About Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most picturesque and ecologically diverse parks, lying at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Though compact in size, the park offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from lush groundwater forests and open floodplains to acacia woodlands and the expansive alkaline lake that gives the park its name. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that fascinates visitors as these big cats lounge high in the branches of acacia trees. Lake Manyara itself attracts thousands of flamingos during the season, painting the shoreline in hues of pink, while pelicans, storks, and countless other bird species make it a paradise for birdwatchers. The forests of Manyara shelter large troops of baboons, blue monkeys, and elephants, while the open plains are home to giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest, and an array of antelope. The park’s contrasting habitats also support hippos and a wide variety of smaller creatures, making game drives and photographic opportunities especially rewarding. Due to its close proximity to Arusha and Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara National Park is often included as part of a northern circuit safari. It offers an ideal introduction to the natural diversity of Tanzania, combining wildlife viewing with the dramatic scenery of the Rift Valley. AYAD Safari Connect is one of the most established and experienced operators in Tanzania. Our driver-guides are among the most dedicated and knowledgeable in terms of fauna and flora and continue to entice guests with their keen ability to locate wildlife and provide in-depth knowledge. Our fleet of four-wheel-drive vehicles is one of the newest and largest in Tanzania and ideal for traversing the varied terrain of Lake Manyara and the surrounding safari circuit.