Tanzania · Arusha Region · Northern Circuit Stop 1

Lake Manyara

A jewel of the Northern Circuit — famous for tree-climbing lions, vast flamingo flocks, and an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in a compact and accessible park.

325

kmÂ² Park Area

400+

Bird Species

Half-Day

Circuit Duration

First Stop on the Northern Circuit

Lake Manyara

Ernest Hemingway described it as "the loveliest lake in Africa." Framed by the sheer 600-metre escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is a dramatically beautiful park — its alkaline waters turning rosy pink with thousands of lesser flamingos, its fever tree forests sheltering large elephant herds, hippo pools, and the park's famous tree-climbing lions.

While smaller than Tanzania's other Northern Circuit parks, Manyara consistently delivers remarkable wildlife encounters, making it an ideal morning game drive before transferring to Karatu or the Ngorongoro highlands.

Include Manyara in My Safari

Highlights

What Makes Manyara Special

Tree-Climbing Lions

Manyara's resident lion prides have an unusual habit of resting in the branches of acacia and sausage trees — a rare behaviour not well understood, and unlike any other lion population in East Africa.

Flamingo Spectacle

The alkaline lake shores burst with colour as thousands of lesser and greater flamingos wade the shallows — a photographer's dream, especially at dawn when the light turns golden.

Hippo Pools

The park's hippo pools are among the most accessible in East Africa — an extraordinary gathering of hippos at close range is virtually guaranteed throughout the year.

Rift Valley Backdrop

The sheer escarpment rising behind the lake creates one of the most dramatic scenic backdrops in all of Africa — a constant reminder of the tectonic forces that shaped this continent.

See 7-Day Itinerary Including Manyara

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara

What Makes Manyara Special

Tree-Climbing Lions

Flamingo Spectacle

Hippo Pools

Rift Valley Backdrop

Add Lake Manyara to Your Journey