Lake Manyara National Park
★ 4.6🇹🇿 ManyaraSuggested visit Half a dayBest season June to September, the dry season, when wildlife concentrates
WildlifeNational parkLake
A shallow Rift Valley lake, known for its tree-climbing lions and bands of flamingos.
Overview
Beneath the western wall of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park covers about 325 square kilometres, two-thirds of it water. Habitats run from groundwater forest and acacia woodland to open grassland and lakeshore, holding elephants, giraffes, baboons and abundant waterbirds, with flamingos forming pink bands on the alkaline water. Lions here are known to rest in trees, one of the few places where tree-climbing lions are seen.
History
Declared a national park in 1960 and brought to wider notice by Hemingway's writing on hunting here, it is a standard stop on northern Tanzania safari circuits.
Highlights
- •Tree-climbing lions
- •Flamingo bands on the shore
- •Groundwater forest and baboon troops
- •Views from the Rift Valley escarpment
Practical tips
- •The park is small — half a day suffices
- •The forest has mosquitoes; bring repellent and long sleeves
Practical information
- Best time
- June-September
- Tickets
- Park fees about USD 60 per person per day
- Opening hours
- 6:00-18:00
- Local food
- Nyama choma, ugali, banana stew
- Getting around
- About two hours by road from Arusha, an hour from Ngorongoro.
- Visa
- A visa is required, available as an e-visa or on arrival.
Traveller reviews
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