[photo gallery]

This small park, located in the southeast of Arusha, is at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Between these rocky formations and the bank of the lake a dense jungle has been created, sprinkled in some places by acacias and enormous baobab, typical trees of this area that are the food of elephants (trunk) and monkeys (fruit).

The park comprises of forest, woodland, swamp, and grassland that gives food to baboon, elephants and several types of gazelles.

The park is famous for its tree- climbing lions. These animals remain enough time on the branches of the trees to escape from the sting of ants and the elephants and buffalos during their naps. Because of the tropical forest, they should go up the trees to be able to sight their preys.

In Mto wa Mbu village (near the park) there is an interesting "Masai Market" once a month. Is the only place in all Africa where languages with bantu, khosian, cushistica and nilotia root are spoken because it has been an area of commercial exchange during centuries.

Features - Lake Manyara National Park Established: 1.960 Area: 330 sq km (more or less 2 thirds are covered for the lake Manyara). Location: Latitude 3 20' & 3 40'S & Longitude 35 45'E. Altitude: Of 900 to 1.880 m. above sea level. Features: Great Rift Valley escarpment, lake Manyara, climber lions and source of hot water. Wildlife: 350 species of bird, storks and flamingoes, tree climbing lion, giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, baboon, elephant, gazelles; impala; buffalo, wildebeest and a great number of smaller mammals. Distances: 130 km. from Arusha and 95 km. from Tarangire National Park. When to go: All year . Facilities: Lodges, camp sites outside and inside the park, and aerodrome.. Lodges: Wildafrica Manyara Lodge, Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara Lodge, Unaunoto Lodge, Kirurumo Tended Lodge, Migunga Camp.