Tree-Climbing Lions in Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-known places to see lions climbing trees. The park mixes groundwater forest, woodland, grassland and wetland habitats that support a variety of wildlife.

Leopards are highly adapted to climbing and regularly use trees to rest or protect prey. Lions, by contrast, are not specialised climbers. Nevertheless, lions at Lake Manyara have been documented climbing and resting in trees.

The behaviour is fascinating because lions are large, powerful animals usually linked with open grassland. For photographers, a lion lying across a sturdy branch is an unusual chance to capture one of Africa’s most recognisable predators.

Scientists have proposed several explanations, but no single one accounts for every observation.

A recent study used opportunistic observations from several locations in northern Tanzania. It found that tree climbing varied with season, time of day and age-sex category. However, the researchers stressed that the behaviour is context-dependent. For visitors, the key point is that lions climb naturally, but their behaviour cannot be scheduled.

No month or hour is guaranteed. Nevertheless, some observations can help you plan a wildlife-focused visit.

Is the rainy season better?

Research published in 2026 found that tree climbing was more likely in the wet season at the northern Tanzania sites studied. However, it used opportunistic observations, not a survey designed to predict tourist sightings. So the finding does not promise more sightings in a particular month. Roads and access also vary by season, so confirm conditions with your accommodation or operator. See our best time to visit Tanzania guide for more.

Should you go in the afternoon?

The same research found that climbing became more likely later in the day. An afternoon game drive may therefore be worth discussing with your guide. Still, lions will not climb at a set time, and your guide should balance the search with other wildlife and park rules.

Is an early-morning drive still worthwhile?

Yes. Early morning can be productive for general wildlife viewing, and the park offers much more than tree-climbing lions. Your guide can adjust the route to wildlife movements and current sightings.

Tree-climbing lions are linked with the park’s woodland habitats, where suitable trees have branches that can support their weight. However, lions move around the park, and no single tree guarantees a sighting.

Your guide may know where lions were seen recently. Even so, yesterday’s sighting does not guarantee today’s location.

One reason to visit is the variety of wildlife and habitats in a fairly compact park.

The park’s official visitor information lists birdwatching as an important attraction. These other experiences make the visit worthwhile even without a lion in a tree. For first-timers, our guide to Lake Manyara for first-time safari visitors helps with planning.

Yes. Lake Manyara can be visited on a day safari, including from Arusha as part of a northern Tanzania trip. The national parks authority places the park about 125 kilometres from Arusha, with a typical drive of two to two and a half hours in favourable conditions. Actual time depends on traffic, weather, pickup arrangements and the route. See our Arusha travel guide for the starting point.

A day trip leaves time for a game drive and a look at the main habitats. How much wildlife you see depends on conditions and how long you spend inside the park. If tree-climbing lions are your main interest, tell your operator before booking. Do not book on the assumption that a sighting can be promised.

It is worth considering if you want a safari that combines a chance of tree-climbing lions with other wildlife and landscapes.

If your only goal is a photograph of a lion in a tree, understand the uncertainty. Even an experienced guide cannot control where lions rest or how they behave. A broader itinerary gives you more to enjoy if the lions stay on the ground.

See our Tanzania safari packing list for a fuller checklist.

This guide is general travel-planning information. Park fees, operating arrangements and activity availability can change, so verify current details with the Tanzania National Parks Authority and the Safari Best Tanzania team before travel.