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Tanzania · Gateway to the Great Rift Valley

Lake Manyara National Park

The Rift Valley Jewel

Lake Manyara is a jewel at the foot of the Great Rift Valley — a compact, astonishingly diverse park in northern Tanzania where tree-climbing lions doze in the acacias, elephants move through groundwater forest, and a shallow soda lake blushes pink with thousands of flamingos beneath a towering escarpment.

Best timeJuly – October & November – DecemberWildlifeTree-climbing lions, elephant, hippo & 400+ birdsThe park648 km² (of which ~230 km² is lake)Safaris from$2,100 pp
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Our Luxury Safaris

Multi-Day Lake Manyara National Park Journeys

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from a focused Manyara escape to the grand northern circuit through Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Expert driver-guides, a canopy walkway through the forest, birding on the soda lake and every detail crafted entirely around you.

Ultra-Luxury
8 Days · 7 Nights

Manyara, Ngorongoro & Serengeti Ultimate

From the Rift Valley lakes to the endless plains

From$7,300ppView Details
High-End Luxury
5 Days · 4 Nights

Manyara & Tarangire Classic Safari

Flamingos, tree-climbing lions and elephant herds

From$3,600ppView Details
Luxury
3 Days · 2 Nights

Lake Manyara Northern Gateway

Flamingos, forest and the crater in three days

From$2,100ppView Details
The Private Tours Difference

The most diverse small park on the northern circuit — forest, lake and escarpment in a single, beautiful day.

Lake Manyara is proof that the finest safari experiences do not always come in the largest packages. Squeezed into a narrow, beautiful strip between the sheer wall of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shore of its shimmering soda lake, this compact northern-Tanzania park packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes and wildlife into a small area. In the space of a single morning's drive you pass from lush, spring-fed groundwater forest — home to troops of baboon and blue monkey and elephants that move like shadows among the trees — out onto open floodplain and acacia woodland, and finally to the edge of the great alkaline lake itself, where thousands of flamingos tint the shallows pink and pelicans, storks and herons crowd the margins among more than four hundred recorded bird species. Manyara is famous above all for its tree-climbing lions, which drape themselves along the branches of the acacias in a behaviour seen in only a handful of places on earth, and for the sheer density of its elephant and buffalo. Rising behind it all, the six-hundred-metre Rift Valley escarpment gives the park a dramatic backdrop and, from the newer treetop canopy walkway, a thrilling bird's-eye view of the forest. Ernest Hemingway called the country here 'the loveliest I had seen in Africa', and as a gentle, scenic gateway to the northern circuit — on the road between Tarangire and Ngorongoro — Lake Manyara remains one of Tanzania's most rewarding half-day and full-day parks.

Famous Tree-Climbing LionsFlamingo-Pink Soda LakeGroundwater ForestThe Rift Valley Escarpment
Destination overview

Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Compact but extraordinarily diverse, Lake Manyara packs a world of habitats into the narrow strip between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and its alkaline lake. Lush groundwater forest gives way to open floodplain and the shimmering soda lake beyond, home to great flocks of flamingos and pelicans. It is famous above all for its tree-climbing lions, draped in the acacias, and for elephants that move like shadows through the forest. Here is what makes Manyara a jewel of the north.

  • The famous tree-climbing lions, draped along the acacia branches
  • Thousands of flamingos tinting the soda lake pink beneath the escarpment
  • Lush groundwater forest alive with elephant, baboon and blue monkey
  • The dramatic 600-metre Great Rift Valley escarpment backdrop
  • The treetop canopy walkway, high among the forest canopy
  • Over 400 bird species in an astonishing diversity of habitats
The wildlife

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Lion

Famous for their tree-climbing habit, draped along the acacia branches

African Elephant

Move quietly through the lush groundwater forest and floodplain

Hippopotamus

Wallow in pools at the northern end of the park in large numbers

Cape Buffalo

Graze the open floodplain between forest and lake in big herds

Maasai Giraffe

Browse the acacia woodland against the escarpment backdrop

Baboon & Blue Monkey

Large troops throng the groundwater forest — among Africa's biggest baboon troops

Leopard

Present in the forest and woodland, shy but occasionally seen

Flamingo & Waterbirds

Thousands rim the soda lake among 400+ recorded bird species

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define Lake Manyara

Where the Lake Manyara story unfolds. Search the acacias for tree-climbing lions, walk the treetop canopy walkway through the forest, watch flamingos rim the soda lake, and take in the Rift Valley escarpment from above — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.

