Northern circuit

Lake Manyara National Park

A compact park below the Rift Valley wall, with groundwater forest, a soda lake and the famous tree-climbing lions.

Best time: Jun – Oct; birds Nov – Apr
Known for: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos
Getting there: About 2 hours’ drive from Arusha
Where to stay: 5 lodges & camps we use

Jun – OctBest time to visit

Forest & lake

About Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. In a short drive you pass from lush groundwater forest to open floodplain and the shores of a shallow soda lake.

The park is famous for lions that sometimes climb into the trees, and the lake attracts flamingos, pelicans and hundreds of other birds. Baboons, elephants, giraffes and hippos are common.

Plan a trip here

Highlights