Lake Manyara National Park has long been a staple of Tanzania's northern safari circuit, famous for its tree-climbing lions and stunning location at the base of the Great Rift Valley. But with changing conditions and growing competition from nearby parks like Tarangire, many travelers are asking: is it still worth visiting?

The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide.

The Changes at Lake Manyara

Recent years have brought significant changes to the park. Flooding has altered the landscape, with the lake expanding and reducing the available space for wildlife viewing along the shoreline . Some safari operators have noted that the wildlife experience has been "a bit underwhelming of late" and have started suggesting alternatives to their clients .

The park is also quite small – at just 350 square kilometers, it's the smallest of the four main Northern Circuit parks, with two-thirds of that area taken up by the lake itself . This means the game-driving areas can feel crowded, especially in the northern sections near the entrance .

What Still Makes It Special

Despite these changes, Manyara retains some undeniable charms.

Legendary Tree-Climbing Lions

The park remains one of the few places in Africa where you might spot lions lounging in the branches of acacia and fig trees . While sightings are less predictable than they once were, and some visitors leave disappointed, this unique behavior still draws travelers from around the world . Unlike leopards, which are natural climbers, lions have neither the survival need nor the physical agility to climb trees – they seem to do it simply to enjoy the cool breeze floating in from the lake .

Spectacular Scenery

Manyara is arguably the most scenic park in northern Tanzania . The dramatic Rift Valley escarpment frames the landscape, the groundwater forests provide lush, shaded wildlife viewing, and the alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds . As one safari specialist puts it, "What cannot be denied... is the park's natural beauty, especially in the far south where few travellers take the time to explore" .

Birdwatcher's Paradise

With over 400 recorded bird species, Manyara is a haven for bird lovers . The sight of thousands of pink flamingos along the lake's alkaline shores is spectacular, particularly during the wet season when migratory birds arrive .

Activities Beyond Game Drives

For those who stay overnight at one of the few lodges within the park, Manyara offers activities you won't find elsewhere in the region:

• Treetop Walkway: A 370-meter suspended bridge giving you a "bird's-eye view" of the forest canopy
• Night game drives: One of the few parks that allows night driving, offering chances to spot civets, porcupines, and genets
• Canoeing: When water levels allow, you can paddle on the lake
• Guided nature walks: Particularly in the more remote southern areas

The Tarangire Comparison

The most common question travelers ask is whether to choose Tarangire or Lake Manyara . Here's the honest comparison:

Choose Tarangire if: you want to see large elephant herds (hundreds gather near the river during the dry season), prefer wide-open savannahs and iconic baobab trees, and have 2+ days to explore .

Choose Lake Manyara if: you're short on time (it's perfect for a half-day or day trip), want scenic diversity from forests to lake views, or are particularly interested in birdwatching and the chance (not guarantee) of seeing tree-climbing lions .

Best Time to Visit

To maximize your experience:

• Dry season (June–October): Best for general wildlife viewing, though some areas can be dusty
• Wet season (November–May): Lush landscapes, abundant birdlife including flamingos, but some roads can be soft or inaccessible

The Verdict

Lake Manyara is still worth visiting, but it's best enjoyed as a complementary experience rather than a centerpiece. Here's the honest advice from experienced travelers and specialists:

• Make it your first safari: Visitors consistently say Manyara is best experienced early in your trip. As one traveler noted, "If you want go to Lake Manyara, please let this be your first Safari park. Compared to the other parks, this park is not that exciting for me" .
• Don't visit after the Serengeti or Ngorongoro: If you've already experienced the vast herds of the Serengeti, Manyara's smaller scale may feel disappointing .
• Stay overnight in the south: The southern part of the park is less visited, offers better lion sightings, and allows you to enjoy the park after the day-trippers have left .
• Visit both if you can: Many operators recommend combining Tarangire and Manyara for a 3-4 day safari – starting with Tarangire's open plains and ending with Manyara's forest beauty .

As one recent visitor summarized: "A nice part of the trip but not the best. Still worth a visit" . With realistic expectations and smart planning, Lake Manyara can still be a memorable part of your Tanzanian safari.