Primates
Large troops of olive baboons are one of the park’s signatures, along with blue monkeys and vervets in the forest.
Northern Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park – Forest, Flamingos & Safari Guide
A green jewel at the foot of the Great Rift Valley — groundwater forest, a shimmering soda lake, baboon troops, elephants and hundreds of bird species, two hours from Arusha.
Northern Tanzania · about 2 hrs by road from Arusha
Overview
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park stretches along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, a dramatic wall of rock rising hundreds of metres above a shallow alkaline lake. Between the cliffs and the water lies a narrow strip of astonishing variety: lush groundwater forest, acacia woodland, open grassland and hot springs, all within a compact, easily explored park.
The lake itself takes up much of the park and changes with the seasons — sometimes edged with pink when flamingos arrive, sometimes shrinking back to mudflats crowded with pelicans and storks. Ernest Hemingway famously called it “the loveliest lake in Africa”.
Manyara is small enough to enjoy in half a day, which makes it a perfect stop between Arusha and Ngorongoro. It is especially rewarding for birdwatchers, families and first-time visitors who want a gentle introduction to the African bush.
Highlights
Top reasons to visit Lake Manyara
- 01
Rift Valley scenery
The escarpment towers over the park — one of the most striking backdrops on any northern safari.
- 02
Tree-climbing lions
Manyara’s lions are known for resting in acacia trees. Sightings are never guaranteed, which makes them all the more special.
- 03
Incredible birdlife
Around 400 bird species, from flamingos and pelicans to hornbills and crowned eagles.
- 04
Groundwater forest
Enter a cool green forest fed by underground springs, home to blue monkeys and large troops of olive baboons.
- 05
Treetop walkway
Walk among the forest canopy on a suspended walkway for a fresh perspective on the park.
- 06
Easy to combine
Perfect as a half-day safari on the way to Ngorongoro, or a relaxed first taste of the bush.
Wildlife & birdlife
Animals of Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara packs a lot of wildlife into a small area. Game drives are short and varied, moving from forest to grassland to lakeshore in a single morning.
Big game
Elephants move through the forest and woodland, and buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala graze the grasslands.
Lions & hippos
Lions are present and sometimes rest in trees. Hippos gather at the hippo pool near the lakeshore.
Birdlife
Flamingos, pelicans, yellow-billed storks, crowned hornbills, silvery-cheeked hornbills and fish eagles are among the highlights.
Look out for
- Olive baboon
- Blue monkey
- African elephant
- Lion
- Cape buffalo
- Masai giraffe
- Hippo
- Plains zebra
- Impala
- Lesser flamingo
- Great white pelican
- Yellow-billed stork
- Silvery-cheeked hornbill
- African fish eagle
Landscapes & ecosystems
The land itself
Entering the park, you pass almost immediately into groundwater forest, where tall mahogany and fig trees grow from springs that seep out of the escarpment. Further south, the forest opens into acacia woodland and grassy floodplains that run down to the lake.
At the southern end, the Maji Moto hot springs bubble to the surface. Throughout the park, the Rift Valley wall dominates the view — green after the rains, golden in the dry season.
Experiences
Things to do in Lake Manyara
- 01
Game drives
Half or full-day drives through forest, woodland and lakeshore, often on the way to Ngorongoro.
- 02
Treetop walkway
A suspended walkway through the forest canopy, ideal for families and nature lovers.
- 03
Canoeing
Seasonal canoe trips on the lake, depending on water levels, for close views of birds and hippos.
- 04
Mto wa Mbu village tour
Cycle or walk through the lively market town at the park gate, with banana farms and many cultures living side by side.
- 05
Birdwatching
One of the easiest places in the north to see a huge variety of birds in a short time.
When to go
Best time to visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara can be visited all year. The dry season is best for larger mammals; the wet season brings lush forest, migrant birds and, often, more flamingos on the lake.
Green season
January · Birds and greenery
Excellent birding with migrants present. The forest is lush and the park is quiet.
Green season
February · Calving and birdlife
Warm days, green landscapes and excellent birding, with migratory species still present. A quieter, good-value month.
Long rains
March · The rains begin
Afternoon storms build through the month. Landscapes are at their most dramatic and there are very few other vehicles.
Long rains
April · Long rains
The wettest month. Some roads become muddy and a few camps close, but rates are at their lowest and the scenery is lush.
Long rains
May · Rains ease
Showers ease towards the end of the month and the bush is deep green. A peaceful time to travel with flexible plans.
Dry season
June · Dry season begins
Cooler, clearer days. Vegetation starts to thin and wildlife viewing improves week by week.
Dry season
July · Excellent game viewing
Dry and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings. One of the most popular months — book early.
Dry season
August · Peak dry season
Animals gather near permanent water and sightings are at their most reliable. Expect warm days and chilly nights.
Dry season
September · Golden and dry
Very dry landscapes and superb wildlife concentrations. Warm days, beautiful light for photography.
Dry season
October · Late dry season
Hot, dusty and rewarding. Water sources are few, so predators and prey meet often. Fewer visitors than August.
