Tucked between Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, a visit to Lake Manyara National Park can be easily included in Tanzania northern circuit itineraries or alongside stand-alone vacations in the Serengeti.
Just 125 square miles in area, most of which is the lake itself, Lake Manyara is a major contrast to the grassland plains which tend to dominate the Tanzanian landscape. But you’ll still find an impressive array of plains species, including the chance for rare sightings of tree-climbing lions.
As a shallow alkaline lake, Manyara draws in thousands of lesser flamingos, which cast a stunning pink hue across the water. They are joined by significant numbers of great white pelicans and Marabou storks, as well as colorful lilac-breasted rollers, and birds of prey such as palm-nut vultures.
Almost 400 different species of bird have been recorded, making Lake Manyara National Park one of the best places in Tanzania for birding. Binoculars in hand, it’s possible to explore its array of winged inhabitants from land and from the water, with canoeing a popular Lake Manyara activity.
Other attractions at Lake Manyara include the Hot Springs of Maji Moto. Also known as the Kikuletwa and Chemka Hot Springs, their forested location provides a stunning natural jacuzzi heated to 81°F by the volcanic activity of the Great Rift Valley on which it stands.
Top Tanzania Travel Destinations
Arusha & Arusha National Park / Gombe Stream National Park / Mahale Mountains National Park / Mount Kilimanjaro / Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Nyerere National Park / Serengeti National Park / Tarangire National Park / Zanzibar
The Big Five
African Elephant / Cape Buffalo / Leopard / Lion / Rhino
