Lake Manyara National Park

About Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Tanzania which is characterized by savannah grasslands and acacia woodlands. It is a perfect place for a wildlife getaway along with your family and friends. Known for their amazing tree-climbing lions around the country, the park is situated near the serene Lake Manyara which adds more beauty to your natural experience.

One can find various attractions here from different bird species such as a pool of Pink Flamingos to Hot Springs where you can relax and calm your senses. To cover the whole national park the perfect way is to explore the place through different types of safaris that are provided here. You can go on a 4 to 7 days safari which covers all the amazing activities and attractions of the national park, such as game drivers, watching lions performing tree climbing tricks and many more.

Lake Manyara National Park Flora and Fauna

Flora

As you enter from the northern gate of the Lake Manyara National Park, you can witness the lush dense forest which offers a natural touch for all the wildlife habiting here. You will find local and rare species of trees here including acacia trees and baobab trees. Here you can also witness the beautiful umbrella trees which offer a well connected roof above your head, leading to the thick density of this small forest. One can also see some dome trees while exploring the forest in detail, which are known for their beautiful dome-like structure which resembles umbrella trees but are a little lengthier. This forest opens in front of the large landscape of savannah plains, offering a classic African vibe to your journey.

Fauna

Lake Manyara National Park has a wide variety of African wildlife species, where you can witness the famous and rare tree-climbing lions. These lions are the biggest attractions of the national park. It is also home to amazingly large herds of elephants which are known as the royalty of the park here. Other animals which reside here are warthogs, buffalos, klipspringers, impalas, hippos, leopards, and gazellas. One can also see a pool of flamingoes that can be found at the shore of beautiful Lake Manyara. You can relax here during your safari and observe the basic behavior of these tall birds. Along with flamingos the park also serves as a habitat for ostriches, storks, hornbills, pelicans and herons.

Lake Manyara National Park Tour Packages

6 Days Tanzania Safari Tour

This is an elaborated Tanzania Safari tour where you can witness three of the most famous national parks of Africa. These parks include Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park. Here you can enjoy various safari activities such as horseback riding, Maasai Bomas, Ngorongoro Crater drive and many more.

  1. Inclusions
  • Transportation
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Drinking water during Safari
  • All national parks entry fee as per the package- Accommodation as per the package
  1. Price: USD 4000-500


Also Check: Tanzania Safari Holiday Packages

Lake Manyara National Park Full-Day Tour from Arusha

This is a full day tour package in which you can experience various aspects of Lake Manyara National Park. You can see the unique and rare wildlife such as tree-climbing lions and herd of tusk elephants as you explore the activity of the national park safari. You can also learn more about the diverse bird species including flamingos, hornbills, pelicans and many more with this package.

  1. Inclusions
  • Driver/Guide who speaks English

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Drinking water throughout the tour

  1. Price: USD 300-400
3 Days Lake Manyara and Serengeti Safari

This is a three day safari which combines two of the famous national parks of Tanzania, Lake Manyara and Serengeti. In this safari you will be able to explore the amazing wildlife of Africa, including pink flamingos, pelicans, hornbills, and the famous tree-climbing lions. At Lake Manyara you can see a pool of pink flamingos while in Serengeti you can indulge in the famous annual great wildebeest migration.

  1. Inclusions
  • Extensive Game Drives
  • Entry fee to both the national parks
  1. Price: USD 400-500

Things to Do at Lake Manyara National Park

Game Drives

Lake Manyara National Park offers various types of game drives which offer you the opportunity to see the diverse wildlife of the park, such as tree-climbing lions and leopards, in a different way. You can opt from morning, afternoon, evening, and night drives or you can also choose a full day game drive. The best one of morning game drives as this is the time when the animals are active and jolly.

Price: USD 50-60


Also Read: Things to Do in Tanzania

Nature Walks

Nature walks is one of the most popular activities in Lake Manyara National Park, which is carried out by the ranger guides. There are different trails including treetop walkway, which is a walkway built amidst the forested area of the park offering a closer look at the wildlife especially monkeys. Another trail is the famous majimoto board walkway, which offers a vantage point view of the beautiful Lake Manyara.


Must Read: Places to Visit in Tanzania

Bird Watching

The park provides a perfect habitat for different bird species which makes bird watching a popular activity among others. You can spot various species including beautiful pink flamingos, storks, hornbills, crown eagles, egret, ducks, pelicans, cormorants, and many more. The best time to experience this activity is during November to July, when most of the bird species stay here after migration. Due to Lake Manyara the place is a diverse spot for bird watching, as it offers a perfect habitat for them to survive.

Canoeing

A canoe or boat ride is one of the most fascinating activities that tourists can enjoy during their park visit. You can see hippos relaxing in the shallow lake, where you can see them enjoying their relaxation time within their habitat. In this activity you can also witness the rift valley escarpment dotted with the beautiful scenery of the national park featuring savannah plains, forest and woodlands.

Timing: 7am - 5pm

Maasai Experience

Maasai experiences are a cultural phenomenon where you can perform various activities that take place at Mto wa Mbu town. Here tourists can engage with locals and make beaded jewelry with them or they can learn about the cultural values of the place, leading to more awareness about the life inside African Town. Enjoy the ‘manyatta’ dance performances and enjoy a traditional and cultural day out with your family and friends.

