Wildlife Safari Popular 8-Day Tanzania Safari with Lake Eyasi & Maasai Culture
Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Central Serengeti (2) · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake Eyasi · +1 more
Explore Destination · Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara safari: Lake Manyara National Park is a narrow strip of land between the Rift Valley escarpment and a shallow soda lake.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October is best for mammals, with shorter grass and animals cl...
- Trips13 sample trips
- Destinations nearbyMto wa Mbu, Karatu
Lake Manyara safari: what to know
Lake Manyara National Park is a narrow strip of land between the Rift Valley escarpment and a shallow soda lake, about 125 km west of Arusha. It is a small park, but it packs five habitats into a short drive: groundwater forest, acacia woodland, open floodplain, hot springs and the lake itself.
What to know before you go
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Forest, floodplain and lake
Just inside the gate, springs from the escarpment feed a tall evergreen forest of mahogany and fig that looks more like rainforest than savanna. It holds very large baboon troops, blue monkeys and elephants. The forest opens onto a grass floodplain with buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and giraffe, and beyond it the lake, which in some seasons turns pink at the edges with flamingos.
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Tree-climbing lions
Manyara's lions are known for resting in the branches of acacia and mahogany trees. The behaviour is real but not something to count on: the lion population is small and sightings are occasional. Treat one as a bonus.
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Birds and activities
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including pelicans, storks, hornbills and many raptors, which makes the park one of the best single-day birding stops in northern Tanzania. Manyara is also one of the few national parks that allows night game drives. There is a 370-metre treetop walkway in the forest, and canoeing is possible when the lake level is right.
When to visit Lake Manyara National Park
June to October is best for mammals, with shorter grass and animals close to the remaining water. November to April is the better season for birds, including migrants and, water levels permitting, large flocks of flamingos.
Where It Is
Lake Manyara National Park and the other places we travel to nearby.
Lake Manyara National Park
Trips that include Lake Manyara National Park
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Wildlife Safari Popular 
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Zanzibar (2) · Tarangire National Park · Central Serengeti (2) · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake Eyasi
Cultural Immersion Popular 11-Day Tanzania Safari: Migration, Ngorongoro & Local Culture
Arusha (2) · Tarangire National Park · Ngorongoro Crater (2) · Central Serengeti (3) · Lake Manyara National Park (2)
Great Migration 16-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Lake Natron & Lake Eyasi
Arusha (2) · Moshi (Kilimanjaro) (2) · Tarangire National Park (2) · Lake Manyara National Park (2) · Lake Natron (2) · +3 more
Luxury Safari 12-Day Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Arusha · Tarangire National Park (2) · Lake Manyara National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Central Serengeti (2) · +2 more
Wildlife Safari 5-Day Safari: Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park · Lake Manyara National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Moshi (Kilimanjaro)
Luxury Safari 8-Day Luxury Fly-In Safari: Manyara, Ngorongoro & Serengeti
Arusha · Lake Manyara National Park (2) · Karatu · Ngorongoro Crater · Central Serengeti (2)
Photography Safari 13-Day Photography Safari in Tanzania
Arusha · Tarangire National Park (2) · Lake Manyara National Park · Lake Eyasi · Ngorongoro Crater (2) · +3 more
Wildlife Safari 7-Day Tanzania Safari: Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Arusha · Lake Manyara National Park · Central Serengeti (2) · Ngorongoro Crater (2) · Moshi (Kilimanjaro)
Plan Your Safari to Lake Manyara National Park
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Lake Manyara National Park
Will I see tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara?
Possibly, but do not plan around it. The park has few lions and they are seen in trees only now and then. Elephants, baboons, hippos and birdlife are the dependable sightings.
How long should I spend at Lake Manyara?
Half a day to a full day is enough for most visitors. It fits well on the drive between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Are there always flamingos at Lake Manyara?
No. Flamingo numbers depend on water level and algae, and the birds move between the Rift Valley soda lakes. They are most likely in the wetter months.
Destinations nearby
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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