Overview
Lake Manyara NP is a small park at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Its groundwater forest offers a nice change of scenery from the more savannah-dominated parks. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, big cats aren’t that easily seen. Elephant are prolific and are the main attraction.
Pros & Cons
Very relaxed elephants to view at close quarters
Stunning scenery
Superb birding
Near Arusha and en route to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti
Activities include canoe safaris, night drives and a treetop walkway
Rarely crowded in the morning
Gets crowded in the afternoons during peak season (June and July and October to April)
Wildlife
This park is known for its large elephant population. The big cats are present, but not seen that easily. The forest patch is home to habituated troops of olive baboon and blue monkey. Buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species are easily encountered on a drive.