Tree-Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara is famous for its unusual population of tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions that prefer to rest on the ground, these lions often lounge on the branches of acacia trees, offering visitors a rare and exciting photo opportunity.

Flamingo-Filled Lake
The alkaline Lake Manyara is a stunning highlight of the park, frequently covered in a pink carpet of thousands of flamingos. Alongside them, pelicans, storks, and many other waterbirds make the lake a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Diverse Habitats
For a relatively small park, Lake Manyara boasts an incredible range of ecosystems. Visitors can explore lush groundwater forests, expansive savannahs, bubbling hot springs, and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, all within one safari drive.

Abundant Wildlife
The park is teeming with wildlife. Large herds of elephants roam freely, giraffes gracefully stride across the plains, and zebras and wildebeest graze in abundance. Troops of baboons, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, are a special highlight, along with hippos wallowing in the lake’s shallows.

Scenic Beauty
Few parks in Tanzania offer scenery as breathtaking as Lake Manyara. Nestled between the steep walls of the Great Rift Valley and the shimmering expanse of the lake, the park provides unforgettable vistas and a perfect blend of wildlife and landscape photography.

June – October (Dry Season):
This is the ideal period for traditional game viewing. As water sources shrink, animals gather around the lake and nearby springs, making it easier to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The thinner vegetation during this time means clearer sightings, and the atmosphere feels vibrant as predators and prey concentrate around fewer areas.

November – May (Wet Season):
When the rains arrive, Lake Manyara undergoes a stunning transformation. The park becomes lush and green, waterfalls tumble down the Rift Valley escarpment, and the shallow lake often turns pink with thousands of flamingos. This is also the best season for birdwatchers, with migratory species adding to the park’s already rich birdlife. The landscapes are breathtaking, though some roads may become muddy.

👉 Year-Round Destination:
Lake Manyara is rewarding at any time of the year. The dry season offers the best opportunities for spotting large mammals, while the wet season is unmatched for birding and dramatic scenery. Whether you’re drawn by wildlife, landscapes, or photography, Manyara always has something magical to offer.

Classic Game Drives:
Morning and evening drives through the park reveal Lake Manyara’s rich diversity. From large elephant herds in the groundwater forests to giraffes against the backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, every drive feels unique. Keep your eyes open for the rare sight of lions resting in tree branches.

Walking Safaris:
Guided nature walks around the park’s edges or near hot springs let you experience the wilderness up close. The sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and distant calls of baboons create a magical, immersive adventure beyond the vehicle.

Birdwatching Tours:
Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting over 400 species. Depending on the season, you might see flocks of flamingos painting the lake pink, migratory storks soaring above, or the impressive crowned eagles hunting in the forests.

Cultural Encounters:
Nearby Maasai villages offer an authentic cultural experience. Visitors can learn about Maasai traditions, dances, and daily life, adding a human and cultural dimension to the safari.

Scenic Photography:
With the Rift Valley escarpment towering on one side and the shimmering lake on the other, Manyara offers picture-perfect scenery. Sunset game drives are particularly breathtaking, with golden light reflecting on the water and silhouettes of baobab trees.