12 Days | Complete Northern Circuit

From vast plains to rocky ‘kopjes’

With vast open plains stretching to the horizon and an abundance of wildlife, Serengeti National Park crowns itself a true paradise for any safari enthusiast. Hence, we recommend that you set aside several days for this.

Serengeti National Park covers an impressive area of nearly 15,000 square kilometers and is rightly the largest and perhaps most popular national park in Tanzania’s northern circuit and perhaps in all of Africa.

The Serengeti is known worldwide as host to the Great Migration and many big cats such as lions, cheetahs and cheetahs. However, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and impala are also common residents here. This area is extremely popular because of the high probability of witnessing a hunting party of these predators. The landscape in northern Serengeti NP is characterized by “kopjes,” rocky granite formations that are more than 550 million years old and often serve as lookouts for these feline hunters during their search for prey.

Wildlife you can spot:

Wildebeests | Zebras | Thomson’s gazelles | Lions | Cheetahs | Cheetahs | Cheetahs | Cheetahs | Elephants | Giraffes | Hippos | Crocodiles | Buffalo | Impalas | Hyenas | Rhinos | Warthogs | Waterbucks | Vultures | Baboons | Mongoose | Aardvarks | Serval Cats | Meerkats

The Great Trek of the Serengeti National Park

This is a natural spectacle that many people like to see during their safari trip in Tanzania. One of the highlights in Serengeti NP, but also one of the most difficult to spot. Every year, the six million wildebeest, and thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate through Serengeti National Park in search of fresh grass and water.

Seasonally, we know approximately where the Great Migration is located, but never exactly. This is due to many natural factors, which makes seeing the Great Migration very unique. Our drivers/guides always do their best to locate the Great Migration.

• January/February | Calf season in Southern Serengeti / Ndutu area
• March/April | From south to central Serengeti NP via the west side
• June/July | From central to north Serengeti NP
• August to October | The river crossing in Northern Serengeti NP
• November/December | From north to south Serengeti NP via the east side

World’s largest volcanic crater

Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking beauty of Ngorongoro Crater. As you stand at the viewpoint and contemplate the Crater, you see the clouds drifting away around the crater rim and feel a cool, mountainous breeze. Mother Nature at her best. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest volcanic crater that has dried up and created a whole new ecosystem. It is also called the 8th wonder of the world.

With its lush green grasslands, shimmering lakes and meandering rivers, the crater is home to many wild animals, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos). It is also an essential resting place for migrating birds. In short, Ngorongoro Crater is an enchanting piece of nature that will surprise you with its unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.

Wildlife you can spot:

Lions | Leopards | Black Rhinos | Elephants | Buffalo | Zebras | Wildebeest | Waterbucks | Impalas | Hippos | Hyenas | Flamingos | Birds of Prey

Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, making it one of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries in the world. In this natural amphitheater-like setting, you can witness powerful lions guarding their territory, elegant leopards deftly prowling through the grass, imposing black rhinos, herds of grazing buffalo and robust elephants strolling peacefully.

It is a place where the Big Five converge and where countless other animals, including zebras, giraffes, hippos and numerous bird species, also thrive. A safari in the Ngorongoro Crater is an unforgettable opportunity to come face to face with the magnificent animals that call this unique landscape home. Ngorongoro Crater is an absolute must-see on any tour of northern Tanzania.

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.

Marching herds of elephants

Tarangire National Park is a fun and impressive wildlife park! On the way from Arusha to Lake Manyara you will pass this beautiful wildlife park, which is known for its large groups of elephants and ancient Baobab trees. There is plenty of wildlife to see, as a large river flows through it and the terrain is open.

In the dry season, the Tarangire River is the only permanent source of water for all wildlife and thus the place to easily spot wildlife. Tarangire National Park is 2850 square kilometers, making it the sixth largest park in Tanzania. After Serengeti National Park it offers the highest concentration of wildlife. Tarangire is known for its Baobab trees. Their impressive, thick trunks store water and provide a source of food and shade for many animal species. These iconic trees are not only a natural treasure, but also a symbol of the beauty and resilience of the African wilderness.