Short rains
November · Migrant birds arrive
Short rains refresh the forest and migrant birds return — a lovely time for birders.
Short rains
December · Green and festive
Green landscapes, newborn animals and warm days with passing storms. Festive dates book up early.
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
Getting there
Getting there & getting around
Lake Manyara is about 125 km from Arusha, roughly 2 hours on tarmac, and the park entrance is right beside the town of Mto wa Mbu. It lies on the main road to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, so it is easy to include on the way.
There is a small airstrip on the escarpment above the park, used for light-aircraft transfers to and from the Serengeti.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Lake Manyara
Most guests stay on the escarpment above the park, with sweeping views over the lake and the Rift Valley — or continue to Karatu.
Mid-RangeMid-Range stays
Friendly lodges and tented camps around Mto wa Mbu and on the escarpment, close to the park gate.
Browse Mid-Range lodges →
LuxuryLake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Rift Valley rim at Mto wa Mbu, just outside Lake Manyara National ParkA luxury lodge on the rim of the Rift Valley above Mto wa Mbu — 48 deluxe rooms and a villa with panoramic views, an infinity pool, spa and butler service.
View the lodge →
Ultra LuxuryLake Manyara Tree Lodge
Remote southern Lake Manyara National ParkThe only lodge inside Lake Manyara National Park — thatched treehouse suites in a mahogany forest in the remote south of the park, by andBeyond.
View the lodge →Recommended itineraries
Safaris that visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is often combined with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. These safaris include a visit.
Wildlife safari
3-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara in three days — elephants and baobabs, a full crater morning and Rift Valley forests.
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $730 ppView journey
Wildlife safari
5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Tarangire’s baobabs, the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — four great parks in a private five-day safari.
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $1,450 ppView journey
Wildlife safari
6-Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Six days from Tarangire’s baobabs to two nights on the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara — a private northern circui…
- Begins
- Arusha
- Comfort
- All tiers
- Travel
- Private
from $1,750 ppView journey
Regions & areas
Areas to explore
01
All year · primates & birdsLake Manyara
Groundwater forest
Just inside the gate, a cool forest fed by springs, home to baboons, blue monkeys and forest birds.
02
Wet season · flamingos & pelicansLake Manyara
Lakeshore & hippo pool
Open floodplains leading to the lake, where hippos wallow and waterbirds gather.
03
Full-day visitsLake Manyara
Maji Moto hot springs
Hot springs at the southern end of the park, reached on longer game drives.
Before you go
Essential travel information
Park fees
Entry fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and included in our safari quotes.
How long to stay
A half day covers the highlights. Stay a night if you would like to add canoeing or a village tour.
Flamingos
Flamingo numbers vary with water levels and are never guaranteed. Your guide will know the latest.
What to pack
Light layers, sun protection, insect repellent and binoculars for the birds.
Health
Lake Manyara is in a malaria area — speak to your doctor about prevention before travelling.
Fees, rules and opening times can change. For the latest official information, visit Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) ↗
Year-round
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Serengeti
Great Migration, big cats, balloon safaris
Endless golden plains, the Great Migration and some of Africa’s finest big-cat viewing — Tanzania’s most celebrated wilderness, planned around you by…
3–4 nightsExplore
Year-round
Conservation Area & Crater
Ngorongoro
Black rhino, the Big Five in a day
A vast collapsed volcano sheltering a self-contained world of wildlife — from black rhino to lion — surrounded by highland forest, Maasai pastures an…
1–2 nightsExplore
June – October
National Park
Tarangire
Elephant herds, baobabs, birding
Ancient baobabs, a lifeline river and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa — Tarangire is northern Tanzania’s most underrated park, just…
1–3 nightsExplore
Questions
Lake Manyara safari FAQs
Can’t find your answer? Our team in Moshi is happy to help.
Ask on WhatsAppIs Lake Manyara worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy birds, forests and scenery. It is compact, varied and conveniently on the way to Ngorongoro.
How long do you need at Lake Manyara?
A half-day game drive is enough for most travellers. Allow a full day or a night to add canoeing, the treetop walkway or a village tour.
Will I see tree-climbing lions?
It is possible, but lion sightings in Manyara are never guaranteed. Your guide will look for them, along with elephants, giraffes and baboons.
When are flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Flamingos come and go depending on water levels and food. They are often seen in the wetter months, but numbers vary from year to year.
Can I combine Lake Manyara with Ngorongoro in one day?
They are close together, but we recommend a game drive in Manyara and an overnight stay before descending into the crater the next morning.
What animals can you see at Lake Manyara?
Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, hippos, large troops of baboons, blue monkeys and lions, along with around 400 species of birds.
Photo gallery
Start planning
Plan your Lake Manyara safari
Add the forests, birdlife and Rift Valley views of Lake Manyara to your journey — tell us your plans and we will do the rest.
- Call us+255 762 032 480
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Email[email protected]
- OfficeMoshi, Kilimanjaro, TanzaniaEvery day · 08:00 – 18:00 EAT