Lake Manyara National Park
NORTHERN CIRCUIT

Lake Manyara National Park

Tree-Climbing Lions Paradise

Big 5
All Present
UNESCO
World Heritage
Best: June-February for bird watching
The Story

Africa's Iconic Wilderness

Lake Manyara National Park packs incredible biodiversity into just 330 square kilometers. The park stretches from the dramatic escarpment of the Great Rift Valley to the shimmering soda lake that covers much of the park during wet season.

Famous for its tree-climbing lions and massive flamingo flocks, Lake Manyara offers diverse habitats from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands. Ernest Hemingway described it as "the loveliest I had seen in Africa."

Why Visit

Destination Highlights

Tree-climbing lions
Flamingo-lined lake shores
Dramatic Rift Valley escarpment
Groundwater forest walks
Hippo pools
Night game drives
Wildlife

Animals You'll Encounter

LionElephantHippoGiraffeBuffaloFlamingoBaboonBlue MonkeyZebra
Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Lake Manyara National Park offers remarkable wildlife viewing year-round, but each season brings its own unique spectacle. The dry season concentrates animals around water sources, while the wet season brings lush landscapes and newborn animals.

June-February for bird watching
dry season for wildlife concentrations