Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a stunning natural wonder, bordered by the eastern and western escarpments of the Rift Valley. It’s about a two-hour (130 km/75 miles) drive from Arusha on well-maintained roads. Alternatively, it’s a 20-minute flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) or a 45-minute flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From Lake Manyara, reaching Ngorongoro Crater takes about 1.5 hours by car, with an exhilarating ascent up the western Rift Valley escarpment.

Location & Size

• Location: Northern Tanzania, between Arusha and Ngorongoro Crater.
• Size: 325 km² (125 mi²), with the lake covering about two-thirds of the park.
• Driving Time: About 2.5 hours from Arusha.

🦁 Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

Despite its small size, the park is home to over 50 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species.

🐘 Large Elephant Population

• One of the best places in Tanzania to see large elephant herds up close.
• Elephants roam freely through the park’s forests and open plains.

🦁 Famous Tree-Climbing Lions

• Manyara’s lions are known for climbing trees, a rare behavior among lions.
• They rest in acacia trees, offering great photo opportunities.

🦒 Other Wildlife

• Buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, and baboons are commonly seen.
• Leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are present but harder to spot.
• Hippos gather in the park’s water pools.

🦩 Birdwatching Paradise

• Home to over 400 bird species, including:
  • Thousands of flamingos along the lake’s edge.
  • Pelicans, storks, eagles, and kingfishers.
  • Seasonal migratory birds from Europe and Asia.

🌿 Scenic Landscapes & Unique Features

🌳 Groundwater Forest

• A dense forest fed by underground springs, providing a cool, shady environment.
• Home to blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and baboons.

🏜️ Open Grasslands & Acacia Woodlands

• Perfect areas to spot giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
• The best place to see tree-climbing lions.

🌊 Lake Manyara

• A shallow, alkaline soda lake covering two-thirds of the park.
• A major feeding ground for flamingos, pelicans, and waterbirds.
• Best visited during the wet season when the lake is full.

⛰️ Great Rift Valley Escarpment

• A dramatic backdrop rising 600 meters (2,000 feet) above the park.
• Offers stunning views of the lake and plains below.

🕒 Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

🚙 Top Activities in Lake Manyara

1️⃣ Game Drives

• Explore the park’s different ecosystems, from forests to open plains.
• Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos.

2️⃣ Birdwatching

• Best between November and April, when migratory birds arrive.
• Flamingos, pelicans, and herons thrive along the lake’s shores.

3️⃣ Canoeing on Lake Manyara (Seasonal)

• Available during the wet season when water levels are high.
• Get close to hippos, birds, and stunning reflections of the escarpment.

4️⃣ Cultural Visits to Mto wa Mbu Village

• Experience local Maasai culture, traditional food, and banana plantations.
• Visit local markets and meet artisans crafting wood carvings.

5️⃣ Night Game Drives (Unique in Tanzania)

• Unlike most national parks, Lake Manyara allows night safaris.
• See nocturnal animals like bush babies, porcupines, leopards, and hyenas.

6️⃣ Treetop Walkway (Canopy Walk)

• A 370-meter-long suspended bridge through the forest canopy.
• Great for spotting monkeys, birds, and butterflies from above.

🏨 Where to Stay in Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara offers lodges, tented camps, and budget campsites both inside and outside the park.

🏕️ Budget Accommodation ($50 – $150 per night)

• Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
• Twiga Campsite & Lodge

🏡 Mid-Range Lodges ($150 – $400 per night)

• Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
• Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp

🏨 Luxury Lodges ($400+ per night)

• &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (Only luxury lodge inside the park)
• Escarpment Luxury Lodge

🚗 How to Get to Lake Manyara

✈️ By Air:

• Fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Lake Manyara Airstrip (30-45 min).
• Charter flights available from Serengeti and Zanzibar.

🚙 By Road:

• 2.5-hour drive (126 km) from Arusha.
• 1-hour drive from Ngorongoro Crater, making it a great stop before or after Ngorongoro.

🎯 Why Visit Lake Manyara?

✅ Ideal for Short Safaris – Can be explored in 1 day or combined with Ngorongoro & Tarangire.
✅ Diverse Ecosystems – Offers forests, savannahs, and lake habitats in a small area.
✅ Unique Activities – Tree-climbing lions, night safaris, treetop walkways, and canoeing.
✅ Perfect for Bird Lovers – Flamingos, pelicans, and over 400 bird species.
✅ Great for Elephant Sightings – Large herds are easy to spot.

Would You Like to Visit Lake Manyara?

I can help plan a custom itinerary including Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti! Let me know your travel dates, budget, and preferred activities, and I’ll organize a perfect safari for you.