Covering an area of 330 square kilometers, of which nearly two-thirds is the shimmering Lake Manyara, this park was first declared a game reserve in 1957 and became a National Park in 1960.
Set dramatically between the towering 600-meter escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and the alkaline lake itself, Lake Manyara National Park lies just 130 kilometers from Arusha, making it one of Tanzania’s most accessible wilderness destinations.
Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems — ranging from lush groundwater forests to open plains and hot springs — Lake Manyara offers a compact yet unforgettable safari experience.
Nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is celebrated not only for its stunning landscape but also for its rich wildlife. The park is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, impalas, and a host of smaller animals.
It’s also famously known for its tree-climbing lions, which can sometimes be seen resting on acacia branches — a sight rarely found elsewhere in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 recorded species. The park’s alkaline waters attract flocks of flamingos, along with pelicans, storks, cormorants, sacred ibis, Egyptian geese, and red-billed queleas. Other notable species include the African spoonbill, white pelican, lesser flamingo, and white-faced whistling duck.
Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual observer, the park’s vibrant avian life and tranquil lake setting offer a captivating natural spectacle year-round.
