Lake Manyara National Park stretches in Tanzania’s rainforest at the foot of The Great Rift Valley. Not only has the park attracted predators; it also has become home for huge colonies of pink flamingos whose number amazes even experienced travelers. The thick pink spot along the shore reflected from the water surface seems to raise manyfold their already huge population.
Lake Manyara lies 126 km (75 mi) from Arusha in northern Tanzania. It’s about a 2-hour drive from there.
Lake Manyara National Park, located in Tanzanian’s Great Rift Valley, is famous for its tree-climbing lions, massive elephant herds, and a shallow soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingo
Tree-Climbing Lions: One of the few places in the world where lions famously lounge in acacia trees.
Lake Manyara: A shallow soda lake covering two-thirds of the park, famous for huge flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds.
Large Elephant Herds: Known for a high concentration of elephants that roam through the lush, groundwater forest.
Hot Springs (Maji Moto): Bubbling sulfur hot springs located in the southern part of the park.
Birdwatching: Over 350-400 species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and raptors.
Baboons & Monkeys: Large troops of baboons and blue monkeys are frequently seen in the forested areas.
Diverse Landscapes: The park features a unique mix of groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open savannahs, and the steep Rift Valley escarpment.
More than 400 kinds of birds inhabit the park, some of which can be found only in Tanzania in Manyara Park. Pelicans and storks, ibises and cranes, cormorants and marabous are all living in this small park. There is a great number of ancient bird families such as hornbills. As in other well-known parks of Tanzania you will certainly meet zebras, buffalos, elephants, giraffes, lions and many other representatives of the African fauna.
Game Drives: Day and night game drives are available to see a variety of animals, including buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
Canopy Walk: A walkway high above the forest floor offering a unique perspective of the forest canopy.
Canoeing: Depending on water levels, canoeing is possible on the lake.
Bird Watching: The best time to see the thousands of flamingos is during the wetter months from November to May.
Cultural Tours: Nearby Mto wa Mbu village offers cultural experiences.
Colonies of pink flamingos migrate from one lake to another throughout the year coming to Lake Manyara National Park in the period from June to September. As their abode they choose the mud flats where crustaceans, which are their main diet, live. Without it their feathers have grey-white color. While newly hatched flamingos are always grey, they become pink as they get older – in a year, thanks to the pigment carotene which is contained in their food.
When to Visit & Best Time
Best Time for Wildlife: The dry season, from late June to October, is best for spotting large mammals.
Best Time for Birds: The wet season, from November to May, is ideal for birdwatching, specifically to see flamingos and migrating birds.
Can I visit year-round? Yes, the park is open year-round.
What are the main attractions? The tree-climbing lions, large elephant populations, flocks of flamingos, and baboons are top highlights.
Are flamingos always there? Yes, but they are found in larger numbers during the wet season.
What is a “tree-climbing lion”? The lions here famously climb acacia trees to escape the heat or insects, a unique behavior to this region.
What other animals can I see? Buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, and diverse bird species.
How do I get there? It is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive (126 km) from Arusha, or a 40-minute flight to Lake Manyara Airport
How many days are needed? One day is sufficient, but 2-3 days allow for more in-depth exploration, including night game drives.
What activities are available? Game drives (day and night), canoeing (if water levels permit), and walking safaris.
Is it crowded? The northern part of the park can get busy during
Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations — including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
