Lake Manyara

Neebar African Safari

Overview

Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic gem located in northern Tanzania, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Covering approximately 330 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its diverse landscapes—ranging from groundwater forests and open grasslands to marshes and the shallow alkaline lake itself.

Known for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and flocks of pink flamingos, Lake Manyara offers a compact yet rich safari experience. Whether you're observing wildlife along the lakeshore or marveling at the views from the escarpment, the park provides a serene and photogenic escape into nature.

Top Activities in Lake Manyara

Game Drive Safari

Explore Lake Manyara’s diverse ecosystems and spot elephants, giraffes, and tree-climbing lions.

Canoeing on the Lake

Paddle along the shores of Lake Manyara for up-close views of hippos, flamingos, and other birds.

Treetop Walkway

Stroll through the forest canopy on suspended bridges for a bird’s eye view of the park.

Bird Watching

Discover over 400 bird species, including pelicans, storks, and vast flocks of pink flamingos.

Visit the Hippo Pool

Watch hippos cooling off in the water while surrounded by acacia woodland and open plains.

Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

Engage with local tribes and discover the vibrant cultures and crafts of the Manyara region.

Discover Lake Manyara National Park

Animals of Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is famed for its diverse landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife including tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and wildebeests. The park offers an intimate safari experience due to its compact size and unique ecosystems ranging from lake shores to groundwater forests.

Elephant

Elephants wander through the lush forest, often seen up close due to the park's small size.

Tree-Climbing Lion

Lake Manyara is renowned for its unusual tree-climbing lions resting on acacia branches.

Baboon

Large troops of baboons dominate the forest areas, providing lively encounters during drives.

Hippo

Hippos wallow in the park’s hippo pool, a popular stop for observing these giants safely.

Giraffe

Graceful giraffes move through the woodland and open grasslands of the park.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

The park is best visited during the **dry season from June to October** for easier wildlife spotting as animals gather around the lake. The **wet season from November to May** enhances the park’s lush scenery and is ideal for birdwatching.

Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara: A shallow soda lake attracting flamingos and other waterbirds.
Tree-Climbing Lions: A rare sight and the park’s signature highlight.
Groundwater Forest: A dense forest filled with baboons, monkeys, and elephants.
Hippo Pool: A favorite stop for close views of hippos cooling off in water.

Birds of Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird lovers with over 400 species, including pelicans, flamingos, hornbills, and birds of prey. The lake shores shimmer with color during peak migratory seasons.

Flamingo

Thousands of flamingos feed on the algae in the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara.

Pelican

Pelicans flock to the lake in large numbers, often seen gliding above the water’s surface.

Hornbill

Colorful hornbills are frequently seen darting through the forest canopy.

African Fish Eagle

A powerful raptor often seen perched near the lake or swooping for fish.

Great Egret

Slender white egrets wade through shallow waters, hunting for insects and small fish.

What Our Customers Say

Real stories from real people — your satisfaction is our priority.

"Our guide from Neebar Safari was phenomenal! His knowledge of the Serengeti was incredible, and he made sure we saw everything we hoped for, including a leopard! The entire trip was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommended!"

ANNA & MARK, USA

"The most romantic honeymoon we could have ever imagined. The team at Neebar took care of every detail, from the beautiful lodge in Ngorongoro to the stunning beach villa in Zanzibar. It was pure magic. Thank you!"

LARA ATKINSON, UK

"As a solo traveler, safety and good company were important to me. Neebar Safari delivered on both. I joined a group tour to Kilimanjaro, and the guides and porters were professional, encouraging, and made the tough climb an unforgettable success!"

IAN OWEN, AUSTRALIA

"From the first email to the final drop-off at the airport, the communication and organization were flawless. Neebar African Safari truly cares about their clients. I will be booking with them again for my next African adventure."

MICHAEL TEDDY, GERMANY

"We booked a family safari and it exceeded all our expectations. The kids are still talking about the elephants in Tarangire. The vehicle was comfortable, and our guide was fantastic with the children. A 5-star experience!"

THE CHEN FAMILY, SINGAPOREY