Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems within a relatively small area, including dense forests, savannah, wetlands, and the alkaline Lake Manyara itself. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and the breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Visitors can see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, and baboons. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting over 400 bird species, such as flamingos, pelicans, and kingfishers. Predators like lions and leopards are also present, with lions famously seen resting in trees.

The park can be visited year-round, but the dry season (June to October) is ideal for spotting large mammals as they gather around water sources. The wet season (November to May) offers lush scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities, as migratory birds flock to the lake.

Activities include game drives, guided walking safaris, canoeing (when water levels permit), birdwatching, and cultural tours to nearby villages. Some lodges also offer night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife.

The park is easily accessible by road from Arusha, located about 126 km (78 miles) away—a drive of approximately 2-3 hours. Alternatively, charter flights are available to the Lake Manyara airstrip. It is often included as part of a northern Tanzania safari circuit, along with Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.