AT ONE · Northern Tanzania · Rift Valley Floor
Lake Manyara National Park
Tree-climbing lions and a pink flamingo horizon
330 km²
Park Area
400+
Bird Species
Famous
Tree-Climbing Lions
1–2 hrs
From Arusha
The Destination
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara sits at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment — a narrow strip of diverse habitat that packs more ecosystems into a small space than almost anywhere else in Tanzania.
The alkaline lake draws hundreds of thousands of flamingo in a blush-pink horizon across the shallows, while the forest strip above hides some of the world's most famous tree-climbing lions — a unique behaviour observed in only a handful of lion populations globally.
For a Northern Circuit itinerary, Manyara offers a perfect first night's stay — close to Arusha, rich in wildlife, and accessible even for guests arriving the same day.
Best Season
June – February
Peak Event
Flamingo and tree-climbing lions
Recommended Stay
1–2 nights
Safari Style
Game Drive · Birding · Night Drive
"The lions rest in acacia branches here — a sight so impossible it must be seen to be believed."
The Wildlife
What You Will
Encounter
Tree-Climbing Lions
Manyara's most famous residents. Young males and females drape themselves across horizontal fig and acacia branches.
Flamingo
In peak season, the lake surface near the flood plain turns pink with hundreds of thousands of lesser and greater flamingo.
Elephant
Large herds move through the groundwater forest. These are relaxed, accustomed elephants.
Hippo
The hippo pools near the park entrance hold some of the most visible, accessible hippo in Tanzania.
Baboon
Enormous troops of olive baboon patrol the forest margins and open grassland.
Buffalo
Large herds graze the floodplain throughout the dry season.
Signature Experiences
What AT ONE
Arranges for You
Dawn game drives timed to catch lions in the trees before midday heat
Flamingo photography stops along the lake shore with exclusive positions
Night drives through the forest for bushbaby, genet, and civet
Rift Valley scenic drives along the escarpment with panoramic views
Combined with Ngorongoro for an exceptional two-day Northern Circuit start
Extend Your Journey
On to Ngorongoro
Lake Manyara is the perfect first night on the Northern Circuit — combine it with Ngorongoro Crater the following morning.
Begin Your Journey
Request Your
Tailored Itinerary
Every AT ONE journey is designed from first principles around your dates, group, and preferences. Speak with our safari concierge to begin.