DESTINATION · TANZANIA · LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park
Discover a compact and diverse safari destination where lush groundwater forests, open savannah, seasonal wetlands and the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara create a striking landscape. Lake Manyara National Park offers an excellent combination of wildlife, birdlife and scenery within a relatively small area.
The park is known for its large elephant population, impressive birdlife, colorful flamingos and tree climbing lions. Its varied habitats also support buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, baboons and numerous antelope species.
Best suited for:
Wildlife safaris
Bird watching
Elephant encounters
Photography safaris
Family safaris
Short Tanzania safaris
Nature and landscape lovers
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and combines several distinct habitats within a small area. Groundwater forests create a cool green environment, while open grasslands, woodland, wetlands and the lake itself support different forms of wildlife.
The park provides an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Its location makes it easy to combine with Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
Lake Manyara also holds strong appeal for bird lovers. The lake and surrounding wetlands attract flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets and many other species. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the park.
Experience Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara offers a changing safari experience as you move between forest, woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. The compact landscape allows you to experience several environments during a single game drive.
Morning Game Drive
Start early and enter the park while temperatures are cool and wildlife is active. Drive through the lush forest before continuing toward the open plains and lake area.
Watch for elephants moving through the woodland, troops of baboons along the forest roads and giraffes feeding among the trees.
Tree Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara is famous for lions occasionally resting in the branches of large trees.
While their behaviour varies, finding lions elevated above the ground creates a memorable wildlife and photography experience. Your guide will monitor recent sightings and explore suitable areas during the game drive.
Elephant Encounters
Lake Manyara supports a strong elephant population. Herds often move through woodland areas, feeding on vegetation and gathering around water.
Observing elephants in the forest creates a different experience from watching them on the open plains of Tarangire or Serengeti.
Bird Watching
Lake Manyara is one of the strongest birding destinations on the northern Tanzania circuit.
The combination of forest, woodland, grassland, wetlands and lake habitat supports hundreds of bird species. Early morning drives provide excellent conditions for bird photography and observation.
Groundwater Forest
Enter the dense evergreen forest fed by underground water sources from the surrounding escarpment.
Tall trees, vines and shaded paths create a cooler environment where elephants, baboons, monkeys and numerous bird species move through the vegetation.
Rift Valley Escarpment
The Great Rift Valley
escarpment provides a dramatic backdrop to Lake Manyara. From selected viewpoints, you can appreciate the contrast between the steep highlands, forested areas, open plains and lake basin.
The landscape adds depth to photography and gives the safari a strong sense of place.
Stay near Lake Manyara
Accommodation around Lake Manyara offers convenient access to the park and the wider northern Tanzania safari circuit. You can choose from lodges, tented camps and comfortable stays around Mto wa Mbu and the surrounding area.
Lake Manyara Area
Stay close to the park for easy access to early morning game drives and views toward the lake and Rift Valley escarpment.
Mto wa Mbu
Mto wa Mbu provides a convenient base between Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. It also offers opportunities to experience local markets, farms, food and community life.
Rift Valley Highlands
Stay in the surrounding highlands for cooler temperatures, scenic views and a peaceful setting after a day of wildlife exploration.
Speak to a safari specialist
Let's plan your journey.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours