Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the most varied safari parks in northern Tanzania. At the foot of the Great Rift Valley, forest, open floodplains, wetlands, acacia woodland and the alkaline lake come together within one protected area.

The park is known for its tree climbing lions, large groups of baboons, elephants and rich birdlife. More than 400 bird species have been recorded here, while flamingos can gather around the lake when conditions are right.

Lake Manyara is also easy to include in a safari through northern Tanzania. Its location near Mto wa Mbu makes it a natural stop between Arusha and other safari areas in the Northern Circuit.

Lake Manyara National Park at a glance

Lake Manyara combines many different habitats within one park. This makes the scenery change quickly during a game drive and creates suitable habitats for mammals, birds and primates.

• Country: Tanzania
• Region: Northern Tanzania
• Location: at the foot of the Great Rift Valley
• Size: 648.7 km²
• Distance from Arusha: approximately 125 km
• Driving time from Arusha: approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
• Birdlife: more than 400 species recorded
• Known for: tree climbing lions, flamingos, elephants and varied landscapes
• Nearby town: Mto wa Mbu
• Visiting period: year round

Tanzania National Parks currently lists Lake Manyara National Park at 648.7 km². The main entrance lies close to Mto wa Mbu, around 125 kilometers from Arusha by road. For current official park information, visit the TANAPA Lake Manyara National Park page.

What makes Lake Manyara National Park special?

The character of Lake Manyara lies in its variety. A safari can take you from dense green forest to open plains and onwards towards the lake and wetlands. Each habitat attracts different animals and birds.

The tree climbing lions and flamingos may be the best known residents, but the changing scenery is just as much a part of the experience.

Tree climbing lions

Lake Manyara is closely associated with its tree climbing lions. Lions can sometimes be seen resting in the branches of acacia trees, although sightings always depend on the animals and conditions on the day.

Seeing one therefore takes some luck. It should never be treated as a guaranteed sighting. That uncertainty is part of every safari. You never know exactly what is waiting around the next corner.

Flamingos on Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is an alkaline lake that provides feeding grounds for many waterbirds. Lesser and greater flamingos can gather along its shores, together with pelicans, storks, herons and other species.
Flamingo numbers are not the same throughout the year. Their presence depends on seasonal conditions, water levels and food availability. A lake filled with pink flamingos is therefore possible, but it cannot be promised on every visit.

For bird lovers, this variation makes Lake Manyara interesting throughout different periods of the year.

From groundwater forest to the Rift Valley

The landscape changes noticeably as you move through Lake Manyara National Park.

Near the entrance, freshwater springs support a lush groundwater forest with tall trees. Blue monkeys and baboons are often associated with this greener part of the park. Further on, the landscape opens towards acacia woodland, floodplains, papyrus wetlands and the alkaline lake.

The Great Rift Valley escarpment rises behind the park and forms a striking backdrop throughout much of the area. Hot springs can also be found along the lakeshore.

These different habitats are one of the reasons why so many species can live within Lake Manyara National Park.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is home to a wide variety of wildlife. During a game drive you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and lions on the plains and in the woodland.

Hippos live around pools and wetlands, while baboons, blue monkeys and bushbuck can be seen in and around the groundwater forest.

Safari sightings can never be planned exactly. The animals move freely through the park, which means that every game drive is different.

Animals you can see in Lake Manyara

Animals recorded in Lake Manyara National Park include elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, baboons, blue monkeys and bushbuck.

Some animals are easier to find than others. Your guide will look at the habitat, tracks and activity in the park when searching for wildlife, but nature always decides what you eventually see.

That is also why it is worth looking beyond the famous tree climbing lions. A troop of baboons moving through the forest or elephants appearing between the trees can be just as memorable.

Birdlife around Lake Manyara

More than 400 bird species have been recorded in Lake Manyara National Park, making the area especially interesting for birdwatching.

The wetlands and lakeshore attract waterbirds such as pelicans, storks, herons and spoonbills. Fish eagles can also be found in the area. Forest, woodland and open areas support their own bird species, so the variety changes as you travel through the park.

Binoculars are worth bringing even when birds are not your main reason for visiting. Many species are much easier to appreciate when you can take a closer look.

Things to do in Lake Manyara National Park

A game drive is the main way to experience Lake Manyara, but it is not the only activity available. Birdwatching, viewpoints, boardwalks and the canopy walk offer different ways to see the park and its surroundings.

The activities that can be included depend on your itinerary and the arrangements for your safari.

Go on a game drive

A game drive takes you through the different habitats of Lake Manyara National Park and gives you the chance to look for wildlife along the way.

Because forest, wetlands, open plains and woodland lie close together, the surroundings can change within a relatively short drive. This also means the type of wildlife you are looking for changes as you move through the park.

There is no fixed checklist for a successful game drive. Taking time to watch animal behavior, birds and the landscape is just as much part of the experience as finding one particular species.

Walk among the treetops

Lake Manyara also has a tree top walkway with viewing platforms between the trees. From here you experience the forest from a completely different height and can look for birds, butterflies and monkeys around the canopy.

