Nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic gem that Ernest Hemingway once described as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.” This small yet rewarding park spans approximately 330 km² (125 sq miles), with the alkaline Lake Manyara covering up to two-thirds of its total area when water levels are high. It is easily accessible, located about a 90-minute to 2-hour drive from Arusha. The park’s name, “Manyara,” comes from the Maasai word for the Euphorbia plant, which they use to enclose their livestock.
Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, one of the park’s most iconic and unique attractions. Visitors flock from around the world to see these rare predators lounging on the branches of acacia trees, often resting or surveying their prey. Though the exact reason for this behavior is debated, theories suggest it helps them avoid ground-level insects or escape the midday heat. Another major draw is the huge population of flamingos and other waterbirds that congregate on the alkaline lake, creating a stunning pink spectacle.
Despite its compact size, the park supports a remarkable diversity of habitats, including ground water forests, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and marshlands.
Elephants: The park was initially established for elephant protection, and it boasts one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, which can be seen in large herds.
Primates: Lake Manyara is home to one of the largest concentrations of baboons anywhere in the world. Blue monkeys and vervet monkeys are also abundant, especially in the evergreen forests.
Water-Dependent Species: Hippos are easily viewed in the marshy areas and pools, and other common sightings include buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes like impala and waterbuck.
Birdlife: With over 400 recorded bird species, it is a recognized paradise for birdwatchers.
Driving Distances & Times from Lake Manyara
Arusha to Lake Manyara: 1.5–2 hours (130 km)
Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater: 1–1.5 hours (75 km)
Lake Manyara to Tarangire: 1 hour (65 km)
Lake Manyara to Serengeti: 3.5–4 hours (200 km)
Activities: Lake Manyara is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can enjoy diverse activities such as Night Game Drives, Canoe Safaris on the lake (when water levels permit), and the unique Canopy Walkway.
Recommended Stay: Though small enough to be visited in a day, spending a night or two allows time to explore the unique ecosystems and try a Night Game Drive for a chance to spot leopards.
Unique Feature: Look for the Maji Moto hot springs on the western shores, where the water is warm enough to boil an egg.
The park can be visited all year round, but the best time depends on your interest.
Game Viewing (July to October): The dry season is best for game viewing as vegetation is thinner and animals concentrate at water sources.
Bird Watching (November to June): The wet season is fantastic for bird enthusiasts, as migratory species arrive and the lake is flooded with thousands of flamingos and pelicans.
The park is easily accessible via the main road from Arusha, making it a perfect first stop on the Northern Safari Circuit.
It is located on the route to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
The park has its own airstrip, with daily scheduled flights available from Arusha, Zanzibar, and other major hubs, allowing easy connections.
