Nestled below the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara was flattered by Hemingway as “the loveliest lake I had ever seen in Africa”. It is one of Tanzania's smaller national parks but offers a compact game-viewing circuit with a great diversity of habitats, animals and birds. At the foot of the 600 meter high Rift Valley escarpment a well maintained road insinuates through a jungle-like forest, home to many baboons and Blue Monkeys.

From the acacia woodland it continues into the grass floodplains, ending at the shores of the shallow soda lake that attracts flocks of pelicans, flamingos and other species of water birds. The south, which is home to the legendary tree climbing lions, is relatively unexplored but definitely worth a visit for those who are able to spend a full day in this lovely national park.