Lake Manyara National Park

Discovery Islands

Adventure

Discovery Islands

Adventure

Discovery Islands

Adventure

Discovery Islands

Adventure

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.

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

Book Your Lake Manyara Safari Today →

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.

Explore the Tree-Climbing Lions & Flamingos of Lake Manyara →

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.

Book a Canoe Safari on Lake Manyara →

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

Go on a Walking Safari in Lake Manyara →

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.

Experience a Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara →

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.

Find the Best Lake Manyara Accommodation →

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

Plan Your Lake Manyara Safari at the Best Time →