Lake Manyara National Park
A shallow soda lake at the foot of the Great Rift Valley wall, with groundwater forest, flamingos, elephants and big troops of baboons, all in a compact park that is easy to reach from Arusha.
At a glance
- Getting there
- About 2 hours by road from Arusha
- Best for
- Birdlife, forest walks, a half-day or full-day visit
- Best time
- June to October for wildlife; November to May for birds
- Status
- Part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Why go
Lake Manyara packs a lot into a small space. You drive in through tall groundwater forest full of blue monkeys and baboons, out onto open grassland with elephants, giraffes and buffalo, and down to a lake that, depending on the water level, can be lined with flamingos and pelicans. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here.
The park’s lions sometimes rest in trees, as lions occasionally do in a few other parts of Africa, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Highlights
- Groundwater forest with blue monkeys and baboons
- Flamingos and pelicans on the lake, when the water allows
- Over 400 bird species
- Views from the Rift Valley escarpment
- Village walks in nearby Mto wa Mbu
The conservation story
Lake Manyara sits on an old wildlife route between Tarangire and the Rift Valley. Neighbouring communities manage land between the two parks so that elephants and other animals can still move through it, and they earn from the visitors who come to see them. The lake itself depends on the streams and springs that feed it from the escarpment, which makes protecting the forest above it just as important as protecting the park.
How your visit helps. The park and conservation fees in your trip price go to the authority that protects this place, paying for rangers, anti-poaching patrols and park upkeep. We hire local guides and staff and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
Trips that visit Lake Manyara
From US$1,780 per person
Private trip
From US$2,300 per person
Private trip
From US$1,650 per person
Private trip
From US$3,534 per person
Private trip
When to go
Wildlife is easiest to see in the dry season, June to October. From November to May the park is green and full of migrant birds. Lake Manyara works well as a half-day visit on the way to or from Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Where to stay
We choose your lodges and camps to suit your budget and travel style, from simple tented camps to luxury lodges, and name them in your personal itinerary and quote.
Combine with: Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti
Ready to plan your visit to Lake Manyara?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
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