This park is another of Tanzania’s »little parks«, protecting an area of 330 sq km of which 230 sq km is covered by Lake Manyara itself. It is located between the alkaline Lake Manyara and the western wall of the Eastern Great Rift Valley on the way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park; the Great Rift Valley is part of a fault in the earth’s crust stretching 8.000 km from Turkey to the mouth of the Zambezi River in Mozambique; it is so large that it is visible from the moon!

The most famous sight in the park are the »tree-climbing Lions«, which are occasionally seen along branches of Acacia trees six to seven meters above the ground! Other animals found in the area include Elephants (Tanzania’s highest concentration per sq km!), Buffalos, Giraffes, Leopards, Impalas, Hippos and over 400 species of birds including Lesser and Greater Flamingos, African Spoonbill, Cormorant, Egyptian Geese, Pelican, thousands of Red-billed Quelea, Sacred Ibis, Stork and White-faced Duck. After entering the Park Gate one passes into the lush forest where packs of Blue Monkeys and Baboons are frequently seen. Troops of Mongoose are often seen feasting on the trails of Buffalos and Elephants.

The vegetation is also unique including the rift wall, the ground water forest (unlike a rain forest that depends on rain, a ground water forest depends on the water seeping from the rock of the escarpment), Acacia woodland, and areas of open grassland and swamps, as well as the sulphur springs at Maji Moto. The escarpment itself is rather dry but between the lake and the escarpment is it a real jungle with lots of Ficus trees, Mahogany, Ebony, Vines, and plenty of flourishing growth.

Activities
Game viewing, Bird-watching; just outside the Park: Canoeing safaris, Cultural tours, Bike tours and Abseiling. Great daytrip option from Arusha.

Have a look at our Safari Tours!
And for more photos, take a look at our Photo Gallery!

Map of the Park

When to go
Park is accessible all year round but the best time for bird-watching, the waterfalls and canoeing is during the rainy season (November to May).

Accommodation
There are three public campsites, three special campsites and a small complex of bandas. Four luxury up-market lodges are situated outside the park. Quite a few moderate guesthouses are available in the near Mto wa Mbu town. Have a look at some of the Safari Accommodation.

Getting there
A drive from Arusha (2,5h) or flying from Arusha (30min).

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