Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is painted by a forest, open grassland and a shimmering soda lake beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. So much variety brings lots to discover – from baboons jumping through the trees to elephants marching across the plains. One of the park’s biggest highlights is its tree-climbing lions, although spotting them takes a little luck (crossing our fingers). Add abundant birdlife and striking scenery to the mix, and you’ve got yourself an exhilarating stop on a safari through northern Tanzania.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara’s forest belongs to large troops of baboons and beautiful blue monkeys moving elegantly through the canopy. Further into the park, look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras as woodland gives way to more open landscapes. The park’s tree-climbing lions are on many must-see-lists, so keep your eyes open and your camera close. Since sightings are never guaranteed, encountering these big cats is an especially memorable bonus.

Birdlife often doesn’t get the same attention, even though it should. The stars in Lake Manyara are pink flamingos, pelicans, hornbills, and African fish eagles, plus many smaller colourful winged friends. From the forest canopy to the lakeshore, there’s plenty to keep your binoculars busy.

Rift Valley Escarpment

Rising steeply above Lake Manyara, the Rift Valley escarpment creates a dramatic backdrop to the park and for your pictures. Below its slopes, forest and woodland share the ground with open grassland along the lakeshore, creating striking contrasts within a relatively small area. The escarpment is part of the East African Rift, where movements in the Earth’s crust have shaped the landscape over millions of years. So, while the wildlife may first catch your attention, take a moment to let the scenery sink in, too.