent and tailor-made to your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin creating your personalised Tanzania experience.
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Our Recommended
Luxury accommodation at Lake Manyara
The following are some of the lodges and tented camps that we recommend in the Lake Manyara region. For information on additional accommodation not featured, please contact us.
Chem Chem Lodge
Set on a private wildlife concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks, Chem Chem Lodge comprises eight exquisite tented suites.
Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
Kirurumu Manyara Lodge features 27 tented guest rooms that are simple yet comfortable, and breathtaking views of Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley floor.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
This unique African-style lodge sits high on an escarpment overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara with 67 rooms housed within double-storey rondavels.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
The only permanent luxury lodge in Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a collection of magnificent tree houses built on stilts nestled in ancient mahogany forest.
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