Lake Manyara National Park Guide – Wildlife, Tree-Climbing Lions & Travel Tips

Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet diverse wildlife destination in northern Tanzania, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Despite its smaller size, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its rich ecosystems, ranging from groundwater forests to open savannah and the alkaline lake itself.

The park is best known for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and abundant wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and hippos. Lake Manyara National Park offers excellent game viewing, birdwatching, and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect stop on the northern Tanzania safari circuit alongside Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Climate

Lake Manyara has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, influenced by its location in the Great Rift Valley. The weather is generally pleasant, making Lake Manyara a year-round safari destination.

Temperature

Average daytime temperatures range between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
Nights and early mornings can be cooler, especially during the dry season

Rainy Seasons

Lake Manyara experiences two rainy periods:

Long rains (March to May): Heavy rainfall, lush green scenery, fewer tourists
Short rains (November to December): Light showers, refreshing landscapes

Dry Season

June to October: Best time for wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara National Park
Vegetation is thinner, making animals easier to spot
Cooler and more comfortable for game drives

Best Time to Visit

Lake Manyara National Park can be visited all year, but the dry season (June–October) is ideal for safaris, while the wet season offers excellent birdwatching and vibrant scenery.

Getting there

The Park can be accessed by road or air

Road. The park is 115 km from Arusha city to main gate via Makuyuni-Ngorongoro road.

Air. Can be accessed through scheduled flights to Manyara Airstrips.

Park Attractions

The Park has remarkable attractions most notably the tree climbing lions, Marang’ forest, hot spring, ground water forest, diversity of bird species and the rift valley. Plan your trip by visiting Lake Manyara National Park were you will get exceptional experience that quenches your travel thirst.