Lake Manyara National Park Safari
Lake Manyara National Park sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, about two hours from Arusha. It is a compact park of groundwater forest, acacia woodland and a shallow alkaline lake, and it is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops and flocks of flamingos in season.
Lake Manyara National Park sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, about two hours from Arusha. It is a compact park of groundwater forest, acacia woodland and a shallow alkaline lake, and it is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops and flocks of flamingos in season.
It is an easy, scenic first stop before the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, and suits a half-day or a full-day visit. Our safaris that include Lake Manyara start from USD 800 per person.
What you can see
The mahogany and fig trees of the groundwater forest are home to blue monkeys and large baboon groups. Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and hippos live in the open areas, and the lake draws pelicans, storks and, in the right season, thousands of flamingos. Lions that rest in the branches of acacia trees are the park’s signature, though they are not seen on every visit.
Manyara has more than 400 species of birds, so it is a good place for keen bird watchers. A short canopy walk near the park gate gives you a view from the treetops.
Best time to visit
Manyara can be visited all year. The dry season from June to October is best for wildlife near the lake. The rainy months from November to May bring more birds and migrant waterbirds, and flamingos are often most numerous then. Roads can be wet during the long rains.
Where it fits in a safari
Most northern circuit safaris stop in Lake Manyara for a night or a half-day, on the way between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro highlands. It breaks the long drive and adds a different habitat. Cultural activities nearby include the village of Mto wa Mbu, with its markets and banana plantations.
The three habitats of Manyara
Within a small area you pass from the dense groundwater forest at the gate, where baboons and monkeys live, through open acacia woodland, to the grassy shore of the lake with hippos, buffalo and flocks of birds. The escarpment of the Great Rift Valley rises behind, 600 metres above the park, and the changing scenery is a main attraction.
Activities at Lake Manyara
Beyond game drives, you can take a canopy walk, bicycle through nearby villages, visit the Mto wa Mbu market, and in some seasons canoe on the lake. A cultural walk with a local guide gives you a view of the rice and banana farming and the mixture of tribes living in the town.
Safaris that include Lake Manyara
- 7 Day Northern Tanzania Midrange Safari (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,800 per person) The classic Northern Circuit in 7 days: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, two nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, staying in mid range lodges and tented c
- 7 Day Northern Circuit Luxury Tanzania Safari: Drive to Serengeti & Fly Out (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 5,300 per person) A private 7 day luxury Northern Circuit safari: drive through Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro to the Serengeti, then fly out from Seronera Airstrip.
- 6 Day Northern Tanzania Midrange Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,300 per person) A private 6 day midrange safari through Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in a 4×4 jeep with pop-up roof.
- 7 Day Luxury Big Five & Wildebeest Migration Safari (From Arusha) (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 5,900 per person) A 7 Day luxury safari from Arusha: Tarangire, three Serengeti nights, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, USD 5,900 per person.
- 3 Day Affordable Joining Safari (3 Days, from USD 800 per person) A three-day shared safari from Arusha covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. You travel in a shared 4x4 with a professional English-speaking g
- 6 Day Luxury Great Migration River Crossing Safari (Northern Serengeti Focus) (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 4,800 per person) A 6 Day luxury Great Migration safari focused on Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti, plus Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, USD 4,800 per person.
Frequently asked questions
Are there tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara?
Yes, but they are not always seen. They are most often spotted resting in acacia trees in the dry season.
How far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?
About 125 kilometres, roughly two hours by road.
Are there flamingos in Lake Manyara?
Often, especially in the wet season, but the numbers vary with the water level.
How long should I spend there?
A half day to a full day. It is often combined with Tarangire or the crater.
Is Lake Manyara good for photography?
Yes. The forest gives soft light, the lake attracts birds, and the elephants and baboons come close to the vehicle.