3–4 hours

Tree-Climbing Lions Drive

Lake Manyara's most sought-after sight is its tree-climbing lions, which rest along the branches of the acacias and mahogany trees in a behaviour seen in only a couple of places on earth. Your guide knows the resident prides and their favourite trees, positioning you for that extraordinary image of a lion at ease among the branches, with the lake and escarpment beyond — a highlight of any northern-circuit safari.

  • Professional driver-guide
  • Open-roof 4x4 vehicle
  • Big-cat tracking
  • Photographic positioning
Enquire with a Concierge
2–3 hours

Flamingos & Waterbirds

The shallow soda lake at the heart of the park is a birder's paradise, its edges rimmed pink with thousands of lesser and greater flamingos and thronged with pelicans, storks, spoonbills and herons. A dedicated drive to the lakeshore rewards you with one of the great birding spectacles of East Africa, set against the shimmering water and the towering Rift Valley wall.

  • Birding-focused guide
  • Reference checklist
  • Quality binoculars on request
  • Lakeside positioning
Enquire with a Concierge
1–2 hours

Treetop Canopy Walkway

A modern highlight of Lake Manyara is its treetop canopy walkway — a series of suspension bridges strung high through the groundwater forest, giving you a thrilling bird's-eye perspective on a habitat you would otherwise only glimpse from below. Walking safely among the branches, you spot canopy birds, butterflies and monkeys at eye level, and feel the forest from an entirely new angle.

  • Guided canopy walk
  • Safety harness & briefing
  • Forest interpretation
  • Small groups
Enquire with a Concierge
2–3 hours

Groundwater Forest Elephants

The lush, spring-fed groundwater forest at the park entrance is one of Manyara's magical surprises — a green, shaded world of towering mahogany and fig trees fed by water filtering down through the escarpment. Here elephants move quietly among the trunks, baboon troops and blue monkeys crowd the canopy, and the light falls in shafts through the leaves. It is a completely different safari from the open plains beyond.

  • Forest-savvy guide
  • Open-roof 4x4 vehicle
  • Primate & elephant viewing
  • Golden-hour timing
Enquire with a Concierge
The Northern Tanzania Circuit

The Complete Northern Circuit

Lake Manyara is the gateway to the northern circuit. Add the elephant herds of Tarangire, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five, or continue to the Serengeti for the Great Migration — each of these curated journeys leads to a full itinerary our concierge will tailor to you.

Tarangire Northern Circuit Grand

8 daysFrom$7,200pp
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Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Ultimate

7 daysFrom$6,500pp
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Serengeti Great Migration Safari

7 daysFrom$5,000pp
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More Rift Valley Safaris

Discover the Great Rift Valley

Lake Manyara sits at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Flamingos wade the alkaline shallows, tree-climbing lions rest in the acacia canopy, and the forest echoes with the calls of baboons and blue monkeys. These journeys focus on the Rift Valley experience.

Tarangire Elephants & Baobabs Safari

5 daysFrom$3,700pp
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Ngorongoro Crater Classic Safari

5 daysFrom$3,900pp
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Tarangire Explorer

4 daysFrom$2,650pp
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Instant-Book Adventure Experiences

Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog

Looking for more southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.

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The Soda Lake · A Mirror Beneath the Rift

Where the Rift Valley Blushes Pink

Lake Manyara National Park runs for some 50 kilometres along the base of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment, its shallow alkaline lake covering up to two-thirds of the park at the height of the rains. That soda lake draws thousands of flamingos and over 400 other bird species, while spring-fed groundwater forest, acacia woodland and open grassland squeeze an unusual richness of wildlife into a small area. Ernest Hemingway called the country beyond it 'the loveliest I had seen in Africa' — and its tree-climbing lions remain one of Tanzania's most sought-after sights.

Flamingo Soda LakeTree-Climbing LionsGroundwater ForestRift EscarpmentCanopy Walkway400+ Birds
Plan a Lake Manyara Journey
A Romantic Escape

Wild Romance Beneath the Rift

For couples seeking something truly special, Lake Manyara pairs rare wildlife with intimate treehouse suites and quiet, golden moments high on the Rift Valley escarpment.

Treetop Canopy Walkway

Walk hand in hand high through the forest canopy, birds and monkeys at eye level.

Flamingos & Waterbirds

Watch thousands of flamingos tint the soda lake pink beneath the escarpment.

Rift Valley Escarpment Views

Toast the sunset from an infinity pool suspended high above the valley.

Groundwater Forest

Drift together through the shaded, spring-fed forest as elephants move among the trees.

