Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park • Image 2
Lake Manyara National Park • Image 3
Lake Manyara National Park • Image 4Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK); Lake Manyara Airstrip
Tanzania
Warm and humid in the forest, hotter near the lake
Year-round travel
Elephant
10 key species listed
3 to 5 Nights
Tailored itinerary
June to October for easy driving and clear views
High & Green seasons
About Lake Manyara National Park & Destination Guide
Lake Manyara National Park is a small park below the Rift Valley wall, with forest, a shallow lake and wide views. It suits short trips, first-time guests and anyone who wants variety in a short drive, and it is known for tree-climbing lions.
A drive takes you from groundwater forest, where baboons and blue monkeys are common, to open grassland and the lake shore. Hippos, elephants and giraffes are often close to the road. Flamingos and other water birds gather on the lake in some seasons.
The trade-off is that it is small, so most guests stay half a day or one night. The lake shrinks and grows with the rains, and lions in trees are possible but not guaranteed. The park suits a short visit more than a long stay.
Lake Manyara is on the main road from Arusha to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, so it fits most northern circuit trips and can be the first night before a flight home to the beach in Zanzibar (direct flights take about 1 hour 10 minutes).
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Lake Manyara is on the road from Arusha to Ngorongoro, a short drive of about two hours. See the northern circuit safari tours.
Overland travel in customized Toyota Land Cruisers featuring pop-up roofs for 360° wildlife viewing, USB charging sockets, high-clearance suspension, and a cooler with chilled bottled water.
exploreLake Manyara National Park Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Lake Manyara National Park.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
June to October for easy driving and clear views. Water birds are best in the wetter months. April and May are the wettest.
Warm and humid in the forest, hotter near the lake. The dry months are June to October. The long rains fall from March to May and make some tracks muddy.
Highlights & Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park
petsKey Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Tree-climbing lions in some areas
Groundwater forest with baboons and blue monkeys
Hippo pools
Flamingos and water birds on the lake
Views of the Rift Valley wall
A short stop on the way to Ngorongoro
Activities & Things to Do in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara Game Drive
A drive takes you from groundwater forest, where baboons and blue monkeys are common, through open grassland to the lake shore. Hippos, elephants and giraffes are often close to the road, and water birds gather on the lake in some seasons. Lake Manyara is small, so most guests stay half a day or one night on the way to Ngorongoro. Lions in trees are possible but not guaranteed.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Lake Manyara National Park
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Lake Manyara National Park
Request Custom ItineraryFrequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park?
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June to October for easy driving and clear views. Water birds are best in the wetter months. April and May are the wettest.
How do I get to Lake Manyara National Park?
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Lake Manyara is on the road from Arusha to Ngorongoro, a short drive of about two hours. See the northern circuit safari tours.
What is the weather like in Lake Manyara National Park?
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Warm and humid in the forest, hotter near the lake. The dry months are June to October. The long rains fall from March to May and make some tracks muddy.
What can I see and do in Lake Manyara National Park?
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• Tree-climbing lions in some areas • Groundwater forest with baboons and blue monkeys • Hippo pools • Flamingos and water birds on the lake • Views of the Rift Valley wall • A short stop on the way to Ngorongoro
What should I pack for Lake Manyara National Park?
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Neutral colours such as khaki, olive or light brown, and avoid bright colours, black and dark blue. Bring a fleece or light jacket for cool early morning game drives, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes and binoculars if you have them. Soft bags are easier than hard suitcases for small bush flights and vehicles.
What wildlife can I see in Lake Manyara National Park?
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Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, baboon, blue monkey, zebra, wildebeest, impala, lion and a large bird list including flamingos and pelicans.