The Lake Manyara landscape with the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley

National parks Tanzania

Lake Manyara

Flamingos on the shimmering lake, tree-climbing lions and the steep escarpment of the Great Rift Valley: a small park with a big surprise.

serengeti

tarangire

ngorongoro

lake manyara

arusha

lake eyasi

lake natron

  • Jambo - Hello

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  • Karibu - Welcome

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  • Hakuna Matata - No worries

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  • Rafiki - Friend

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  • Asante - Thank you

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Lake Manyara National Park

Small park, big surprise

Lake Manyara National Park is a remarkable destination, known for its varied ecosystems and breathtaking views.

The park stretches along the shore of beautiful Lake Manyara and offers a distinctive mix of forest, open savannah and wetland: a true paradise for plants and wildlife.

With more than 400 bird species, large troops of monkeys and the famous tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara is the perfect first or last stop on a safari through northern Tanzania.

Tree-climbing lions

Flamingos on the lake

400+ bird species

Great Rift Valley

Tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Lake Manyara facts ✦

400+ birds

More than 400 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.

Climbing lions

Tree-climbing lions: rare behaviour that is often seen here.

Hippos

The wetlands are home to pods of hippos.

Hot springs

Natural hot springs at the edge of the lake.

Travel with meaning

What makes Lake Manyara so special

From lions in the branches to thousands of flamingos on the water: Manyara surprises you at every bend in the road.

Lions in the trees

From flamingo to lion

Remarkable biodiversity

Lake Manyara is home to more than 400 bird species, including iconic flamingos that live around the lake in great numbers: a beautiful spectacle, especially during the breeding season. Large groups of monkeys are at home here too, such as baboons and blue monkeys.

The most striking sight of all is the “tree-climbing lions”, which you often see stretched comfortably across the branches. This unusual behaviour makes a visit to this park special and memorable.

See our sample itineraries

Lions in the trees

From flamingo to lion

Remarkable biodiversity

Lake Manyara is home to more than 400 bird species, including iconic flamingos that live around the lake in great numbers: a beautiful spectacle, especially during the breeding season. Large groups of monkeys are at home here too, such as baboons and blue monkeys.

The most striking sight of all is the “tree-climbing lions”, which you often see stretched comfortably across the branches. This unusual behaviour makes a visit to this park special and memorable.

See our sample itineraries

great rift valley

Lake, escarpment and forest

Beautiful landscapes

The shimmering lake, the steep escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and the lush forest together form a picturesque backdrop. As you drive through the park you take in panoramic views that capture the beauty of Tanzania perfectly.

The colourful flora, from acacia trees to brightly coloured flowers, offers a beautiful contrast with the turquoise water of the lake.

great rift valley

Lake, escarpment and forest

Beautiful landscapes

The shimmering lake, the steep escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and the lush forest together form a picturesque backdrop. As you drive through the park you take in panoramic views that capture the beauty of Tanzania perfectly.

The colourful flora, from acacia trees to brightly coloured flowers, offers a beautiful contrast with the turquoise water of the lake.

more than a game drive

Adventure your way

Things to do in the park

At Lake Manyara there is far more than just a game drive: think walking safaris, bike rides and even a night game drive that reveals a completely different side of nature.

A visit to the hot springs is a unique experience. And above all, enjoy a refreshing drink overlooking the park and the glittering lake. Pure calm.

Plan your safari with Kembe

more than a game drive

Adventure your way

Things to do in the park

At Lake Manyara there is far more than just a game drive: think walking safaris, bike rides and even a night game drive that reveals a completely different side of nature.

A visit to the hot springs is a unique experience. And above all, enjoy a refreshing drink overlooking the park and the glittering lake. Pure calm.

Plan your safari with Kembe

Through our lens

Lake Manyara in pictures

A selection of what our travellers and guides caught on camera along the lake, from pelicans to lions in the trees.

The famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara
Pelicans on Lake Manyara
Antelope on the open savannah
Lions in Lake Manyara National Park
View across the park and the Great Rift Valley
Tanzanian landscape

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Karibu - welcome

“Will you be the one to spot a lion in a tree?”

Ready to discover the surprises of Lake Manyara? Take the first step towards your dream trip. We’d love to talk through what you have in mind.

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