Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a popular destination because of its breathtaking scenery, the enormous soda lake full of flamingos and outstanding bird life. You can see huge troops of baboons roaming around in the forest, but also herds of elephants and if you are lucky even some tree-climbing lions. Around the soda lake one can spot a variety of wildlife, like buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, wildebeest and zebras. You can also enjoy excellent hippo sightings at the shallow Hippo Pool. Sometimes you can find big numbers of them taking a cooling mud-bath and hiding from the hot sun.

Rift Valley Escarpment

Lake Manyara is also a perfect place to see the spectacular 400 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment. The Great Rift Valley is a long rift in the earth which runs down the eastern side of Africa. It was formed about 20 to 25 million years ago when the earth’s crust teared apart. This enormous feature is even visible from outer space and looks like two lines running down Africa. It provides unique and diverse habitats. Enjoy acacia woodland, jungle forest, mountain cliffs, hot springs, grassy areas, acacia woodland and the huge soda lake.

Check the Tanzania Safaris to see how Lake Manyara can be incorporated into an itinerary.

Excursions and activities in Lake Manyara National Park

• Night game drive
• Canopy walk/ Treetop Walk
• Mountainbike tour Lake Manyara
• Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu
• Visit Maasai tribe
• Visit Hadzabe tribe

Travel time Lake Manyara

• Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park: 2,5 hours’ drive
• Lake Manyara National Park to Tarangire National Park: 1 hour
• Lake Manyara National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 1 hour
• Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti: 3,5 hours

Travel tips from our experts about Lake Manyara

My name is Mark and I am a safari guide for 15 years at Lake in Lake Manyara National Park.
Since this is one of the smaller parks in northern Tanzania it’s easy to combine excursions or activities with a game drive. Our guests like the cultural tour on the mountain bike, but also activities like the canoeing safari and Treetop Walk.

My Advice:

How long to stay? 1 day

Which hotel? Our guests love Lake Manyara Hotel, due to the spectacular views, friendly staff and delicious food.

Best time to visit Lake Manyara

The best time to see large animals in Lake Manyara is during the dry season, from July till October. If you are a bird lover you can better visit the park from November till June. During this season you can spot thousands of flamingos as well as pelicans, African Fish Eagle, hornbill, Hamerkop, Black heron, little bee-eater and much more.