Lake Manyara NP

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and ecologically diverse reserves. Though relatively small in size, the park features a striking range of habitats including groundwater forests, open floodplains, acacia woodlands, hot springs, and the alkaline Lake Manyara itself, which covers much of the park’s surface during the rainy season. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and impressive concentrations of baboons and blue monkeys. Birdlife is exceptional, with over 400 recorded species, including flamingos, fish eagles, hornbills, and pelicans. Easily accessible from Arusha, Lake Manyara is often included as an introductory stop on northern circuit safaris.