Booking request - Hint of wilderness - glamping
Discover lush forests, tree-climbing lions, and thousands of flamingos.
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha and located along the route to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara National Park is the perfect start or stop on any northern circuit safari. Often overlooked in favor of larger parks, Lake Manyara is a hidden gem offering an astonishing variety of ecosystems in a relatively small area – lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, acacia woodlands, hot springs, and of course, the lake itself.
WHY CHOOSE LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK FOR YOUR SAFARI?
What Lake Manyara lacks in size, it more than makes up for in biodiversity and scenery. This compact park offers a surprisingly diverse safari experience and is especially ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers.
- Located conveniently en route to Ngorongoro and Serengeti
- Known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating behavior
- Home to Lake Manyara, which attracts thousands of flamingos and other birds
- Great spot for day trips or short safaris
- Rich habitats packed with wildlife, especially elephants, baboons, hippos, and buffalo
- Offers a softer introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife for first-time visitors
A LANDSCAPE OF SURPRISES
Lake Manyara National Park may be small—just 330 km² including the lake—but it is incredibly scenic. Within just a few kilometers, you’ll pass through a range of habitats:
- Groundwater Forests: At the entrance, you’ll drive through dense, leafy forests that are home to large troops of baboons and blue monkeys.
- Lake Shore & Floodplains: A prime viewing spot for flamingos, hippos, and aquatic birds.
- Acacia Woodland: This area is perfect for spotting elephants and the famous tree-climbing lions.
- Maji Moto (Hot Springs): In the southern part of the park, you’ll find natural hot springs that bubble out of the ground and offer stunning views over the Rift Valley wall.
This ecological diversity makes Lake Manyara feel like multiple parks in one, despite its modest size.
WHAT WILDLIFE CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE?
While you may not find all the Big Five in Lake Manyara, the park still offers excellent game viewing:
Tree-climbing lions, which are especially elusive and unique to this region
Huge herds of elephants, often spotted in the woodlands
Large baboon troops, often considered the largest in Tanzania
Hippos, visible from the boardwalk and hippo pool
Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and more than 400 other bird species
You might also spot buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, zebras, and hyenas on your game drive.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara is a year-round destination, though the best experience depends on your interests:
- Dry Season (June to October): Excellent for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources and vegetation is thinner.
- Wet Season (November to May): The park turns lush and green, and birdlife (especially flamingos and migratory species) is at its peak.
Keep in mind that the southern part of the park may be inaccessible during the rainy season due to muddy roads.
PERFECT ADD-ON TO YOUR SAFARI
Lake Manyara National Park works beautifully as:
A short day trip from Arusha, although it’s quite a bit of driving, so we recommend to combine it with other parks
A first stop on a longer Tanzania northern circuit safari.
A complement to the other parks. It’s often combined with Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
A photography hotspot with lush greenery and scenic landscapes
A soft alternative for travelers who prefer less dusty, more accessible terrain
PLAN YOUR LAKE MANYARA SAFARI WITH MAWENZI ADVENTURES
Whether you want to just do a game drive, enjoy a walking safari or add some adventure with a treetop walk, we’ll create a tailor-made itinerary that fits your travel style. Combine Lake Manyara National Park with nearby parks like Tarangire, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro Crater to kick off your safari adventure.
Want to include Lake Manyara in your custom safari? Contact us today to get started on your unforgettable journey.
SEE OUR SAFARIS THAT INCLUDE THIS PARK
FROM
$890
HINT OF WILDERNESS
Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro crater
Including airport transfers & 2 nights in Arusha
ON
REQUEST
INTO THE BUSH
Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire
Including airport transfers & 2 nights in Arusha
A lot of our other safari packages can easily be modified to include Lake Manyara instead of Tarangire or Arusha National Park.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! Despite its smaller size, it offers rich biodiversity and is perfect for a day trip or one-night stay.
Yes, and it’s one of the few places in Africa where this rare behavior can be observed.
The best time for flamingo sightings is typically between November and April during the wet season.
Yes, walking safaris are available but not always accessible because the walking paths tend to get too muddy. However there’s a canopy walk that’s available and accessible. It needs to be booked in advance, so please let us know before or while making your booking.
Roughly 2.5 hours by car on a paved road, making it ideal for a quick getaway.
