Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park has a wide-open wilderness experience in a relatively small area. Visitors are drawn here to witness the unique behavior of tree-climbing lions and the massive flocks of pink flamingos that fringe the alkaline lake. The park's landscape is incredibly varied, transitioning from dense groundwater forests inhabited by troops of baboons to the open floodplains where buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras graze under the watchful eyes of giraffes. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting over 400 species, including pelicans, storks, and kingfishers. For the adventurous, a treetop walkway provides a bird's-eye view of the canopy, while night safaris offer a glimpse into the lives of nocturnal predators. The culinary scene near the park is characterized by traditional Tanzanian dishes like Ugali and Nyama Choma, often served in lodges overlooking the Rift Valley escarpment. Getting here is straightforward, typically via a two-hour drive from Arusha or a short flight to the Manyara airstrip. The best time to visit is during the dry season from July to October for large mammal sightings, though the wet season from November to June is handy for birding and lush green scenery. It remains one of Tanzania's most accessible and visually remarkable natural gems.

Nearby cities

Babati

Located on Lake Babati, a city in the Rift Valley overlooking Mount Kwaraa.

Mbulu

A high-altitude town in the crater-like highlands, dominated by the Iraqw people.

Karatu

A lively highland town, known as the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater and famous for its fertile red soil.

Mto wa Mbu

A culturally diverse village at the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its irrigation systems and red bananas.

Empakaai Crater

A pristine crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands featuring a deep blue alkaline lake and steep, forested walls.

Lake Eyasi

A shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley, home to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and known for authentic cultural encounters.

Charrana

A hidden gem at the Cape of the Three Forks with wild cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

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Izemmouren إزمّـورن

Izemmouren is a tranquil coastal town in northern Morocco, known for its pristine beaches like Playa Los Piratos.

Al Hoceima

A Mediterranean port city known for its beaches and national park.

Melilla

A fascinating Spanish enclave in North Africa, boasting modernist architecture and a stunning historic citadel.

Tala Youssef

Tala Youssef is a picturesque Moroccan coastal town near Al Hoceima, known for its beautiful beaches and pine forests.

History & landmarks

Ngorongoro Crater

The world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, forming a unique and densely populated wildlife ecosystem.

Tarangire National Park

Famous for its massive elephant herds and striking, ancient baobab trees.

Nature

Lake Manyara

A lake in the rift valley.

More places

Wembere Plain

A vast, flat plain in the center of Tanzania.

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Geita Farmland

Agricultural area.

Tarangire Park

Known for large elephant herds.

Engaruka Ruins

The fascinating remains of a complex agricultural system and Iron Age settlement in the East African Rift Valley.

Ol Doinyo Lengai

A unique active volcano with natrocarbonatite lava.

Olduvai Gorge

One of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, known as the 'Cradle of Mankind'.

Nador West Med Port Project

A new industrial port complex in development to boost economic growth in northern Morocco.