Tanzania safari destination
Lake Manyara National Park
Lush groundwater forest, a shimmering soda lake and lions that rest in the trees, beneath the Rift Valley wall.
Location
Arusha and Manyara, Tanzania
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Half or full day
Famous for
Tree-climbing lions
Location
Arusha and Manyara, Tanzania
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Half or full day
Famous for
Tree-climbing lions
Look up
Lions here are known for resting in acacia branches, so scan the trees as you drive.
Big variety in a small park
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, about two hours west of Arusha on the road to Ngorongoro.
Within a short drive you pass from shady groundwater forest to open floodplain and the edge of a soda lake that draws flamingos and pelicans. Baboon troops, elephants and hippos are common, and the park’s lions are famous for resting in the trees.
Where your guide will take you
- Groundwater forest
- Maji Moto hot springs
- Lakeshore floodplain
- Rift Valley escarpment
- Treetop walkway
- Mto wa Mbu village
The animals you came to see
Forest, floodplain and lake each bring their own wildlife.
Lion
Elephant
Flamingo
Baboon
Hippo
Giraffe
More than game drives
Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your day at Lake Manyara.
Guided game drives
Guided game drives
Canoeing
Canoeing
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Cultural visits
Cultural visits
Escarpment viewpoints
Escarpment viewpoints
Forest walks
Forest walks
When to visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is good all year. The season you pick shapes the wildlife, the birds and the scenery.
January to February
Short dry season
Warm days and good game viewing, with plenty of birdlife.
March to May
Long rains
Lush green forest and very few vehicles.
Best time
June to October
Peak dry season
Animals gather near water and the forest is easy to explore.
November to December
Short rains
Fresh growth and migrant birds arriving on the lake.
Planning your trip
The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.
Getting there
On the road to Ngorongoro.
- By road: about two hours west of Arusha on a good tarmac road.
- On the way: it sits right on the route to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
- Combined routes: pairs naturally with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Where to stay
Lodges on the escarpment.
- On the escarpment: lodges with sweeping views over the lake.
- Near Mto wa Mbu: camps and lodges close to the park gate.
- Any budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Park entry fees are charged by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) per person, per day. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.
Lake Manyara safari tours
Ready-made trips that include Lake Manyara, usually as part of a Northern Circuit safari.
- Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
- 6 Days 5 Nights
Lake Manyara FAQs
Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.
Talk to Serval Tours and Travel
- +254 792 335842 (call or WhatsApp)
- info@servaltoursandtravel.com
- Blessed House, Thika Road, Nairobi
- P.O. Box 22122-00100, Nairobi
- Available 24/7
Where is Lake Manyara National Park?
It lies at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, about two hours west of Arusha on the road to Ngorongoro.
How long do you need at Lake Manyara?
Half a day to a full day is usually enough, and it fits easily between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Do lions really climb trees at Lake Manyara?
Yes. The park’s lions are known for resting in acacia branches, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Are there flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Often, but numbers change with water levels and food supply, so they are not always present.
What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
June to October is the driest time. The green season from November to May is excellent for birds.
What else is there to do near the park?
Visit Mto wa Mbu village at the park gate for a cultural walk, local markets and banana farms.
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?
Yes. It packs forest, lake and floodplain into a small area, with plenty of wildlife on a short visit.
Can Lake Manyara be combined with other parks?
Yes. It sits between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, so it fits naturally into a Northern Circuit safari.
Start planning your Lake Manyara safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with a Northern Circuit itinerary built around the season and the experiences you want most.