Skip to content 
Tanzania safari destination
Lake Manyara National Park
A shimmering soda lake below the Rift Valley wall, with groundwater forest, flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Plan a Lake Manyara safari with a local team.
Location
Manyara Region, Tanzania
Size
About 648 sq km incl. lake
Ideal stay
Half or full day
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Tree-climbing lions
Forest, lake and Rift Valley walls
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, about 126 km west of Arusha. The park covers around 648 square kilometres, most of it taken up by a shallow, alkaline lake, with a narrow strip of land between the water and the cliffs.
That strip is remarkably varied. Underground springs feed a lush groundwater forest of mahogany and fig trees, home to large troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Beyond it lie open grassland, acacia woodland and hot springs, and at times the lake shore is lined with flamingos and pelicans.
Lake Manyara is famous for lions that rest in the branches of acacia trees, although sightings are never guaranteed. It makes an easy half or full day stop between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater on a northern Tanzania safari.
Why Lake Manyara belongs on your itinerary
Six reasons this compact park is a favourite first stop in Tanzania.
Tree-climbing lions
Lions here are known for resting in the branches of acacia trees.
Groundwater forest
A green forest of fig and mahogany fed by underground springs.
Birdlife
Flamingos, pelicans, storks and crowned cranes around the lake.
Treetop walkway
Walk among the forest canopy on a suspended walkway.
Rift Valley views
Dramatic escarpment cliffs rise behind the lake.
Easy access
About two hours from Arusha and on the way to Ngorongoro.
When to visit Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is worth visiting all year. Each season brings something different.
June to October
Dry season
Easier wildlife viewing and clear views across the lake.
- Best game viewing
January to February
Short dry season
Green forest, newborn animals and good birding.
- Great for birding
March to May
Long rains
Lush scenery and waterfalls on the escarpment, with fewer visitors.
- Lowest rates of the year
November to December
Short rains
Fresh grass and migrant birds arriving at the lake.
- Good value rates
Wildlife you can expect to see in Lake Manyara
A small park with a big variety of animals. Hippo, buffalo, zebra and blue monkeys are common too.
- Big Five
Elephant
Herds move between the forest and the lake shore.
- Forest and lake shore
- Seen all year
- Birdlife
Grey crowned crane
Graceful cranes with golden crowns feed on the grassland.
- Lake shore grassland
- Seen all year
- Lake shore
Zebra and flamingos
Zebra graze near the shore while flamingos feed in the shallows.
- Lake shore
- Flamingo numbers vary
Things to do in Lake Manyara
A day in Lake Manyara mixes forest, lake and wildlife.
Guided game drives
Drive from the forest to the lake shore in search of lions, elephants and birds.
Wildlife photography
Photograph giraffes and zebra against the Rift Valley escarpment.
Treetop walkway
Walk through the forest canopy on a suspended bridge walkway.
Hot springs
Visit the natural hot springs at the southern end of the park.
Mto wa Mbu village
Explore the busy market town outside the park gate.
Planning your Lake Manyara safari
Practical details to help you plan your visit.
Getting to Lake Manyara
- From Arusha: about 126 km, around 2 hours by road.
- On a circuit: Manyara sits between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- By air: light aircraft land at the Lake Manyara airstrip.
Where to stay
- Escarpment lodges: lodges on the rim with views over the lake.
- Mto wa Mbu: camps and lodges near the park gate.
- Karatu: stay in the highlands and visit Manyara on the way to Ngorongoro.
Good to know
- Tree-climbing lions: sightings are never guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus.
- Park fees: check whether fees are included in your quote.
- Health: Lake Manyara is a malaria area, so speak to your doctor about prevention.
Lake Manyara safari packages
Safaris that include Lake Manyara with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
- 5 days, 4 nights
- Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
- 5 DAYS
- LAKE MANYARA, SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND NGORONGORO CRATER
- 5 Days ,4 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
Lake Manyara safari questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
What is Lake Manyara National Park known for?
It is known for tree-climbing lions, a lush groundwater forest, flamingos and dramatic Rift Valley scenery.
Do lions really climb trees in Lake Manyara?
Yes. Lions in Lake Manyara are known for resting in acacia trees, although sightings are not guaranteed on every visit.
How long do you need in Lake Manyara?
Half a day to a full day is enough for most visitors on a northern Tanzania circuit.
How far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?
About 126 km, roughly 2 hours by road.
When is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
June to October is best for wildlife, while the wet months are excellent for birdwatching and green scenery.
Can Lake Manyara be combined with other parks?
Yes. Manyara pairs well with Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Start planning your Lake Manyara safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and our team will plan a northern Tanzania safari that fits.