Read more about the Tree Top Walkway in Lake Manyara National Park if you would like to include this activity in your visit.

Watch birds and enjoy the viewpoints

Lake Manyara is particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy taking time to look around rather than focusing only on larger mammals.

Birdwatching spots, boardwalks and viewpoints offer views across wetlands, the lake and the Rift Valley landscape. Hippo pools and wetland areas can also provide quieter moments where you can simply watch what happens around the water.

What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara National Park can be visited throughout the year. The best period depends mainly on what you hope to see and how you would like to experience the landscape.

Seasonal changes influence vegetation, water levels, birdlife and road conditions. Flamingo numbers around the lake can also vary according to conditions.

During periods of heavier rain, some routes in the park may temporarily become less accessible. Current conditions and advice from guides and park staff should therefore always be taken into account.
There is no single period in which every animal or bird is guaranteed. When Lake Manyara is part of a longer safari through northern Tanzania, it often makes more sense to look at the journey as a whole and choose the travel period that suits the complete itinerary.

Where is Lake Manyara National Park?

Lake Manyara National Park lies in northern Tanzania, just south of Mto wa Mbu and at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

The main entrance is approximately 125 kilometers by road from Arusha. The journey generally takes around 2 to 2.5 hours under normal conditions.

Its location makes Lake Manyara suitable for combining with several other safari areas in northern Tanzania. The exact order of the parks depends on the route you choose and where you stay.

How does Lake Manyara fit into a northern Tanzania safari?

Lake Manyara forms part of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit and can be combined with destinations such as Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire.

This makes the park particularly interesting for travelers who want to experience different landscapes during one safari. Lake Manyara adds forest, wetlands, an alkaline lake and Rift Valley scenery to a route that may look very different again a day later.

Many travelers visit Lake Manyara for a day, while an overnight stay in the surrounding area is another option. The right choice depends on the rest of your route.

See our safaris in Tanzania to see how Lake Manyara can form part of a longer journey. You can also view our 8 Days Zanzibar & Lake Manyara trip for an example of a journey that includes the park.

Staying near Lake Manyara National Park

There are several places to stay around Lake Manyara, Mto wa Mbu and the wider Rift Valley area. The right location depends on where you are coming from and where your safari continues the next day.

Paradise & Wilderness has several accommodations in the Manyara region. Africa Safari Manyara Escarpment offers a stay close to Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley, while Africa Safari Manyara Migombani lies close to the national park.

Another option is Africa Safari Rift Valley, which can be included depending on the route of your safari.

Where you stay is best considered as part of the complete journey rather than as a separate decision.

Practical information for visiting Lake Manyara

A little preparation helps you enjoy the park comfortably. Keep your passport or identification and park documents available for checks at the entrance. Remain inside your vehicle unless you are at a designated area or boardwalk and always keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Bring sun protection, insect repellent and binoculars. Neutral colored clothing is practical for a safari day.

Some activities can involve additional charges. Because official tariffs can change, current fees should always be checked when your safari is planned rather than relying on an old price found online.

When you travel with Paradise & Wilderness, the park visits included in your safari are arranged as part of your itinerary. Our team can also help you understand which activities fit naturally into your route.

Experience Lake Manyara as part of your Tanzania journey

Lake Manyara offers something different from the wide plains many people first picture when they think of a Tanzania safari. Forest, wetlands, the Rift Valley and the lake create a varied setting where there is always something to watch, from elephants and baboons to waterbirds along the shore.

It also fits naturally into a wider journey through northern Tanzania.

Would you like to know how Lake Manyara can fit into your route? Tell us what you would like to see and how you prefer to travel. Together we can look at a safari that suits your wishes and gives each place enough time.

Ask us about your Tanzania safari

Frequently asked questions about Lake Manyara National Park

These practical questions can help when deciding whether Lake Manyara fits into your Tanzania safari.

Can you visit Lake Manyara National Park in one day?

Yes, Lake Manyara National Park can be visited in one day. A day visit gives you time for a game drive through several of the park’s habitats. An overnight stay near the park can also work well when Lake Manyara is part of a longer Northern Circuit route.

Do you have to stay overnight at Lake Manyara?

No, you do not have to stay overnight at Lake Manyara. Both day visits and overnight stays are possible. The best option depends on the rest of your safari route, the activities you want to include and where you travel next.

Are flamingos always at Lake Manyara?

No, flamingos are not always present at Lake Manyara in the same numbers. Their presence is seasonal and depends on conditions around the alkaline lake. Flamingos can gather in large groups when conditions are suitable, but this should never be presented as a guaranteed sighting.

Can you always see tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara?

No, you cannot always see tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara. The park is known for lions resting in trees, especially around acacia woodland, but sightings depend on where the lions are at the time of your visit.

What should you bring to Lake Manyara National Park?

For Lake Manyara National Park, bring drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent and binoculars. Follow the instructions of your guide and park staff, particularly around elephants, hippo pools and other wildlife areas.

Can Lake Manyara be combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

Yes, Lake Manyara can be combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro as part of a safari through northern Tanzania. Its location within the Northern Circuit makes it a natural addition to many safari routes.