Attraction Guide: Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha, Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park Guide

Tree-Climbing Lions and Soda Lake Spectacles: Discover Lake Manyara Guide

Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in Tanzania, is a relatively small but incredibly diverse park. It's famous for its tree-climbing lions, massive flocks of flamingos, and stunning scenery. The park offers a unique safari experience, combining lush groundwater forests, grassy plains, and the alkaline Lake Manyara itself. The park's ecosystem is heavily influenced by the alkaline Lake Manyara, which attracts vast numbers of flamingos and other waterbirds. The groundwater forest, fed by underground springs, provides a habitat for a variety of mammals, including elephants, baboons, and blue monkeys. The open grasslands are home to zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes. Lake Manyara is also known for its high concentration of baboons, often seen in large troops along the roadside. Game drives are the primary activity in Lake Manyara National Park. Visitors can explore the park in safari vehicles, searching for the elusive tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with over 400 species of birds recorded in the park. Canoeing on Lake Manyara is sometimes possible, depending on water levels, offering a unique perspective of the park's wildlife. Like Ngurdoto, there are no specific culinary traditions within the park itself, but Arusha offers a wide range of Tanzanian food.