Lake Manyara National Park

Full Destination Details

Location & Landscape

Lake Manyara National Park is nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, a giant crack in the Earth that stretches across Africa. The park is small (just 125 square miles / 325 sq km) but packed with different landscapes:

• The Shallow Alkaline Lake (Lake Manyara): Covers 89 sq miles (230 sq km) of the park. The lake is very shallow only 3 feet deep on average, so flamingos and other birds can easily wade through it.
• Groundwater Forests: Thick, green forests with giant fig and mahogany trees rare in most Tanzanian parks!
• Open Grasslands & Marshes: Perfect for spotting elephants, buffalo, and hippos.
• Hot Springs (Majimoto): Natural warm water pools near the lake’s edge.

Animals found in Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is famous for its unusual animals and huge bird populations.

Mammals (Big Animals You Can See)

• Tree-Climbing Lions (The Park’s Superstars!)
  • Most lions stay on the ground, but here, they climb acacia trees to nap or escape bugs.
  • Best seen midday when they rest in the shade.
• Elephants
  • Large herds (sometimes 50+ elephants together) roam near the lake.
  • They love the forest area for shade and fresh leaves.
• Buffalo Herds
  • Some groups have over 300 buffalo a scary but amazing sight!
• Baboon Troops
  • Over 200 baboons sometimes travel together near the lake.
• Other Animals: Giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, and even rare golden cats.

Birds Species

• Flamingos (The Pink Wonder)
  • Up to 2.5 million flamingos gather here, turning the lake bright pink (Nov-May).
• Birds of Prey (Hunters of the Sky)
  • Fish eagles, bateleurs, and 40+ predator birds soar above.
• Special Rare Birds
  • Silvery-cheeked hornbills, Narina trogons, and kingfishers.

Best Time to Visit (Seasons Compared)

Benson’s Tip: “July is perfect cool mornings with mist over the lake, and lions are easy to spot!”