Park imagery
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park may be one of Tanzania's smallest parks, but it packs incredible diversity into its compact size. The park stretches along the base of the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, encompassing a groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, grasslands, and the alkaline lake itself.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions—a behavioral quirk not seen as commonly elsewhere. Scientists believe the lions climb trees to escape tsetse flies and buffalo, or simply to catch a breeze. Watching a pride of lions draped over the branches of an acacia tree is a signature Lake Manyara experience.
The lake itself attracts massive flocks of flamingos when water levels are right, creating a stunning pink shoreline. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Wildlife in Lake Manyara
Tree-climbing Lion
Famous for their unusual tree-climbing behavior
Flamingo
Thousands of lesser and greater flamingos when conditions are right
Elephant
Good populations in the groundwater forest
Hippo
Pools along the lake shore
Baboon
Large troops in the forest areas
Blue Monkey
Common in the groundwater forest
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara
| Months | Weather | Wildlife | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | Warm, rains | Good, flamingos variable | Low |
| Apr-May | Heavy rains | Lush, some roads difficult | Very low |
| Jun-Oct | Dry, pleasant | Excellent, tree lions active | Moderate |
| Nov-Dec | Short rains | Good, landscape green | Low-Moderate |
Safari Itineraries Including Lake Manyara
Safari imagery