Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park — Diverse, Dramatic and Utterly Surprising

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania's most rewarding and underestimated destinations. Compact in size but extraordinary in diversity, this park packs groundwater forest, open floodplain, acacia woodland, and the shimmering alkaline shores of Lake Manyara into a single, spectacular game drive. It is famous worldwide for one thing above all others: lions that climb trees.

The Tree-Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara

Lions do not typically climb trees — yet at Lake Manyara, they do so regularly and casually. Fully grown males, females with cubs, entire prides can be found draped across branches several metres above the ground, gazing down at passing vehicles with regal indifference. Scientists have debated why for decades. You will not need an explanation. You will just stare up and feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

What You Will See

Tree-climbing lions, elephant, hippo, Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck, baboon, vervet monkey, blue monkey, flamingo (thousands on the lake in season), pelican, African fish eagle, stork, and over 400 bird species making it one of Tanzania's premier birding destinations.

The Lake Itself

Lake Manyara is an alkaline soda lake stretching across two thirds of the national park's floor. In peak season, the lake shores turn pink with thousands of lesser and greater flamingos feeding in the shallows. The lake also hosts large hippo pools, fish eagle territories, and vast congregations of waterbirds that make every visit to the shoreline a genuine spectacle.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

Year-round. The park is accessible and productive in all seasons. Flamingo numbers peak between November and June. The dry season (June to October) concentrates hippos and other large mammals around permanent water. The forest section delivers excellent primate sightings throughout the year.

Lake Manyara Safari with KILIPARK

Lake Manyara is perfectly positioned as either a half-day or full-day destination, making it an ideal opener or closer for any northern Tanzania safari circuit. KILIPARK pairs it most naturally with Tarangire for a powerful 3 to 4-day package. Our guides know exactly which trees the lions favour and where the best hippo pools and flamingo flats are located at any time of year.