About Lake Manyara National Park
A Park of Extraordinary Variety
Lake Manyara National Park may be one of Tanzania's smaller parks (325 km² of which 230 km² is the lake itself), but it packs an extraordinary range of habitats and wildlife into its compact size. The famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara — an unusual behaviour not seen in most African lion populations — were made famous by Ernest Hemingway. The park features dense groundwater forest at its northern end, followed by open floodplains, acacia woodland and the vast alkaline lake, which attracts hundreds of thousands of flamingos and over 400 bird species.
Wildlife
Animals You Will Encounter
Planning
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. Dry season offers easier game viewing and tree-climbing lion sightings. The lake level drops, concentrating flamingos and wading birds.
The forest is lush and vibrant. Excellent birdwatching as migratory species arrive. The lake fills with flamingos and pelicans. Fewer visitors.