Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, between the cliffs and a shallow soda lake. Though small, it packs in a surprising range of scenery, from lush groundwater forest full of baboons and blue monkeys to open grassland and the lakeshore.

The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, sometimes found lounging in the branches of acacias, though sightings are never guaranteed. Elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos are common, and flamingos and pelicans gather on the lake in season.

Manyara sits between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, so a half-day game drive fits easily into a northern circuit. The nearby village of Mto wa Mbu offers walking and cycling tours past banana plantations and local markets.