Lake Manyara National Park
Flamingo-filled shores, groundwater forests, elephants, and famous tree-climbing lions at the base of the Great Rift Valley.
About Lake Manyara
Get a quick feel for the park before you plug it into a short getaway or a longer northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Location
On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, about 2–3 hours southwest of Arusha.
Best Known For
Tree-climbing lions, huge flocks of flamingos (when the lake is full), elephants, and lush groundwater forest.
Ideal Trip Length
1–2 nights, often combined with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, or Serengeti.
Great For
First-time safaris, bird lovers, families, and guests wanting a soft, scenic start to their trip.
Overview
Lake Manyara is a compact but diverse park that packs a lot into a small area – dense groundwater forest, open floodplains, acacia woodland, and the shimmering alkaline lake that attracts thousands of water birds.
Driving in, you move from tall fig and mahogany trees (great for elephants and blue monkeys) to open areas where wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo graze, with the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment rising sharply above the plains.
Manyara works perfectly as a short 1–2 night escape from Arusha, or as the first stop on a longer circuit including Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. It offers gentle game viewing, strong birding, and a beautiful change of scenery compared to the open savannahs.
Highlights
- Chance to see the park’s famous tree-climbing lions resting in acacia branches.
- Large herds of elephants browsing through the groundwater forest.
- Flamingos and other water birds along the lakeshore (seasonal, depending on water levels).
- Scenic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and forested entrance road.
- Family-friendly activities in the wider area such as canopy walkways and bike rides (on request).
Best Time to Visit
- June – October (Dry Season): Easier wildlife viewing as vegetation is more open; good time for elephants and general game.
- November – March: Green landscapes, excellent birding, and fewer crowds; possible flamingo sightings when lake conditions are right.
- April – May: Wet season with lush scenery; some roads can be muddy, but it’s quiet and photogenic.
- Year-round: Because of its size and habitat variety, Manyara works as a flexible add-on in almost any month.
Add Lake Manyara to Your Safari Circuit
Use it as a soft landing after arrival, a day-trip escape from Arusha, or a scenic stop between Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti – we’ll fit it neatly into your route.
Recommended Itineraries Featuring Manyara
Pick one of these starting points and we’ll adjust the pace, lodges, and route around Lake Manyara to match your travel style.
2-Day Budget Lake Manyara Escape
Perfect for guests with limited time or a tight budget, this quick escape gives you a full game drive inside Lake Manyara with one overnight nearby.
- Day 1: Morning departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara. Enter the park via the forested gate road, game drive along the lakeshore, picnic lunch, then continue until late afternoon. Overnight at a budget lodge or tented camp close to the park.
- Day 2: Short morning game drive or relaxed breakfast at the lodge, then drive back to Arusha in time for your evening plans or next destination.
Perfect for: Solo travelers, students, and anyone who wants a quick, affordable taste of safari.
WhatsApp for Budget Quote
4-Day Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari (Midrange)
This classic short circuit combines elephant-rich Tarangire with the forests and lakeshore of Manyara for varied scenery and wildlife.
- Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Tarangire. Afternoon game drive among baobab trees and large elephant herds. Overnight in or near the park.
- Day 2: Morning game drive in Tarangire, then head toward the Manyara area. Optional cultural visit en route. Overnight near Lake Manyara.
- Day 3: Full or long half-day game drive inside Lake Manyara, exploring forests, open plains, and the lakeshore. Look out for tree-climbing lions.
- Day 4: Relaxed breakfast and scenic drive back to Arusha, or onward to your next destination.
Perfect for: Couples, friends, and families wanting comfort and variety without a very long trip.
WhatsApp for Midrange Quote
6-Day Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro & Serengeti Luxury Circuit
A well-paced northern circuit that uses Lake Manyara as your gentle first stop before heading to the big savannahs and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and overnight at a boutique lodge. Safari briefing with your guide.
- Day 2: Drive to Lake Manyara, enjoy a game drive inside the park, then overnight at a luxury lodge in the Manyara / Karatu area.
- Day 3–4: Continue onward to Serengeti for 2 nights in a stylish tented camp, following big cats and seasonal migration herds.
- Day 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands, overnight at a lodge with crater views.
- Day 6: Full-day Ngorongoro Crater game drive with picnic lunch, then drive back to Arusha or fly onward to Zanzibar.
Perfect for: Honeymoons, special occasions, and guests who want Manyara as part of a high-comfort, multi-park journey.
WhatsApp for Luxury QuoteWhy Plan Lake Manyara With Us
We’re based in Arusha and know exactly when and how to fit Manyara into your wider itinerary for the best flow and value.
Local Knowledge
We visit Lake Manyara and the northern parks regularly, so we know which lodges, road conditions, and seasons work best for each style of traveler.
Small & Personal
You chat directly with a safari specialist who listens, asks questions, and builds a plan around your real needs – not a copy-paste tour.
Honest Advice
We tell you when Manyara works perfectly, and when more nights are better spent in Tarangire or Serengeti, so your budget goes where it counts.
What Our Guests Say
Short Lake Manyara add-ons and full circuits our travelers already enjoyed.
"We did a quick 2-day Lake Manyara trip before flying to Zanzibar. The forest drive was beautiful and we saw elephants very close. Perfect warm-up safari."
Leah & Daniel M.
Nairobi, Kenya"Our 4-day Tarangire & Manyara safari felt very balanced. The team advised us to keep just one night in Manyara and it was the right call."
Julia & Louis F.
Paris, France"The 6-day circuit with Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro was incredible. Manyara’s scenery surprised us – the escarpment views were stunning."
Kate & Ryan S.
London, UKReady to Add Lake Manyara?
Share a few quick details and our Arusha-based team will reply with a custom plan that shows exactly how Lake Manyara can fit into your dates and budget.