Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-Climbing Lions, Flamingos and Rift Valley Forest
A compact park of forest, lake and escarpment, easy to combine with Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. The groundwater forest at the entrance shelters baboons, blue monkeys and elephants, while the alkaline lake attracts flamingos and pelicans in season.
Tree-climbing lions are the park's calling card, although sightings are not guaranteed. Hippos wallow in pools, and giraffes graze on the open plains. A half-day to a full day is enough. Compare with Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, which also has tree-climbing lions.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Habitats: Forest, lake, escarpment
- Highlights: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos
- Time needed: Half to full day
- On route: Between Tarangire and Ngorongoro
Wildlife
Elephants, buffalo and giraffes are common, and the birdlife is rich in all seasons. The lake level changes the number of flamingos.
Activities
Game drives, canoeing in the wet season and walks with rangers are possible. Night drives are sometimes offered.
Planning
Visit between Tarangire and Ngorongoro. See Tarangire and the northern circuit safari.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Tanzania Travel Guide: Where It Is, Capital, Map, Parks and Best Time to Visit
- Tarangire National Park: Elephants, Baobabs and Dry-Season Wildlife
- Ngorongoro Crater: What It Is, Wildlife and How to Visit
- Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks: Southern Tanzania Safari Guide
- Gombe and Mahale Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania: Lake Tanganyika's Remote Forests
- Kilimanjaro Routes Compared: Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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