Lake Manyara National Park stretches along the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment beside its namesake alkaline lake. The park is celebrated for large flocks of flamingos, a lush groundwater forest fed by springs, big elephant herds and a population of lions sometimes seen resting in trees.
Its compact size makes it a rewarding half- or full-day visit, frequently combined with Ngorongoro and Tarangire.