Lodges and Camps in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge is known as a peaceful location surrounded by tranquility and rich wildlife of the Lake Manyara National Park. This lake has been home to more than 300 migratory birds and the lodge with its beautiful motif of swooping birds showcase the same energy in their architecture and designs.

  1. Amenities
  • Ensuite rooms
  • A central bar and dining area
  • Open space dining facility
  • Pool with a sidebar
  • Safari Game Drives
  • Bush dinner side
  • WIFI, gift shop and satellite TV
  • Cultural music and dance
  • Tented conference rooms
  1. Price: Rooms starts from USD 200


Must Check: Tanzania Safari Lodges

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

This lodge is one of the luxurious lodges located near Lake Manyara, offering a peaceful and relaxing stay for all its visitors. Your stay will be equipped with all the basic as well as luxurious amenities, with best service from the staff. You can enjoy beautiful sunsets from your balcony or pool amidst the backdrop of beautiful Lake Manyara.

  1. Amenities
  • Outside and inside showers

  • AC, fireplace and Wifi

  • Private balcony in Villa suits

  • Dining space from five different restaurants

  • Dance performances during evenings

  • Spa sessions

  • Gym space for exercise

  • Mini bars in every room

Price: Starting from USD 700

Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp

Made up of a beautiful row of modern and fully furnished tents Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp is located on the foothills of Great African Rift Valley Escarpment. The camp is surrounded by the adorable wildlife of the national park, you can sit and observe them from a distance with your loved ones at night as well. With comfortable amenities and blissful natural surroundings the camp is a perfect spot to see the vastness of Lake Manyara and the wildlife it has to offer.

  1. Amenities
  • Delux Tents with safety locks
  • Wifi
  • High quality food and drinks
  • Safety measure kits
  • Power all around the campsite
  1. Price: Starting from USD 150
Eco Boma Camp

Eco Boma Camp is situated on the brim of acacia forest area which comes under a budget accommodation. You can stay in any of the 10 African styled build rooms, offering the serene view of the Lake Manyara National Park. The place is just 10 minutes away from the northern entrance of the park which makes it one of the most accessible places to stay during your visit here.

  1. Amenities
  • Internet

  • Food and drinks

  • Parking

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Various activities such as hiking, ropes courses, etc.

  • Outdoor facilities such as BBQ, garden, entertainment area, etc.

  • Laundry facilities

  1. Price: Starting from USD 350

Plan Your Visit to Lake Manyara National Park

How to reach
Best Time to Visit
What to Pack
Health and Safety Tips
  • By Air

The best mode of transportation to reach Lake Manyara National Park is by Air. There are various domestic flights which drops you off at Lake Manyara airstrip which are as follows-- Coastal Aviation flies to Manyara- Air Excel flies to Manyara- Regional Air flies to Manyara, Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport- Safari AirLink flies to Arusha- Auric Air flies to Manyara- Air Tanzania flies to Kilimanjaro Airport- Precision Air flies to Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport- ZanAir flies to Arusha

  • By Road

You can easily reach Lake Manyara National Park by car from Arusha. The distance between Arusha and National park is 126 kms, but you can also take the newly tarred road that connects from Arusha which only takes around 1.5 hours to reach the park. You can also take public transports to reach here, for example take a bus to Mto wa Mbu village and from there hire a taxi to reach the park.

The best time to visit Lake Manyara is the dry season which appears in the months of July to October and in January and February. This is the time when it is convenient to spot wildlife as they can roam freely around the park. And this is also the season that makes the route to reach the park more easily accessible. The roads are dry and smooth making it easier for people to drive.

  • Pack warm clothes for morning drives

  • Pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent

  • Shoes

  • Pastel color clothing

  • Gloves

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap

  • Trousers

  • Waterproof Bags

  • Binoculars

  • EXtra camera batteries

  • Proper medication for all your allergies

  • Follow your guides instruction during wildlife safari

  • Keep your voice down when close to animals

  • Cover your arms and legs in evening and use mosquito repellents

  • Wear hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from sun rays

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Get malaria vaccination prior to your trip to Tanzania

FAQ's of Lake Manyara National Park

What activities can we do at Lake Manyara National Park?

  • Game Drives
  • Nature Walks
  • Bird Watching
  • Canoe or Boat Ride
  • Community Visits
  • Guided Bush Walks

How many days do you need in Lake Manyara National Park?

An average of 2 nights and 3 days are enough for exploring all the activities and attractions available in the Lake Manyara National Park. You can experience camp and lodge stay along with experiences activities such as bird watching and game drives.

What is the best time of year to visit Lake Manyara National Park?

The best time of year to visit Lake Manyara National Park is during the dry season which is during the months of July to October and in January and February. During the dry season you will be able to spot wildlife better and clear.

What facilities will I get in Lake Manyara National Park?

  • Camps and Lodges
  • Game Drives
  • All gears for activities like canoeing
  • Wheelchair accessible accommodations
  • Dining
  • Guided tours

Which are the best places to visit in Lake Manyara National Park?

  • Lake Manyara
  • Mto Wa Mbu
  • Nature Walk Trails
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