Welcome to Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara – home of the tree Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden jewel among Africa’s safari spots, offers a rare chance to witness tree-climbing lions—a unique spectacle complemented by encounters with the Big Five, flamingos, elephants, hippos, and Cape buffalo.
Nearby, the bustling market town of Mto Wa Mbu invites visitors into a vibrant cultural scene, perfect for experiencing Tanzanian art and connecting with locals. For those seeking relaxation, the nearby Maji Moto Hot Springs offer a peaceful retreat amid nature.
Unlike most parks in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara provides options for night game drives and canoe safaris, allowing for an exceptional variety of wildlife encounters within a compact setting. From flocks of pink flamingos dotting the lake to lions reclining in the branches above, the park’s scenery is unforgettable.
Named for its seasonal alkaline lake, Lake Manyara National Park is perfect for canoeing during the rainy season and offers scenic game drives year-round. Once described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I have seen in Africa,” Lake Manyara makes for a remarkable beginning or end to any northern Tanzania safari, offering diverse landscapes and rare wildlife moments.
Discover the Wonders of Lake Manyara
Each year, colonies of pink flamingos migrate between various lakes, arriving at Lake Manyara National Park from June to September. Here, they settle on the mud flats, rich with crustaceans—their primary food source. These crustaceans provide the carotene pigment that turns their feathers a vivid pink; without it, their feathers remain a natural grey-white. Newly hatched flamingos are always grey but gradually take on their iconic pink hue over their first year as they consume carotene-rich food.