Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park (1960), A Compact Park Between A 600 M Escarpment And An Alkaline Lake, With A Groundwater Forest, Baboons, Elephants, Hippos, Flamingos In Season And Tree Climbing Lions. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1981) And The Usual First Stop On The Northern Safari Circuit. · Mto wa Mbu, Manyara

Lake Manyara is a small park of about 330 sq km at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, near the village of Mto wa Mbu, about 126 km and two hours by road from Arusha. Two thirds of it is an alkaline lake, and the rest is a narrow strip of groundwater forest, acacia woodland and open shore. Near the gate, fig trees and mahogany shade large baboon troops and blue monkeys. Farther in you may find elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos and, in some seasons, flamingos and pelicans on the water. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, seen resting on branches, but they are NOT guaranteed. More than 400 bird species live here, and it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981. The honest picture: it is short, green and pleasant, but it lacks the big plains game of the Serengeti, and most visitors give it half a day on the way to Ngorongoro. The entry fee is roughly USD 50-60 per adult per day, so confirm it before you go. Go early, ask your guide about the lions, and keep a little time for the village market at the gate.

Narrow park of groundwater forest and a soda lake at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, about 130 km west of Arusha, entered from Mto wa Mbu, Mto wa Mbu, Manyara, Tanzania

The park is open every day of the year and gate entry is in daylight hours only. Night drives are offered by some operators outside the park boundary, and the canopy walkway closes in some months. Roads can FLOOD in the long rains. Confirm times when you book.

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