Lake Manyara National Park Safari

Tree-Climbing Lions • Pink Flamingo Shorelines • Treetop Canopy Walkway • Groundwater Forest

Area
330 km² (200 km² Lake)
Famous Feature
Tree-Climbing Lions
Avian Species
400+ Bird Species
Canopy Walkway
370m Suspended Bridge
Rift Valley Escarpment

Ernest Hemingway Called It "The Loveliest Lake in Africa"

Tucked below the sheer 600-meter cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park offers a micro-safari experience packed with astonishing ecological diversity. In just a few hours, you traverse underground springs supporting a dense mahogany and fig forest, open savannah floodplains, and the expansive soda lake.

The park is legendary for its famous tree-climbing lions resting high on the branches of umbrella acacias, the largest concentration of baboons in Africa, thousands of pink-hued flamingos feeding on algae, and the bubbling waters of the Maji Moto sulfur hot springs.

Tanzania's First Treetop Canopy Walkway

Experience a thrilling walk through the lush forest canopy along a 370-meter suspension bridge 18 meters above the ground, spotting rare blue monkeys and silvery-cheeked hornbills.

Lake Manyara Flamingos and Wildlife
Signature Highlights

What to Experience at Lake Manyara

Unique wildlife behaviors and thrilling activities you won't find anywhere else.

Tree-Climbing Lions

Rare Behavior

One of only two places in East Africa where lions regularly climb trees. Spotting a full-grown lion sleeping on an acacia branch high above the safari track is an unforgettable photographic trophy.

  • Highlights: Acacia tree perches, predator vantage points

Treetop Canopy Walkway

Adventure Walk

Walk among ancient trees on a series of suspension bridges with viewing decks. Discover butterflies, hornbills, and primates at eye level in the upper forest canopy.

  • Highlights: 370m suspended bridge, 18m height, forest canopy

Lush Groundwater Forest

Primate Capital

Fed by clear underground springs percolating from the Ngorongoro highlands. Home to troops of hundreds of olive baboons, playful blue monkeys, and bushbucks.

  • Highlights: Giant baboon troops, wild figs, blue monkeys

Flamingo Lake & Hot Springs

Soda Lake & Geothermal

The alkaline lake attracts millions of pink flamingos and pelicans. Further south, the bubbling Maji Moto geothermal springs steam at 60°C against the Rift Valley wall.

  • Highlights: Pink flamingos, Maji Moto hot springs, pelicans
Official Packages

Lake Manyara National Park Safari Packages

Discover our handpicked Lake Manyara and Northern Circuit safari packages featuring custom 4x4 Land Cruisers, expert wildlife guides, safari lodges, and all national park fees included.

4-Day Northern Tanzania Safari 4 Days
Top Bestseller
4-Day Northern Tanzania Highlights Safari
Manyara, Tarangire & Crater From $1,420 /pp
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5-Day Signature Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari 5 Days
#1 Recommended
5-Day Signature Serengeti Safari
Manyara, Serengeti & Crater From $1,850 /pp
View Package
4-Day Elephants to Crater Safari 4 Days
Wildlife Classic
4-Day Elephants to Crater Safari
Tarangire & Ngorongoro From $1,350 /pp
View Package
7-Day Discover Northern Tanzania Safari Adventure 7 Days
Complete Circuit
7-Day Discover Northern Tanzania Safari
Manyara, Serengeti & Crater From $2,450 /pp
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Tailor-Made Safari Planning

Book Your Lake Manyara Safari

Combine Lake Manyara with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti for a rich and varied Northern Circuit safari.

Call / WhatsApp: +255 682 801 818 • Email: info@liontracksafaritanzania.com

Help & Advice

Lake Manyara Safari FAQs

Answers to common questions about visiting Lake Manyara National Park.

Lake Manyara is one of the very few places in Africa where lions regularly climb acacia and mahogany trees. Scientists believe they do this to escape biting tsetse flies on the ground and enjoy cool breezes with elevated vantage points.

It is Tanzania's first canopy walkway, measuring 370 meters in length suspended up to 18 meters above the groundwater forest floor. It offers unique bird's-eye views of butterflies, primates, and forest birds.

Yes! Because of its compact size (330 km², with two-thirds covered by the lake), a 4-to-6-hour game drive provides a comprehensive exploration of the forest, hippo pool, hot springs, and lake shore.

Over 400 species of birds inhabit Manyara, including hundreds of thousands of lesser and greater flamingos, pink-backed pelicans, silvery-cheeked hornbills, crowned eagles, and sacred ibises.

Adjacent to the park is Mto wa Mbu village, a unique cultural melting pot where over 120 Tanzanian ethnic groups live together. Guided village walks, banana plantation tours, and local market visits are highly popular.

The dry season (July to October) is ideal for large mammal sightings, while the wet season (November to May) is unbeatable for birdwatching, lush landscapes, and canoeing on the lake.