Lake Manyara

Situated in northern Tanzania at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake that forms the centrepiece of Lake Manyara National Park. Surrounded by groundwater forests, open grasslands and acacia woodlands, the lake supports an impressive diversity of habitats within a relatively compact area. Visitors come to enjoy game drives in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and the park's famous tree-climbing lions, while the lake itself attracts thousands of flamingos and a rich variety of other waterbirds when conditions are favourable. Scenic viewpoints, forest walks and the park's striking Rift Valley setting make Lake Manyara a rewarding addition to northern Tanzania's renowned safari circuit.