Lake Manyara National Park, nestling under the wall of the great Rift Valley, 128 km south west of Arusha, is like a perfectly cut gem-stone. Viewed from any direction, it affords a striking spectacle. This national park was named after Manyara soda lake. Not only are the landscapes and vegetation fascinating, but also the animals and birds are of great interest. The most famous spectacle in the park are the various lion prides which often take time out to recline on the limbs of the Acacia trees, three to seven meters above the ground, unusual for these big cats. There are also a lot of elephants and with a bit of luck you may see leopards as well.