Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake at the base of a cliff that is part of the western Rift Valley wall. The northwest of the lake and the land around it are protected in a 330 km2 national park. The tapestry of woodland, grassland and swamps is home to the largest population of baboons in Tanzania, as well as blue and vervet monkeys. Zebra, giraffe and elephant are abundant. The hippo pools offer excellent birding including substantial flocks of pink flamingos. With luck one can spot the famous tree-climbing lions for which the park is famous.