World Wonder
Ngorongoro Crater
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day.
Explore Park →Lake Manyara National Park
Overview of Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a hidden gem in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. It covers 325 km². Two-thirds of the park is occupied by the alkaline Lake Manyara. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and flocks of pink flamingos. Despite its smaller size compared to Serengeti or Tarangire, Lake Manyara offers diverse landscapes. These include lush groundwater forests, open savannahs, and acacia woodlands.
Lake Manyara National Park Reviews
Lake Manyara National Park is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors enjoy spotting flamingos, hippos, elephants, and tree-climbing lions amid lush forests and the iconic lake. It offers a peaceful and captivating safari experience, perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Read Full Reviews →Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park?
See the world-famous tree-climbing lions Over 2 million flamingos & diverse birdlife Scenic beauty – lake, forests, and Rift Valley escarpment Excellent for short safaris & self-drive adventures
Where is Lake Manyara National Park Located?
Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania. It is about 126 km (2-hour drive) from Arusha. This makes it an ideal stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater.
How to Get to Lake Manyara:
By Air: Fly from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airstrip. Alternatively, you can depart from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. It is a 45-minute flight.
By Road: A 2-hour drive from Arusha, making it a perfect day-trip safari.
Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is small. However, it boasts a rich variety of wildlife. This includes the famous tree-climbing lions, thousands of flamingos, and large elephant herds.
Tree-Climbing Lions & Other Predators
Lake Manyara is one of the only places in the world where lions climb trees regularly. Leopards & hyenas are also found in the park, especially in forested areas.
Large Elephant Herds
Lake Manyara has some of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations, often seen near the forested regions.
Birdwatching & Flamingo Spectacle
Over 400 bird species, including pelicans, kingfishers, and flamingos. Lake Manyara is a seasonal home to over 2 million flamingos, turning the lake pink.
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Best Safari Activities in Lake Manyara National Park
1. Game Drives – Experience the Wildlife Up Close
Enjoy morning or afternoon game drives, offering excellent chances to see lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Best Game Drive Routes: Lake Manyara Shoreline: Flamingos & hippos Groundwater Forest: Elephants & blue monkeys Open Plains: Tree-climbing lions & zebras
2. Canoe Safari – Unique Water-Based Wildlife Viewing
Lake Manyara is one of the few parks in Tanzania offering canoe safaris. Here, you can spot hippos, flamingos, and crocodiles from the water.
Best Time for Canoe Safaris: During the wet season (November – May) when the water levels are high.
3. Walking Safari – Explore the Wilderness on Foot
Guided walking safaris allow you to experience the smaller wonders of the park, including birds, butterflies, and medicinal plants.
Best Walking Safari Areas: Lake Manyara Forest Trails Rift Valley Escarpment
4. Night Game Drive – A Rare Safari Experience
Lake Manyara is one of the few parks in Tanzania that allows night safaris. During these safaris, you can spot leopards, civets, and bush babies.
Best for: Seeing nocturnal animals like porcupines, serval cats, and hyenas.
Best Safari Lodges & Camps in Lake Manyara
Luxury Lodges ($800+ per night)
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – Luxury treehouse-style lodge in the forest.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge – Stunning views over the Rift Valley.
Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps ($300 – $800 per night)
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge – Best for comfort & scenery.
Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp – Great mid-range option near the park.
Budget Camps & Lodges ($100 – $300 per night)
Migombani Campsite – Affordable camping with lake views.
Fig Tree Lodge & Camp – Best for budget travelers & backpackers.
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park
Best for Flamingos & Birdwatching: November – June (Wet Season) Best for Big Game Viewing: June – October (Dry Season) Best for Canoe Safaris: November – May
Special Events & Experiences in Lake Manyara
Annual Events in Lake Manyara:
Flamingo Migration (Year-Round, Best in November – June)
Photographic Safaris (Year-Round)
Related National Parks in the Northern Circuit
