Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania Safari offers one of East Africa’s most captivating wildlife experiences. Despite being one of Tanzania’s smaller parks, it’s remarkably diverse, featuring forests, grasslands, hot springs, and the shimmering alkaline lake that gives the park its name.
Famous for its tree-climbing lions, vast flocks of flamingos, and lush groundwater forests, Lake Manyara is a microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience — compact yet bursting with life. It’s also a convenient stop on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, located between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
(You can include Lake Manyara in our Northern Tanzania Safari Packages.)
Stretching across 330 square kilometers, Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania Safari is a sanctuary of contrasts. The park’s western side is dominated by the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, while its eastern side opens to the vast alkaline lake that changes color with the light and seasons.
The landscape includes dense forests, open grasslands, swamps, and hot springs, creating diverse habitats that support an incredible range of species. Elephants move gracefully through fig and mahogany trees, while troops of baboons — some of the largest in Africa — roam freely across the park.
(Learn more about Tanzania’s national parks at the Tanzania National Parks Authority.)
One of the park’s biggest draws is its tree-climbing lions — a rare behavior that makes Lake Manyara world-famous. Watching these majestic predators resting on acacia branches is a truly unique experience.
The park is also home to:
Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras grazing in open plains
Hippos wallowing in the hippo pools near the lake’s edge
Warthogs, wildebeests, impalas, and bushbucks roaming freely
Flamingos and pelicans painting the lake pink during the wet season
With over 400 bird species, the park is a haven for birdwatchers. Expect to see hornbills, storks, kingfishers, herons, and even rare migratory species.
(For birding enthusiasts, visit the Tanzania Tourism Board for birdwatching routes and migration updates.)
A Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania Safari offers diverse and immersive experiences suitable for all travelers.
Top Safari Activities Include:
Game Drives: Explore the park’s forests and plains with expert guides. Early morning and evening safaris provide the best chance to spot lions and elephants.
Birdwatching: The shallow waters attract thousands of flamingos and countless water birds, offering some of Africa’s best bird photography.
Walking Safaris: Stroll along nature trails near the lake, led by armed rangers who share insights about plants, insects, and animal behavior.
Canoeing (seasonal): Paddle across the calm waters of Lake Manyara for a peaceful wildlife experience.
Cultural Visits: Meet the local Maasai communities near the park, learn about their pastoral traditions, and see how they coexist with nature.
(See our Tanzania Walking Safaris and Cultural Experiences for more inspiring adventures.)
Lake Manyara offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, though the experiences vary by season.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Easier wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources |
| Wet Season | November – May | Lush scenery, newborn animals, and flamingos in abundance |
The dry season is ideal for game drives, while the wet season turns the park into a birdwatcher’s paradise.
(For safari planning, explore our Best Time to Visit Tanzania Guide.)
The park is located about 126 km (78 miles) west of Arusha, making it one of the easiest parks to access in northern Tanzania.
By Road: A scenic 2-hour drive from Arusha via Mto wa Mbu village.
By Air: Domestic flights land at the Lake Manyara Airstrip, with connections from Arusha, Serengeti, or Zanzibar.
Most travelers visit Lake Manyara as part of a Northern Circuit itinerary that includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti National Parks, ensuring a well-rounded safari experience.
(Plan your route with Heart of Serengeti Tanzania Safaris for seamless logistics and expert guides.)
A Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania Safari delivers an experience that blends wildlife, landscapes, and tranquility in one compact park. It’s the perfect destination for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an introduction to Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Few places combine such variety — from lions in the trees to flamingos on the water and elephants in ancient forests — all within a single day’s adventure.
(Book your Lake Manyara Safari with Heart of Serengeti Tanzania Safaris and discover why this park remains one of northern Tanzania’s most cherished gems.)
