Destination: Manyara National Park

Manyara National Park

Quick Facts

About Manyara National Park

Peak Time

June - October

Best Time To Go

Year-Round

Famous For

Tree-Climbing Lions

Home Of

Diverse Birdlife

Overview

Lake Manyara is in northern Tanzania. The lake stretches for about 50 km along the bottom of the 600-meter-high Rift Valley escarpment. It is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful places. The famous writer Ernest Hemingway called it “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.”

Wildlife & Scenery

Lake Manyara offers a great safari experience in a small area.

Near the park entrance, visitors travel through a green forest with many animals. Large groups of baboons can often be seen beside the road. Blue monkeys move through the trees, bushbucks hide in the shade, and hornbills call from high above.

Beyond the forest are open grasslands with beautiful views of the lake and distant mountains. Large groups of buffaloes, wildebeests, and zebras graze here. Giraffes are also common, and some appear almost black from far away because of their dark color.

The acacia woodland is home to Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions and large elephants. Visitors may also see banded mongooses, Kirk’s dik-diks, and klipspringers. In the southern part of the park, hot springs bubble near the lakeshore.

Bird Watching

Lake Manyara is one of the best places in Tanzania for bird watching. More than 400 bird species have been recorded here. Even first-time visitors can often see around 100 species in a single day.

Popular birds include thousands of pink flamingos, as well as pelicans, cormorants, and storks.

About Lake Manyara

Size: 330 square kilometers (127 square miles). When water levels are high, the lake can cover up to 200 square kilometers (77 square miles).

Location: Northern Tanzania, about 126 km (80 miles) west of Arusha. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. The park is close to the town of Mto wa Mbu.

Getting There

  • By road from Arusha
  • By charter flight
  • By scheduled flight
  • Often visited on the way to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Night game drives
  • Canoeing (when water levels are high enough)
  • Cultural tours
  • Picnics
  • Bush lunches and dinners
  • Mountain biking
  • Abseiling
  • Forest walks outside the park on the escarpment
Natural Serenity Safari Safaris

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Best time to visit

July to October (Dry Season):

  • Best for seeing large mammals

November to June (Wet Season):

  • Best for bird watching
  • Good time to see waterfalls
  • Best time for canoeing

Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari packages typically include accommodations, meals, park entry fees, guided game drives, and transportation within the safari parks. Some packages may also include airport transfers, domestic flights, and special activities like hot air balloon rides. Please check the specific package details for more information.

We recommend packing light, breathable clothing in neutral colors, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Yes, safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are trained to handle various situations, and we follow strict safety protocols during all activities. We also recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

The best time to go on a safari depends on what you want to see. For example, the Great Migration in the Serengeti is typically best viewed between June and September. Generally, the dry season (June to October) is ideal for game viewing, while the wet season (November to May) is great for bird watching and lush landscapes.

Certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, may be required depending on your travel itinerary. It is also recommended to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. We advise consulting with your healthcare provider for the most current recommendations.

Absolutely! We offer customizable safari packages to meet your specific interests and needs. Whether you want a focus on wildlife photography, cultural experiences, or luxury accommodations, we can tailor the safari to your desires.

You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred safari package and filling out the booking form. Alternatively, you can contact us via email or phone for personalized assistance with your booking.

We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and online payment platforms. Payment details will be provided upon booking confirmation.

Yes, we can help you plan an extended itinerary that includes other popular destinations, such as Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, or Cape Town. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll create a seamless travel experience for you.

Yes, we offer family-friendly safari packages that include accommodations and activities suitable for all ages. Our guides are experienced in creating engaging and educational experiences for children