Lake Manyara

Welcome to Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but remarkably diverse park — covering 648 km² along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania. The soda lake itself occupies around two-thirds of the park’s area and is a haven for birds, including large flocks of flamingos and pelicans. The park’s narrow strip of groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and open floodplain packs extraordinary biodiversity into a small area.

Lake Manyara is most famous for its lions — unique among African lions in their habit of climbing and resting in trees, particularly fig and acacia trees. Ernest Hemingway once described it as “the loveliest lake in Africa.” The park is also home to large herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, hippo, baboon, and a stunning 400+ bird species. Hot springs bubble up on the western edge of the park, and a Maasai village visit can be combined with the day’s game drive.