The short answer
Lake Manyara is a compact, beautiful park beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, known for its groundwater forest, large troops of baboons, flamingos on the soda lake and famous tree-climbing lions. It makes an excellent half-day stop on the way to or from Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Small but lush, Lake Manyara packs a surprising variety into a short visit. Pressed between the dramatic Rift Valley wall and a shallow soda lake, it shifts from dense groundwater forest to open floodplain in a matter of minutes — and it's one of the few places where lions famously lounge in the trees. It's a perfect scenic interlude on a northern safari.
See safaris with Lake Manyara →A lot in a little space
Manyara's charm is its variety. You enter through shady groundwater forest alive with blue monkeys and big troops of baboons, then emerge to open grassland and the lakeshore, where elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo and zebra gather. The backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment makes it one of the most scenic parks in the north.
Tree-climbing lions and flamingos
Manyara is famous for two sights: lions that rest up in the branches of acacia trees — unusual behaviour seen in only a few places — and, when conditions are right, great pink drifts of flamingos and other waterbirds on the soda lake. Birdlife in general is exceptional here.
Tip
Tree-climbing lions and big flamingo flocks are special but not guaranteed — both depend on the day and the season. Treat them as a bonus on top of a lovely, easy park.
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See safaris with Lake Manyara →How it fits your trip
Lake Manyara sits right on the road between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, so it's usually visited as a half or full day en route, rather than as a destination in itself. It's a gentle, rewarding way to break the drive and add another habitat to your safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
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