Lake Manyara is a small national park located approximately a 3.5 hours drive from Moshi to the west, not too far from Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its location makes it a popular choice to break up a long drive when traveling to the Serengeti. Two-thirds of the park is covered by Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake. At times of the year is it well populated by flamingoes. This park features many of the African plains animals excepting rhino. It is a bird-watchers paradise with over 400 species present. Before even reaching the park gates you will most likely be greeted by large troops of baboons along the roadside. The park is famous for a species of lions that prefers stay high in the tree branches.

This park offers the option of canoe rental (additional charge) and there is also a suspended walkway where you can get a bird's-eye view of the flora and fauna (additional charge for the walkway).

As the park is not large, one day is a sufficient visit for this park. There are no accommodations inside of the national park, but there are plenty of options from private campsites to luxury lodges and tented camps not far from the park.