Back to Nature & LandscapesLake Manyara
Overview & Highlights
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact gem situated beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The park consists of a shimmering soda lake that covers two-thirds of its area, plus a lush groundwater forest of giant fig and mahogany trees, open grassy plains, and hot springs (Maji Moto). Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions (which lounge in acacia branches), large elephant herds, baboon troops, and over 400 species of birds, including massive flocks of pink flamingos.
What We Love
- Famous tree-climbing lions
- Stunning groundwater forest and Rift Valley scenery
- Huge baboon troops and high elephant density
- Canopy treetop walkway available
- Highly accessible (easy day trip from Arusha)
Keep in Mind
- Lions are hard to spot in the dense vegetation
- No rhinos present
- Park is small and gets busy near the entrance
Wildlife & Birds
Wildlife Highlights
- Lions known for climbing acacia trees and sleeping in branches
- Large elephant herds feeding in groundwater forests
- Hippos congregated at the Hippo Pool at the north end of the lake
Animal Abundance Index(scraped from safaribookings.com)
Lion
CommonLeopard
OccasionalCheetah
RareElephant
AbundantBlack Rhino
NoneWhite Rhino
NoneBuffalo
CommonZebra
CommonWildebeest
CommonHippo
CommonGiraffe
CommonSpotted Hyena
CommonAfrican Wild Dog
NoneBird Watching
400+ SpeciesLake Manyara is a birdwatcher's paradise. The shallow soda lake attracts thousands of pink flamingos, while groundwater forests are home to hornbills and birds of prey.
Best Time & Climate
June to October (dry season) is best for mammals. The wet season (November to May) is best for bird watching and viewing waterfalls along the escarpment.
☀️ Dry Season
June to October: Shorter grass and dry roads make spotting tree-climbing lions and elephants easier.
🌧️ Wet Season
November to May: Green scenery and full waterfalls. Excellent for viewing migratory waterbirds.
Monthly Visitor Guide
Warm, pleasant climate. Daytime temperatures average 28°C/82°F. Chilly at night around 16°C/61°F.
Climate Chart (Temperature & Rainfall)
Getting There
Located 110km from Arusha on a fully paved road, making it an easy 2-hour drive.
Driving Routes Matrix
| Route From | Distance (km) | Est. Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha | 110 km | 2 hrs | Paved tarmac |
| Karatu | 30 km | 0 hrs 40 mins | Paved |
✈️ Air Travel & Local Airstrips
Scheduled flights fly from Arusha Airport to Manyara Airstrip just outside the gate.
Safety, Malaria & Guidelines
Operational Advisory
Always obey local safety parameters, environmental codes of conduct, and instructions from park rangers or guides.
Lake Manyara is an easy, highly accessible day trip from Arusha or Karatu. The main gate is just off the paved highway. The forest area is home to massive troops of baboons; keep vehicle windows rolled up when passing them as they can be aggressive if they see food. The park has a canopy walkway ('treetop walkway') which requires an extra fee but offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy.
🦟 Malaria & Health Advisory
Malaria is present in most wildlife reserves in Tanzania. It is strongly recommended to consult a travel clinic for antimalarial prescription. Use mosquito repellent containing DEET and wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes in the evening.
TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Traveler feedback:
1. 'Loved the groundwater forest and the baboons. The flamingos created a giant pink line across the lake. Very beautiful scenery.' (Rating: 4/5, Date: May 2026)
2. 'No tree-climbing lions spotted, but we saw elephants, giraffes, and hippos. The treetop walk was nice.' (Rating: 4/5, Date: April 2026)
3. 'A great introduction to Tanzanian safari, very green and different from the Serengeti plains.' (Rating: 5/5, Date: March 2026).
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