Lake Manyara National Park runs along a narrow strip between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shallow, alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, about 78 miles southwest of Arusha. Covering roughly 325 sq km, with the lake itself making up nearly two-thirds of that area, it is best known for one of Africa’s more unusual sights: lions that climb trees.
The park at a glance
- About 325 sq km, with Lake Manyara’s alkaline waters covering nearly two-thirds of the total area
- Set beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment
- Over 400 recorded bird species and more than 60 mammal species
- Home to one of the few lion populations in Africa known to regularly climb trees
Tree-climbing lions
Lake Manyara’s lions are famous for resting in the branches of acacia and sausage trees during the heat of the day, a behaviour rarely seen elsewhere in Africa and not fully explained, though relief from biting insects and heat are commonly suggested reasons. Sightings are not guaranteed on any single visit, but the park remains one of the best places in Tanzania to try.
Flamingos and other wildlife
Lake Manyara’s alkaline waters can attract over a million flamingos in good seasons, along with large numbers of other waterbirds. On land, the park supports elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, blue monkey and large baboon troops, giving it a strong variety of wildlife within a relatively small and easily covered area.
Things to do
- Game drives focused on tree-climbing lions and elephant herds
- Birdwatching along the lakeshore for flamingos and other waterbirds
- Canoeing on the lake, offered seasonally by some operators when water levels allow
- Combining a visit with Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire as part of a northern circuit
Practical information
- Reached by road from Arusha, about two hours, making it an easy stop on the way to or from Ngorongoro and the Serengeti
- Best visited in the dry seasons from June to October and January to February, though flamingo numbers vary with lake conditions
- Its compact size makes it well suited to a half-day or full-day visit
Lake Manyara’s mix of tree-climbing lions and dramatic scenery makes it a rewarding addition to a northern Tanzania circuit. Offmap Safaris can combine it with Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.