Explore the compact but incredibly diverse Lake Manyara National Park. From the dense groundwater forest teeming with primates to the alkaline lake shore lined with thousands of flamingos, this park offers extraordinary variety in a single day.
Morning
Depart Arusha at 7:00 AM. Drive along the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara (3 hours). Enter through the groundwater forest, spotting baboon troops, blue monkeys, and bushbuck. Continue to the open grasslands searching for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Afternoon
Picnic lunch with views of the Rift Valley. Afternoon drive along the lake shore for flamingos, pelicans, and hippo pools. Visit the hot springs area and explore the southern acacia woodland for giraffes and elephants.
Evening
Exit the park and drive back to Arusha arriving by evening.
WildlifeTree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippo, baboon, blue monkey, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, bushbuck, pelican, fish eagle, over 400 bird species
SceneryGreat Rift Valley escarpment views, alkaline Lake Manyara stretching to the horizon, lush groundwater forest canopy, hot springs area
Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania's best birding destinations. The tree-climbing lion behavior is unique to this park and Ishasha in Uganda.