Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is one of the most compact destinations on Tanzania’s northern circuit, but that does not mean it lacks variety.

The park sits beneath the Rift Valley escarpment and combines groundwater forest, open floodplain and the shallow waters of Lake Manyara. The changing landscape creates habitats for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, baboons, monkeys and a wide variety of birds.

It is particularly known for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are never guaranteed. The lake also attracts large numbers of waterbirds, while the forest provides a completely different atmosphere from the open plains of the Serengeti.

Manyara works especially well as a short safari stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.

Best for:
Tree-climbing lions · Birdlife · Forest · Short safaris · Rift Valley scenery