Plan a Honeymoon Safari
Photo gallery

Lake Manyara National Park in Pictures

A lioness resting in an acacia tree above the Lake Manyara floodplain
Lions in the branches
Thousands of flamingos on the soda lake of Lake Manyara
The pink lake
An elephant moving through the lush forest of Lake Manyara
The groundwater forest
The Great Rift Valley escarpment rising behind Lake Manyara
Beneath the Rift
A luxury treehouse suite in the forest of Lake Manyara
Treetop luxury
The treetop canopy walkway through the forest at Lake Manyara
High above the canopy
The perfect two-centre journey

Pair Lake Manyara with an Adventure

Lake Manyara is the perfect gateway to Tanzania's northern circuit. Pair it with the endless Serengeti, the great caldera of Ngorongoro and the elephant herds of Tarangire — we'll weave the whole circuit into one seamless itinerary.

Serengeti · Tanzania

Add the endless plains of the Serengeti for the Great Migration to complete a classic northern circuit.

Ngorongoro Crater · Tanzania

Continue up the escarpment road to the great caldera of Ngorongoro, just two hours away.

Tarangire National Park · Tanzania

Pair Manyara with neighbouring Tarangire's great elephant herds and ancient baobabs.

Lake Manyara vs Other Parks

Why Choose Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara stands apart — here's how it compares to other parks.

FeatureLake Manyara National ParkOther Parks
Signature sightFamous tree-climbing lionsRarely present
Birdlife400+ species & thousands of flamingosFewer
DiversityForest, floodplain, lake & escarpment in one dayLess varied
SceneryThe dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpmentLess distinctive
AccessEasy gateway on the northern circuitVaries
OverallThe Rift Valley jewelMore generic
Plan your timing

When to Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Dry Season (Best for Game)

Jul – Oct
★★★★★

Wildlife concentrates in the forest and floodplain and the roads are at their best, giving the finest game viewing and easy access to the tree-climbing lions

16–28°C, dry

Green Shoulder

Nov – Dec
★★★★☆

The short rains fill the lake and swell the flamingo flocks, with dramatic skies, newborn animals and superb birding on emerald plains

17–29°C, brief showers

Short Dry Season

Jan – Feb
★★★★☆

A warm, drier window with good game viewing, high water in the lake and excellent birding as migrants fill the shallows

18–30°C, warm

Long Rains

Mar – May
★★★☆☆

The greenest, quietest and best-value season with lush forest and outstanding birding; the lake is at its fullest and pinkest, though some tracks turn muddy

16–27°C, green & wet

Month-by-Month Guide

Good to know

Useful Lake Manyara National Park Travel Tips

The practical details that make a Lake Manyara journey effortless — gathered from years of crafting private safaris across Tanzania's northern circuit.

Look up for the lions

Manyara's lions climb trees. Scan the acacias and mahoganies, especially in the heat of the day, for one of Africa's rarest sights.

Time it for the flamingos

The soda lake is at its pinkest after the rains, from November onwards. For the greatest flamingo flocks, aim for the green season.

Don't miss the canopy walkway

The treetop walkway gives a completely different, bird's-eye view of the forest — a memorable, family-friendly highlight worth building into your visit.

Consider a night in the park

Most visit on a day drive, but a night at the Tree Lodge inside the park or on the escarpment lets you savour Manyara at a gentler pace.

Pack a wide and a long lens

You'll want a telephoto for the lions and flamingos and a wide-angle for the forest, the lake and the sweeping escarpment views.

Take malaria precautions

Lake Manyara is a malaria area. Speak to a travel clinic about prophylactics and bring repellent and long sleeves for dawn and dusk.

Location & Access

Getting to Lake Manyara National Park

3.5972° S, 35.8264° E

Nearest Airports

  • Lake Manyara Airstrip (charter)Lodges: 10–30 min by road — Daily light-aircraft flights from Arusha & the Serengeti
  • Kilimanjaro International (JRO)165 km by road — International gateway, then fly-in or scenic drive

Driving Routes

  • Arusha125 km by road — 2–2.5 hours by road
  • TarangireAdjoining circuit — 1.5–2 hours by road
  • NgorongoroOn the road to the crater — 1.5–2 hours by road

Lake Manyara lies about two hours from Arusha on the main road up to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, making it an easy and rewarding stop on any northern-circuit safari. It has its own airstrip for fly-in guests and pairs naturally with Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Our team arranges every flight, transfer and park fee as part of your itinerary.

Where to stay

Our Hand-Picked Lake Manyara Camps

From celebrated lodges perched high on the Rift Valley escarpment to intimate tree-house camps in the forest canopy, the most coveted addresses in Lake Manyara, each held for you by our concierge.

