Lake Manyara National Park

Manyara is the smallest of the four northern-circuit parks, and one of the richest for its size — volcanic soil feeds a groundwater forest dense enough to shelter baboon troops sixty strong, while the lake itself draws in flamingo, pelican, and stork by the thousand.

Over 380 bird species have been recorded here, from herons and egrets to jacana and plover. Ground fauna includes large baboon troops, impala, giraffe, buffalo, and zebra.

The park's tree-climbing lions are the reason most people come — a local quirk of behaviour nobody has fully explained, but that our guides can usually find, given enough patience and the right afternoon light.