Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park
The lions of Manyara climb trees, a habit almost nowhere else on Earth.
The lions here climb trees, draping themselves through acacia branches in one of only two places in Africa where the behaviour is documented. Below them the park runs forest to alkaline shore in a single narrow strip.
Manyara compresses five vegetation zones into a strip beneath the Rift wall, groundwater forest giving way to acacia woodland and the alkaline lake, and its lions are famous for sleeping in the trees, a habit documented in only one other African population. Flamingos mass on the water chiefly in the wetter months, the mid-year dry months serve the mammals best, and the Mto wa Mbu lodges on the circuit's edge grill nyama choma and pack fresh picnics for the drives.
Couple
A pair can move from forest to lakeshore and add the canopy walk, leaving flamingos and lions to chance.
Family
Manyara’s compact habitat changes suit families who want variety without promising children a specific species.
- Manyara's tree-climbing lions are one of only two documented populations.
- Five vegetation zones compress into one narrow strip beneath the Rift wall.
- Flamingos mass on the alkaline water in the wetter months.
- The park drives well in half a day, which the circuit's schedules love.
Suricata Boma at Mto wa Mbu grills nyama and mboga choma off the coals.
Mawe Mawe packs fresh picnics for the park drives.
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