Lake Manyara National Park
Where Forest Meets the Lake
Lake Manyara is a small park with a remarkable variety of landscapes. Beneath the dramatic wall of the Great Rift Valley, groundwater forests give way to open grasslands, acacia woodland and the shimmering alkaline lake that defines the park.
Its compact size makes every game drive wonderfully varied, with elephants moving beneath forest canopies, giraffes crossing open plains, troops of baboons along the roadside and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife around the wetlands.
Four Faces of Manyara
Within a relatively small wilderness, dramatically different habitats unfold from the foot of the Rift Valley to the shores of Lake Manyara.
01 · FOREST
Groundwater Forest
A lush entrance to the park where towering trees, dense vegetation and permanent springs create habitat for monkeys, baboons and elephants.
02 · LAKESHORE
Lake Manyara
The park’s alkaline lake forms its shimmering centrepiece, attracting waterbirds and creating beautiful open views beneath the Rift Valley escarpment.
03 · WOODLAND
Acacia Country
Beyond the forest, acacia woodland and open grasslands provide excellent habitat for giraffes, zebras, buffalo and other plains wildlife.
04 · ESCARPMENT
The Rift Valley
Rising dramatically above the park, the Great Rift Valley wall creates a spectacular natural backdrop and gives Manyara its distinctive sense of place.
THE EXPERIENCE
A Safari of Changing Landscapes
From shadowed forest to open lakeshore, a journey through Manyara reveals a surprising variety of wildlife and scenery within a remarkably intimate wilderness.
BENEATH THE CANOPY
Forest Encounters
Follow shaded tracks through lush groundwater forest where baboons, monkeys and elephants may appear between towering trees.
ACROSS THE PLAINS
Wildlife in the Open
As the forest gives way to woodland and grassland, look for giraffes, zebras, buffalo and the park’s diverse resident wildlife.
ALONG THE WATER
Life by the Lake
Reach the open lakeshore where expansive views, wetlands and rich birdlife reveal an entirely different side of Manyara.