★★★★★$$$$

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

The only lodge set within the park itself — ten stilted treehouse suites hidden in a mahogany forest in the remote south, reached through the wildlife-rich reaches few other guests ever see, with superb guiding and total seclusion

&Beyond — world-renowned luxury safari operator

FromR 20,130per person, per night

★★★★★$$$$

Escarpment Luxury Lodge

A refined lodge clinging to the top of the Rift Valley escarpment with breathtaking views over the lake and plains far below — spacious suites, an infinity pool suspended above the valley and glorious sunsets

Boutique member of the finest lodge collections

FromR 12,810per person, per night

★★★★$$$

Kirurumu Manyara Lodge

A warm, characterful tented lodge on the escarpment ridge, one of the longest-established on Manyara — comfortable canvas rooms tucked into indigenous gardens, sweeping valley views and genuine, unhurried hospitality at excellent value

Long-standing eco-tourism leader on the northern circuit

FromR 7,686per person, per night

★★★★$$$

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

A classic, welcoming lodge of round, Maasai-inspired rondavels perched on the escarpment with a superb outlook over the lake — a swimming pool on the valley edge, family-friendly comforts and reliable Serena quality at fine value

Serena Hotels — trusted pan-African collection

FromR 6,588per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

Lake Manyara is a jewel at the foot of the Great Rift Valley — a compact, astonishingly diverse park in northern Tanzania where tree-climbing lions doze in the acacias, elephants move through groundwater forest, and a shallow soda lake blushes pink with thousands of flamingos beneath a towering escarpment.

Tree-climbing lions

The famous lions of Manyara, draped along the acacia branches

The flamingo lake

A soda lake blushing pink with thousands of flamingos

Groundwater forest

Lush spring-fed forest alive with elephant, baboon and blue monkey

The Rift escarpment

The dramatic 600-metre Great Rift Valley wall rising behind the park

The canopy walkway

A thrilling bird's-eye walk high through the forest canopy

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

Lake Manyara National Park, Answered

Where is Lake Manyara National Park and why is it famous?

Lake Manyara lies in northern Tanzania at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, on the main road between Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, its flamingo-pink soda lake, its lush groundwater forest and its dramatic Rift Valley setting — a compact but wonderfully diverse gateway to the northern circuit.

Are there tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara?

Yes — Lake Manyara is one of only a couple of places on earth where lions habitually climb trees, resting along the branches of acacias and mahoganies. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the park is one of the most reliable places to look, and its guides know the resident prides and their favourite trees well.

What wildlife will I see at Lake Manyara?

Despite its small size, Manyara offers great diversity: tree-climbing lions, large elephant and buffalo herds, hippo, giraffe, zebra, impala and some of the biggest baboon troops in Africa, along with leopard in the forest. The soda lake draws thousands of flamingos and over 400 other bird species, making it as rewarding for birders as for big-game enthusiasts.

What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?

The dry season from July to October offers the best game viewing and the easiest access to the tree-climbing lions, while the green months from November and the short rains swell the flamingo flocks and fill the lake. Manyara rewards a visit year-round and works beautifully as a half-day or full-day stop on a northern-circuit safari.

How do I get to Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara is about a two-hour drive from Arusha on the main road up to Ngorongoro, or a short flight to its own airstrip. It pairs naturally with Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and our team arranges all flights, road transfers and park fees as part of your journey.

How many nights should I spend at Lake Manyara?

Many guests visit Manyara on a half-day or full-day drive as part of a northern-circuit safari, but a night on the escarpment or in the park's tree lodge lets you savour the forest, the lake and the escarpment views at a gentler pace. It combines seamlessly with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

What is the treetop canopy walkway?

The canopy walkway is a series of suspension bridges strung high through the groundwater forest, giving visitors a safe, thrilling bird's-eye view of a habitat usually seen only from below. It is superb for spotting canopy birds, butterflies and monkeys at eye level and adds a memorable, active dimension to a Manyara visit.

Which lodges are best at Lake Manyara?

Manyara offers a fine range. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only lodge inside the park, with stilted treehouse suites in a remote forest, while Escarpment Luxury Lodge crowns the Rift wall with panoramic views. Kirurumu Manyara Lodge and Lake Manyara Serena offer characterful comfort and excellent value on the escarpment. We match every guest to the lodge that suits them best.

Your safari, your way

Ready to start planning your Lake Manyara National Park journey?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Lake Manyara journey around you — every flight, every transfer, every walk through the forest canopy and every detail taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
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