Safaris to Lake Manyara National Park

At only 330km2, Lake Manyara National Park is small compared to many of the parks found in Tanzania; however, that's not to say it lacks any of the wildlife diversity or game-viewing potential. The variety of habitats and stunning scenery make it a great option for camping and luxury safaris to Tanzania.

The western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley provides a spectacular backdrop to the park, which stretches along the area between the escarpment and Lake Manyara. The shallow alkaline lake expands and contracts with the seasons. The grassy floodplains surrounding the lake are home to many of Tanzania's wildlife species including warthog, zebra, impala, Kirk's dik-dik and waterbuck; further out, the acacia woodland and evergreen forests support giraffe, wildebeest, elephant and buffalo. The rocky escarpment and trees are good hiding spots for leopard, while the lion population is famed for its tree-climbing antics. Some of Africa's largest troops of baboons are found here, too - often several hundred in each troop!

Tanzania's Lake Manyara is most notably famed for its incredible birdlife. Whilst on a camping safari around the lake you can find pelicans, flamingos, herons, stalks and spoonbills. Further out in the lush forests, silvery-cheeked hornbills, crowned eagles and crested guinea-fowl are common.