Wildlife you can spot:

Wildebeest | Zebras | Buffalo | Gazelles | Rhinos | Warthogs | Impalas | Pythons | Lions | Leopards | Nearly 500 bird species

Wildlife of the Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is known for its abundance of wildlife and as wonderful safari experiences. Here you can see huge elephants roaming in large herds, feasting on the succulent vegetation. The park is also home to troops of baboons playfully swinging through the trees, leopards lurking in the shade, lions dominating the savannah and countless giraffes walking elegantly along the horizon. With its rich and varied wildlife, Tarangire NP offers an unforgettable adventure for nature and safari lovers.

What makes Ikona Wildlife Management Area special?

As soon as you enter the Ikona area, silence and endless plains surround you, turning into vast savannas. Here, nature still lives at its own pace. You feel free and momentarily detached from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located on the edge of the Serengeti, Ikona is an important transit area for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.

Among acacia trees, open grasslands and eroded riverbeds, elephants, giraffes, lions and countless antelope species live side by side and with each other. If you listen carefully, you will hear the constant birdsong, and with attention, wildlife can be spotted everywhere. Everything here is about balance: between man and nature, between protection and experience.

Ikona is a community-driven Wildlife Management Area where local communities and nature work together. Remote, pure and rich in wildlife, perfect for those seeking the real Africa.

What animals can you spot in Ikona?

Wildebeests | Elephants | Lions | Buffalo | Giraffes | Waterbucks | Warthogs | Leopards | Antelopes | Zebras | Hippos | Black-and-white colobus monkeys | Crocodiles

On the edge of the Serengeti: the passage of the Great Migration

Because of its location adjacent to the Serengeti, Ikona acts as a corridor for migrating herds. In the dry season, wildebeest and zebra migrate through the grasslands and along the riverbeds, followed by predators. This provides dynamic safari moments with hunting and grazing scenes in a rugged, less crowded setting.

The difference between Ikona and other (national) parks

Whereas famous parks like the Serengeti excel in grandeur and visitor numbers, Ikona actually offers a smaller-scale, quieter experience. As a Wildlife Management Area, the emphasis is on community involvement and wildlife management, with activities you’re less likely to find elsewhere: guided walking safaris and night game drives. That makes Ikona ideal for travelers who seek depth, want to be close to nature and deliberately keep the impact on the environment small.

Walking safari & Night game drive

In Ikona Wildlife Management Area, you have the unique opportunity to explore the park on foot and then take a game drive at night. A nice change from the many car rides during your trip in northern Tanzania.

Click here for more information about the walking safari in IKONA.
Click here for more information about the Night Game Drive in IKONA

The hidden gem of northern Tanzania

The Pololeti Game Reserve is part of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, now under the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority). An important area for wildebeest and an intermediate area for animals from Serengeti NP. Because wildlife knows no boundaries, you will find a wide variety of wildlife here, including hunting lions, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, running antelope and more.

Pololeti Game Reserve is a vast and beautiful nature reserve and is known for its pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife populations. This area includes a wide range of ecosystems, including savannahs, forests and wetlands, which provide habitat for a rich variety of animals.

The game reserve is home to the iconic Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos. It is also a haven for many other animal species, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and numerous bird species. The region offers exceptional safari experiences, with opportunities for game drives, guided walks and cultural encounters with local Maasai communities.

With a visit to this area, you’ll be treated to a truly authentic safari adventure, away from the crowds, where the focus is on conserving the remarkable wildlife and preserving the pristine natural environment.

Wildlife you can spot:

Lions | Elephants | Leopards | Buffalo | Rhinos | Giraffes | Zebras | Wildebeests | Cheetahs | Hyenas | Elk | Gazelles | Impalas | Crocodiles | Hippos | Dikdiks | Numerous bird species | Meerkats