Lions
Tree-Climbing Lions
One of the few places in Africa where lions often rest in trees. Sightings are never guaranteed, which makes them special.
03°36′S 35°49′E Rift Valley · 07:10
Where the Rift Valley Comes Alive
Lake Manyara National Park Safari in Tanzania.
Bird species 400+ In one small park
Plan My Manyara Safari5-Star Rated · 20+ Years in Manyara · Private Vehicle & Guide
What is Lake Manyara National Park famous for?
Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos on the shallow soda lake, and a lush groundwater forest full of elephants and baboons, all set below the steep wall of the Great Rift Valley. It lies in northern Tanzania, about two hours by road from Arusha and close to the Ngorongoro Crater, and is home to more than 400 bird species. Yera Journeys plans private Lake Manyara safaris, usually as part of a Northern Circuit trip.
Why Lake Manyara
Small Park, Big Surprises Below the Rift Valley
In a single day you drive from a green forest of fig and mahogany trees, past elephants and blue monkeys, down to open shores where flamingos and pelicans feed below the Rift Valley wall.
Lake Manyara is compact, close to Arusha and on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater, so it fits easily into any northern safari. Look up in the acacias: this is one of the few places where lions are known to climb trees.
Lake Manyara
Lions in the trees. Flamingos on the water. The Rift Valley above it all.
What you get
Six Benefits of a Lake Manyara Safari With Yera
Birds
Flamingos and 400+ Birds
Flamingos, pelicans, storks and hornbills. A favourite park for birdwatchers.
Forest
Elephants in the Forest
A rare groundwater forest with elephants, baboons and blue monkeys among giant fig trees.
Easy access
On the Way to the Crater
About two hours from Arusha and one hour from Karatu. Perfect for a half or full day on a northern safari.
Beyond drives
Treetop Walks and Night Drives
Walk above the forest canopy, take a guided night drive, or canoe on the lake when the water allows.
Culture
Village Life in Mto wa Mbu
Walk or cycle through banana farms and markets in one of Tanzania's most diverse villages.
Areas of Lake Manyara
Where to Go in Lake Manyara National Park
The park runs in a narrow strip between the Rift Valley wall and the lake.
| Area | Best time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Groundwater forest | All year | Elephants, baboons, blue monkeys, treetop walkway |
| Acacia woodland | All year | Tree-climbing lions, giraffes, buffalo |
| Lake shore | November to June | Flamingos, pelicans, hippo pool |
| Southern park & hot springs | June to October | Quiet drives, Maji Moto hot springs, Rift Valley views |
| Mto wa Mbu | All year | Village walks, cycling, local food |
Flamingo numbers change with the water level each year.
Things to do
Things to Do in Lake Manyara
Game drives
- Private half or full-day drives
- Tree-climbing lions, sometimes
- Elephants, buffalo, giraffes
- Hippo pool and lake views
Treetop & walks
- Treetop walkway in the forest
- Guided walks with a ranger
- Rift Valley escarpment views
Night drives & canoe
- Guided night game drives
- Canoeing when the water allows
- Sundowners by the lake
Culture
- Mto wa Mbu village walk
- Cycling through banana farms
- Local lunch and markets
Some activities depend on season and park arrangements. We confirm what is available for your dates.
Where to stay
Lake Manyara Lodges and Camps
On the Escarpment
Lodges on the Rift Valley wall with wide views over the lake.
Inside the Park
Tented camps in the forest and woodland, close to the wildlife.
Mto wa Mbu
Lodges near the gate, easy for both Manyara and Tarangire.
Karatu
Coffee-farm lodges one hour away, on the road to the crater.
When to go
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara
June to October
Dry season. Easier to spot mammals, including lions in the trees and elephants in the forest.
November to June
Wet season and the best time for birds and flamingos, with green, lush scenery.
All year
The forest and lake make Lake Manyara rewarding in every month.
At a glance
Lake Manyara National Park Facts
| Size | About 650 km², much of it the lake |
|---|---|
| Famous for | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, groundwater forest |
| Wildlife | Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, baboons, 400+ bird species |
| Location | Below the Rift Valley wall, about 2 hours from Arusha |
| Ideal stay | Half or full day, or one night |
| Best time | June to October for mammals; November to June for birds |
| Combine with | Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti |
| Styles | Classic, Signature or Bespoke |
Lake Manyara safaris
Lake Manyara Safari Ideas
Combine Lake Manyara with
Best Places to Add to a Lake Manyara Safari
Tarangire
Huge elephant herds and baobabs, about an hour away.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Big Five in one day, just up the road.
Serengeti
The Great Migration and big cats beyond the crater.
Lake Eyasi
Hadzabe and Datoga cultures south of the crater.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your Lake Manyara proposal is free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change parks, lodges and days before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions travellers ask
Lake Manyara Safari FAQs
What is Lake Manyara National Park famous for?
Its tree-climbing lions, flamingos on the soda lake, and a groundwater forest full of elephants and baboons below the Rift Valley wall.
Why do lions climb trees in Lake Manyara?
No one knows for sure. Lions may climb to escape biting flies, catch the breeze or get a better view. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
June to October for mammals and dry-season game viewing, and November to June for birds and flamingos.
How much time do you need in Lake Manyara?
A half or full day is enough for most guests. Stay a night to add a night drive, the treetop walkway or a village walk.
How far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?
About two hours by road, and about one hour from Karatu and the Ngorongoro Crater.
When can you see flamingos in Lake Manyara?
Most often in the wet season, from November to June, but numbers change with the lake's water level each year.
Lake Manyara or Tarangire?
Lake Manyara is smaller, with forest, flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Tarangire is bigger, with more elephants in the dry season. They are close, so many guests visit both.
Begin your journey
Let's Plan Your Lake Manyara Safari
Tell us your dates and dreams. A private proposal reaches you within 24 hours.