Lake Manyara National Park
National Park / Wildlife & Birding Destination

Lake Manyara National Park

Northern Circuit

Overview

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse and scenic safari destinations, located along the northern safari circuit at the foot of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Covering approximately 648.7 km², the park brings together groundwater forests, open floodplains, acacia woodland, wetlands, hot springs and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara in a remarkably compact landscape. The park is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, large-tusked elephants, colorful birdlife and seasonal gatherings of flamingos. The groundwater forest near the park entrance provides habitat for blue monkeys, baboons and many forest birds, while the floodplain and lakeshore support giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and numerous waterbirds. Lake Manyara is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, photography and scenic game drives. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the park, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, fish eagles, bee-eaters and other resident and migratory species. For travelers exploring northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara works particularly well as part of a private safari itinerary linking Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. It can also be visited as a day safari from Arusha or combined with a cultural experience in nearby Mto wa Mbu. With TanzaLux Safaris, travelers can experience Lake Manyara through a private, carefully planned safari focused on wildlife, photography, scenery, birdlife and authentic northern Tanzania experiences.

  • Tree-Climbing Lions
  • Lake Manyara
  • Great Rift Valley Escarpment
  • Groundwater Forest
  • Large Elephant Herds
  • Seasonal Flamingo Spectacle
  • Hippo Pools
  • Maji Moto Hot Springs
  • Acacia Woodland
  • Open Floodplains
  • Exceptional Birdlife
  • Blue Monkey Troops
  • Baboon Troops
  • Scenic Lookouts
  • Lakeshore Wildlife
  • Canopy Tree Walk
  • Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experiences
  • Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Best time to visit

When to go

Low season

March to May is associated with Tanzania's long-rain period. Lake Manyara can become especially green and atmospheric during this period, with lush vegetation, vibrant landscapes and excellent photographic conditions. Rain can make some roads muddy or temporarily affect access to certain areas, so flexible planning is recommended.

Shoulder season

November and December bring the short rains, refreshing the vegetation and creating beautiful green scenery. Birdwatching can be rewarding during the greener period, while occasional rainfall means travelers should be prepared for changing weather.

Peak season

June to October is generally a popular period for a Tanzania safari because of drier conditions and easier road travel. Lake Manyara's open areas, forests and lakeshore can provide excellent wildlife viewing and photography, while the dry weather is often comfortable for combining Manyara with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Wildlife

  • Tree-Climbing Lions
  • African Elephants
  • African Buffalo
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Hippos
  • Baboons
  • Blue Monkeys
  • Bushbuck
  • Warthogs
  • Antelopes
  • Spotted Hyenas
  • flamingos
  • pelicans
  • storks
  • herons
  • African fish eagles
  • hornbills
  • turacos
  • bee eaters
  • Other Resident and Migratory Birds

Activities

  • game drives
  • tree climbing lion viewing
  • elephant viewing
  • bird watching
  • flamingo watching
  • wildlife photography
  • landscape photography
  • Canopy Tree Walk
  • Groundwater Forest Exploration
  • Lakeshore Wildlife Viewing
  • Hippo Pool Viewing
  • Rift Valley Scenic Viewing
  • Maji Moto Hot Springs Visit
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Guided Walking Experience
  • Cultural Experience in Mto wa Mbu
  • Night Game Drive Where Permitted
  • Canoeing Where Conditions and Park Regulations Permit

Getting there

Lake Manyara National Park is located along Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit, just south of Mto wa Mbu and approximately 125 km from Arusha. The drive from Arusha takes around 2 to 2.5 hours on the main road, making Lake Manyara suitable for both day safaris and multi-day northern Tanzania safari itineraries. The park's main gate is close to Mto wa Mbu at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Travelers can also fly to Manyara Airstrip using scheduled or charter services, followed by a road transfer to the park or accommodation. Lake Manyara is commonly combined with Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. It can also be paired with a cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu, creating a safari experience that combines wildlife, landscapes and local culture. TanzaLux Safaris can arrange private transfers, a professional safari guide, a 4x4 safari vehicle, park entry arrangements, accommodation and a customized itinerary based on your travel schedule.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Lake Manyara National Park famous for?

    Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, groundwater forest, alkaline lake, seasonal flamingos, abundant birdlife and dramatic Great Rift Valley scenery.

  • Where is Lake Manyara National Park located?

    Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania along the Northern Safari Circuit, near Mto wa Mbu and at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.

  • How large is Lake Manyara National Park?

    Lake Manyara National Park covers approximately 648.7 square kilometres according to current TANAPA information.

  • Can I see tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara?

    Yes. Lake Manyara is particularly well known for lions that sometimes rest in trees. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so visitors should rely on an experienced guide and current wildlife conditions.

  • Are there elephants in Lake Manyara?

    Yes. African elephants are one of the important wildlife attractions of Lake Manyara National Park, particularly around the forest and woodland habitats.

  • Can I see flamingos at Lake Manyara?

    Flamingos can be seen at Lake Manyara, but their numbers and location are seasonal and influenced by water and feeding conditions. The park also supports many other waterbirds.

  • How many bird species are found in Lake Manyara?

    More than 400 bird species have been recorded in Lake Manyara National Park, making it an important destination for birdwatchers.

  • How far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?

    Lake Manyara National Park is approximately 125 kilometres from Arusha, with the road journey generally taking around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

  • Can Lake Manyara be visited on a day safari?

    Yes. Lake Manyara can be visited as a day safari from Arusha, although many travelers choose to include it in a longer Northern Tanzania itinerary with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

  • Why visit Lake Manyara with TanzaLux Safaris?

    TanzaLux Safaris can create a private Lake Manyara safari around your interests, whether you want to focus on wildlife photography, tree-climbing lions, elephants, birdwatching, landscapes or a combination of wildlife and cultural experiences. Your itinerary can also connect Lake Manyara with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Traveller stories

The proof should come from people who went.

Dorine M11 months ago
TripAdvisor

Grateful experience

As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.

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Dagmar P1 month ago
TripAdvisor

Private Safari 6 days

I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.

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Sylvanus T9 months ago
TripAdvisor

An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris

I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.

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Lucas G2 months ago
TripAdvisor

Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.

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Victoria Goodluck3 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Back in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…

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Danai Vicha5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶

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ikigo simbila5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

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Hadija Shebe5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.

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Tumain Hope4 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.

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Linnah Kimaro4 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

As a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…

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