Lake Manyara National Park

Overview

Lake Manyara National Park is small - about 330 square kilometres, two thirds of it water - and squeezed between the Rift Valley escarpment and the lake itself, which makes it one of the most scenically compressed parks in Tanzania. You pass through five habitats in an hour: groundwater forest fed by springs at the base of the escarpment, acacia woodland, open floodplain, the soda lake with its flamingos and pelicans, and the hot springs at Maji Moto. The park's reputation rests on its tree-climbing lions, which drape themselves along acacia branches - genuinely seen here, though not on demand. Elephant move through the forest, the baboon troops are among the largest recorded anywhere, and the birdlife is exceptional for the size, with over 400 species. A canopy walkway and night drives, both rare in Tanzanian parks, are available. It sits on the road between Arusha and Ngorongoro, which makes it an easy and worthwhile half-day.