Lake Manyara National Park

Overview

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but diverse safari destination known for its lush groundwater forests, soda lake, and tree-climbing lions. It offers a peaceful retreat with rich biodiversity, ideal as a first or final stop on a Northern Circuit safari.

  • 📍 Location: 126 km (approx. 2 hours) west of Arusha

  • 🌍 Size: About 330 square kilometers (with Lake Manyara covering two-thirds of the park)

  • 🐾 Famous for: Tree-climbing lions, flocks of flamingos, and diverse habitats

Why Visit Lake Manyara?

 

  • 🦁 Tree-Climbing Lions: Rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa.

  • 🐘 Elephant Encounters: Often spotted wandering through the forest or near the lake.

  • 🐦 Birdwatching Paradise: Home to over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and birds of prey.

  • 🏞 Diverse Ecosystems: From evergreen forests and grassy floodplains to hot springs and acacia woodlands—all in one park.

  • 🚗 Easily Accessible: Close to Arusha and perfect for a short or day safari.

Top Experiences

 

  • Game Drives: Spot lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffaloes, and baboons in different habitats.

  • Canoeing Safari (seasonal): Paddle on Lake Manyara when water levels are high (unique to this park).

  • Treetop Walkway: A 370-meter suspended bridge that offers a canopy-level view of the forest.

  • Cultural Tours: Visit nearby Mto wa Mbu village for local market tours, banana beer tasting, or bike rides through rice paddies.

Best Time to Visit

 

  • Dry Season (July to October): Ideal for general wildlife viewing.

  • Wet Season (November to June): Best for birdwatching and lush scenery, though some roads may be muddy.

Accommodation Options

 

  • Luxury: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (AndBeyond), Escarpment Luxury Lodge

  • Mid-range: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

  • Budget: Campsites and local guesthouses near Mto wa Mbu