Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania

Nestled beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, spectacular birdlife, and stunning vistas.

The park is home to large herds of buffalo, cheetahs, Maasai giraffes, and impalas that roam the lake's shores and the forested valley slopes. Yellow-billed storks glide effortlessly on thermal winds rising from the escarpment, while herons flap gracefully against the sunlit sky. Even those who aren't bird enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the park’s extraordinary avian variety. Covering approximately 330 square kilometers, much of the park consists of the lake itself, making it a popular day-trip destination en route to other attractions.

For bird lovers, Lake Manyara is a paradise, boasting over 400 species of migratory birds. The lake’s saline waters are frequently adorned with bright-pink flamingos and pelicans. Alongside the vibrant birdlife, visitors can encounter a variety of animals, including the rare and famous tree-climbing lions. Despite its relatively modest size, the park’s diverse habitats and rich wildlife make it well worth a longer visit.

Beyond the floodplain, a narrow stretch of acacia woodland is a haven for Manyara's iconic tree-climbing lions and majestic elephants with impressively long tusks. Banded mongooses scurry between the trees, while the tiny Kirk’s dik-dik grazes in their shade. Higher up, pairs of klipspringers are often seen perched on rocks overlooking the southern shoreline, where searing hot springs bubble and steam near the lake.

Ernest Hemingway once described Lake Manyara as “the loveliest lake in Africa,” and he may have been right. Set against the backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, with its shores tinged pink by thousands of flamingos, the lake is a true African gem that should not be missed.

When it comes to wildlife, the park does not disappoint. In addition to the famed tree-climbing lions, visitors can spot elephants, zebras, caracals, leopards, serval cats, cheetahs, buffalo, wildebeests, warthogs, baboons, and numerous species of antelope. The Maasai giraffes are particularly striking, with the males exhibiting darker coats than those found in other parks, making Lake Manyara a truly awe-inspiring destination.