Lake Manyara Arusha

Lake Manyara National Park: A Safari of Surprising Wonders

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley's towering escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a jewel-box of diverse ecosystems packed into a small, yet spectacular, area. Often visited as a first stop on Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit, this park is a world of its own, offering a unique blend of landscapes and wildlife that will leave you spellbound.

The Enigmatic Tree-Climbing Lions One of Lake Manyara's most captivating and mysterious attractions is its famous tree-climbing lions. Unlike their counterparts in other parts of Africa, these lions are known for their unusual habit of lounging and napping in the branches of acacia and sausage trees. While the reason for this behavior remains a subject of debate among experts, spotting a pride of these majestic cats casually resting in a tree is a truly unforgettable sight and an iconic photographic moment.

A Birder's Paradise of Pink The park's namesake, the shallow, alkaline Lake Manyara, is a haven for a breathtaking variety of birdlife. During the wet season, the lake's shores are painted a brilliant pink by thousands—sometimes millions—of flamingos that flock here to feed on the algae. This "pink paradise" is a visual spectacle and a dream come true for birdwatching enthusiasts, with over 400 species recorded, including pelicans, storks, and countless other water birds.

Wildlife and Adventure Beyond the Lake Beyond the famous felines and flamingos, the park offers a microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. As you drive through the park's varied habitats, from the groundwater forest with its enormous troops of baboons to the open grassy plains, you'll encounter a high concentration of elephants—the park was originally established to protect them—along with graceful giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras.

For a unique perspective, take a walk on the Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway, a sky-high adventure that allows you to explore the forest canopy and its inhabitants from a bird's-eye view. You can also opt for a thrilling night game drive to spot nocturnal creatures and predators in action, or a canoeing safari on the lake (when water levels allow) for an up-close and personal view of the hippos and aquatic birds.

Lake Manyara is a compact, vibrant, and surprising destination that proves that good things come in small packages. It’s an ideal place to begin your safari adventure and a perfect prelude to the grand landscapes of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.