Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania's finest gems, stretching more than 30 miles (50 km) along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Explore this natural beauty, a great spot for bird watching and home to a large diversity of wildlife, with the help of your expert guide.

Wind your way through an expanse of lush, jungle-like groundwater forest, looking out the window to spot large troops of baboons that frequently lounge along the roadside, or blue monkeys scampering nimbly through the ancient mahogany trees.

Arrive at the grassy floodplain, contrasting starkly with the intimacy of the forest, with expansive views eastward across the alkaline lake to the jagged blue volcanic peaks rising from the endless Maasai Steppes. See the large buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra herds congregating on the grassy plains. Continue exploring, maybe spot a lion or leopard, and follow your guide for a photo at the hippos before pausing for lunch.

Manyara National Park provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania's birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded in the area, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and storks.