Where forest, soda lake and Rift Valley meet
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact national park in northern Tanzania, about 126 km from Arusha. It is famous for tree-climbing lions, a groundwater forest, an alkaline lake with abundant birdlife and large baboon troops.
The park sits below the Rift Valley escarpment and packs several habitats into a small area. Springs feed a lush groundwater forest near the gate, which gives way to acacia woodland, open grassland and the shallow soda lake itself.
Lake Manyara is a good first stop or a relaxed second-day park on a northern Tanzania safari. It is close to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti and is known for elephants, giraffes, hippos, birds and, with luck, lions resting in trees.
Start PlanningLake Manyara National Park at a glance
The essentials travellers search for most, in one place.
- Location
- Manyara Region, northern Tanzania
- Distance from Arusha
- About 126 km; roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road
- Distance to Tarangire
- About 70 km
- Size
- About 650 km², with a large share taken by the lake
- Managed by
- Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
- Famous for
- Tree-climbing lions, forest, flamingos and baboons
- Habitats
- Groundwater forest, acacia woodland, floodplain, soda lake
- Birdlife
- More than 400 species recorded
- Activities
- Game drives, birdwatching, walks and night drives where permitted
- Best time to visit
- June to October for wildlife; November to May for birds
- Typical visit
- Half day to full day, or 1 night
- Park fees
- Set by TANAPA and revised periodically; we confirm current rates when quoting
Experience Lake Manyara your way
Lake Manyara offers varied scenery in a short distance. Choose a relaxed game drive, a birding focus or a longer stay on the escarpment.
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Game Drives and Tree-Climbing Lions
Drive through the forest and open woodland. Lions are sometimes found resting in acacia trees, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Lake and Birdwatching
Pelicans, storks, ibis and other waterbirds use the lake. Flamingo numbers vary with water levels and the season.
Forest Monkeys and Baboons
Look for blue monkeys, vervets and large olive baboon troops in the groundwater forest, along with elephants and giraffes.
Animals and birds you can see in Lake Manyara National Park
The park is small, which makes game drives easy and rewarding even in a short visit.
Tree-climbing lions
A rare behaviour seen in only a few places in Africa. Treat it as a bonus, not a promise.
Elephants and buffalo
Elephants are regularly seen in the forest and woodland, with buffalo on the floodplains.
Baboons and monkeys
Large baboon troops and blue and vervet monkeys are very visible.
Hippos and birds
Hippos wallow in pools, and the lake attracts pelicans, storks and, in some seasons, flamingos.
Dry season for game, green season for birds
Lake Manyara can be visited year-round. Wildlife is easiest to see in the dry months, while the wetter months bring more migratory birds and a lush forest.
- Jun–OctDry season. Best game viewing and easiest road conditions.
- Nov–DecShort rains. Green landscapes and good birding.
- Jan–FebWarm and often drier. Pleasant for birds and fewer crowds.
- Mar–MayLong rains. The lake rises, roads can be slow, and the park is at its quietest.
How Lake Manyara compares with nearby parks
Manyara is a scenic, compact park that fits neatly into a northern Tanzania itinerary.
Manyara vs Tarangire
Tarangire is larger and known for elephant herds and baobabs. Manyara is greener, with forest and a lake.
Manyara vs Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro has dense wildlife in a volcanic crater. Manyara is quieter and works as a lighter day.
Manyara vs Serengeti
Serengeti offers vast plains and the Great Migration. Manyara is a short, scenic stop on the way.
Plan your Lake Manyara safari
Lake Manyara fits easily into a northern Tanzania route. Adhama Africa Adventures can plan it with your other parks.
Day trip or overnight
A day trip works from Arusha. Staying overnight on the escarpment gives views and a slower pace.
Pair it with Tarangire
Tarangire and Lake Manyara are about 70 km apart and make a natural pairing.
On the way to Ngorongoro
Manyara is on the route to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, so it can be an easy first or second day.
Let’s plan your Lake Manyara safari
Tell us your travel dates and which parks you want to combine. We’ll plan a Tanzania safari that suits your pace.
Helpful things to know before you go
Where is Lake Manyara National Park?
Lake Manyara National Park is in northern Tanzania, about 126 km from Arusha. It sits below the Rift Valley escarpment.
What is Lake Manyara National Park famous for?
It is famous for tree-climbing lions, a groundwater forest, birdlife and large baboon troops, all in a compact park.
Are there really tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara?
Lions at Manyara are sometimes seen resting in trees, especially in acacia woodland. Sightings are never guaranteed.
What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
The dry season from June to October is best for wildlife. The wetter months are good for birds and green scenery.
Can you see flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Sometimes. Flamingo numbers depend on lake levels and the season, so they vary from year to year.
How long do you need at Lake Manyara?
Half a day to a full day is enough for many visitors. An overnight stay allows a slower pace.
Can Lake Manyara be combined with Tarangire?
Yes. The two parks are about 70 km apart and are often combined on a northern Tanzania safari.
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