Lake Manyara national park is one of the smallest parks, located in the northern part of Tanzania. The park is comprised of an alkaline lake with a depth of up 3.7m and has a beautiful landscape as well as a collection of wildlife animals and birds. The animals to be seen here are Elephants, Zebras, wildebeests, Buffaloes, hippos, waterbucks, impalas, leopards, lions, giraffes, baboons, blue monkeys, blackface monkeys, and many others just to mention. There are over 400 species of birds therefore the best place for a birdwatching tour.
The entrance for Lake Manyara park is located close to the main road going to Karatu town and upon entering the gate you will be welcomed by springs of water forest which boast with the ancient Mahogany tree, giant fig trees, as well as kapok trees. Olive baboon is also common in the area as well as the lions climbing the trees. As you continue, the groundwater forest transforms into a flash of greens and yellows signaling the arrival of the acacia forest. Vervet monkeys as well as the noisy red-billed hornbills are common residents here.
The lake itself receives its water primarily from the Simba River in the north and the Makuyuni River in the east. However, the rift valley also provides a lot of water mainly in the rainy season. The groundwater forest also feeds the swamps that eventually flow into the lake.