Lake Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are known to climb to escape flies. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, as well as more than 500 species of birds, including numerous flamingos. Upon entering Lake Manyara, visitors are often greeted by groups of baboons and velvet monkeys.

The forest is characterized by mahogany and sausage trees, which shelter blue monkeys and vervet monkeys. Elephants frequently feed on fallen fruit, while other animals such as bushbuck, waterbuck, aardvarks, civets, the shy pangolin, and leopards also inhabit the area. Lake Manyara attracts a diverse range of birdlife, and the shores boast a vibrant kaleidoscope of species, including large flocks of flamingos. The rich variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and the different types of vegetation, all within a compact area, make Lake Manyara a captivating destination.