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Tanzania safari destination
Lake Manyara, forest, flamingos and lions
A compact park of groundwater forest, soda lake and the famous Rift Valley wall.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Northern Tanzania
Park size
About 330 sq km
Ideal stay
1 night or a day visit
Best time
June to October
Park overview
Small park, big variety
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, where a lush groundwater forest gives way to grassland and a shallow soda lake. In just a few hours you can move from dense woodland full of baboons and blue monkeys to open shores dotted with flamingos, pelicans and hippos.
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in the branches of acacias. Its location on the road to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti makes it a natural stop on a northern Tanzania safari.
- About two hours from Arusha
- On the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti
- Forest, lake and grassland in one park
Why go
Six reasons to visit Lake Manyara
Big variety in a compact, easy-to-explore park.
Tree-climbing lions
A rare behaviour that Manyara is famous for, though never guaranteed.
Groundwater forest
Lush woodland fed by springs from the Rift Valley wall.
Flamingos and birdlife
Flamingos, pelicans and hundreds of other species on the lake.
Treetop walkway
Walk among the forest canopy on a suspended walkway.
Rift Valley views
The dramatic escarpment rises above the park.
Easy to combine
A natural stop on the way to the crater and the Serengeti.
Wildlife
Who you will meet at Lake Manyara
Forest, lake and plains wildlife all in one place.
Lions
Including the famous tree-climbing lions of the park.
Elephants
Moving between the forest and the lake shore.
Baboons and monkeys
Large troops of baboons and blue monkeys in the forest.
Flamingos
Pink flocks feeding in the shallows of the lake.
Hippos
Wallowing in the hippo pool near the lake.
Crowned cranes
Elegant birds often seen on the grassy shores.
When to visit
Lake Manyara through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Dry season
The best time for large mammals and easy game viewing.
Great time
January to February
Short dry spell
Warm weather, good sightings and lush scenery.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Green and quiet, with the lake at its fullest.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
The best months for birdwatching, with migrant species arriving.
Things to do
More than game drives
Forest, water and village life to explore.
Game drives
Explore forest, plains and lake shore in a single drive.
Treetop walkway
Walk through the forest canopy on suspended bridges.
Canoeing
Paddle on the lake when water levels allow.
Birdwatching
Look for cranes, storks, pelicans and flamingos.
Village visit
Discover the culture and markets of Mto wa Mbu village.
Wildlife photography
Giraffes, wildebeest and elephants against the escarpment.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
About two hours from Arusha, on the main road to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
By air
Lake Manyara airstrip sits on the escarpment above the park.
Where to stay
Lodges on the escarpment with lake views, or camps near Mto wa Mbu village.
Lake Manyara safaris
Trips that include Lake Manyara
Tanzania and combined safaris that visit Lake Manyara. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 11 Days 10 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Nairobi, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 8 Days 7 Nights
Good to know
Lake Manyara questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
It is possible, but sightings are never guaranteed. The lions do not climb trees every day.
A full day or a single night is usually enough to enjoy the park.
Yes. It sits on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, and close to Tarangire.
Generally yes, with adult supervision. Let us know the ages in your group when you plan.
November to April, when migrant birds arrive and the lake is fuller.
Yes. Its forest, lake and lions make it very different from the open plains parks.
Ready for Lake Manyara?
Tell us your dates and which parks you would like to combine, and we will plan your Tanzania safari around you.
