Lake Manyara National Park
Flamingos Glide, Lions Hide, Adventure’s Side!
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park sits in northern Tanzania, just a short drive from Arusha. This park dazzles with its mix of lush forests, grassy floodplains, and the shimmering alkaline lake that draws flocks of pink flamingos. It’s a smaller park compared to some of its famous neighbours which makes it a perfect stop for those looking to pack a lot into a shorter safari.
At Lake Manyara, birds paint the sky in shades of pink, white, and grey, especially the iconic flamingos that thrive in the lake’s alkaline waters. But the park’s allure doesn’t stop at birdwatching. It’s known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight that fascinates every visitor. The park also shelters elephants, zebras, giraffes, and several other mammal species, roaming freely among the diverse habitats that range from savannah to marshy deltas.
Beyond traditional game drives, in Lake Manyara, you can take a walk on the wild side with guided nature walks. Relax at the Maji Moto hot springs, or enjoy a thrilling canopy walk for a bird’s-eye view of the lush forest. All these safari activities are going to enhance your Tanzania Safari Experience uniquely.
Best Time to Visit
The Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park depends on your interests. With each season offering a distinct experience, your visit can be timed to capture the park’s dynamic changes.
- Dry Season (June to October) Optimal for wildlife viewing as animals are easier to spot near diminished water sources.
- Wet Season (November to May) The park is resplendent with lush greenery and full waterfalls, offering stunning photographic opportunities, though March and April see the heaviest rains.
Plan your visit to Lake Manyara based on what you wish to see. Whether it’s the ease of spotting wildlife in the dry season or the lush beauty during the wet season, the park offers compelling reasons to visit year-round.
How to get to Lake Manyara National Park
Strategically located on Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit, Lake Manyara National Park is readily accessible and serves as a perfect gateway to the wilderness. Here’s how you can reach this verdant oasis from Arusha or other major entry points.
- By Air Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), roughly 46 km from Arusha, and continue with a brief local flight to Lake Manyara Airport (LKY). For those arriving internationally via Dar es Salaam, connect through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to either Arusha or directly to Lake Manyara.
- By Road: Enjoy a picturesque drive covering 126 km (78 miles) from Arusha, a journey lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours on newly tarred roads. Public buses travel to Mto wa Mbu village, close to the park, where you can hire a car for the final short drive.
Positioned en route to renowned sites like Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, Lake Manyara fits nicely into longer Tanzania Northern Safari Circuits.
Discover the magic of Lake Manyara for yourself. Come explore where the wild things roam and the landscapes inspire. Plan your visit now and discover the serenity and splendour of one of Tanzania’s most picturesque parks.
Spend your great holiday by your own in the heart of the beautiful Tanzania
The Tanzania Safari Packages
Northern Circuit Tanzania
The Northern Circuit in Tanzania is a premier safari route, famed for diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Key attractions include Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
