Lake Manyara | Come Back Tanzania Adventures

Discover Lake Manyara

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a breathtaking combination of lush groundwater forests, open grassy plains, and the alkaline lake that gives the park its name. This diverse ecosystem supports an incredible array of wildlife and offers some of Tanzania's most spectacular scenery.

Diverse Habitats

From dense forests to open savannah and the lake itself, experience multiple ecosystems in one park.

Tree-Climbing Lions

Witness the famous lions of Manyara that lounge in acacia trees, a behavior rarely seen elsewhere.

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Home to over 400 bird species, including thousands of pink-hued flamingos that flock to the lake.

Wildlife Wonders

Lake Manyara's compact size belies its incredible biodiversity. The park is home to all of Africa's "Big Five" except rhino, with particularly healthy populations of elephants, buffalo, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The groundwater forest is a haven for troops of baboons and blue monkeys, while the lake shore attracts massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and impala.

Birdlife is spectacular year-round, with highlights including thousands of flamingos that create a pink haze over the lake surface, as well as pelicans, storks, and over 40 species of birds of prey.

Wildlife Checklist

Tree-climbing lions
Large elephant herds
Hippopotamus pods
Massive buffalo herds
Over 400 bird species
Troops of baboons & blue monkeys

Elephant Families

Flamingo Spectacle

Tree-climbing Lions

Experiences & Activities

Game Drives

Explore the park's diverse habitats on morning and afternoon game drives with our expert guides. The compact size of Manyara makes for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Bird Watching

With specialized birding guides, discover Manyara's incredible avian diversity, from flamingos to raptors and forest specialists. Best during the wet season (November-May) when migratory species are present.

Duration: Flexible

Night Game Drive

Experience the park after dark on a special night game drive (seasonal availability). Spot nocturnal species like genets, civets, and perhaps even a leopard on the hunt.

Duration: 2-3 hours

Cultural Visits

Combine your wildlife experience with a visit to a nearby Maasai village or a local market to gain insight into the human communities that coexist with the park's wildlife.

Duration: 2 hours

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (July-October)

The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The vegetation is thinner, making animals easier to spot. This is also when flamingo numbers on the lake are at their peak.

Best for general wildlife viewing
Cooler temperatures
Less mosquitoes

Wet Season (November-May)

The wet season transforms the park into a lush, green paradise. This is the best time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. The landscape is at its most beautiful, though some roads may become impassable.

Best for birdwatching
Beautiful green landscapes
Fewer visitors

Conservation & Community

Lake Manyara National Park plays a crucial role in Tanzania's conservation efforts. The park is part of the larger Manyara Ranch Conservancy, which creates a vital wildlife corridor between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park.

Come Back Tanzania Adventures is committed to responsible tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities. A portion of all tour fees goes directly to conservation projects and community development initiatives around the park.

Our Conservation Efforts

Supporting anti-poaching patrols
Funding local school programs
Promoting sustainable tourism practices
Employing local guides and staff