Lake Manyara NP is a small park at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Its groundwater forest offers a nice change of scenery from the more savannah-dominated parks. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, the big cats are present, but not seen that easily. The park is also known for its large elephant population. The forest patch is home to habituated troops of olive baboons and blue monkeys. Buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species are easily encountered on a drive.

Lake Manyara is also well-known as being a wildlife hotspot of Tanzania, especially if you’re eager to see flamingos. During the wet season, around 300 migratory birds come to the lake, this small park is one of the biggest underrated safari destinations in Tanzania.