Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a stunning safari destination, known for its breathtaking scenery and vast soda lake, which covers almost 75 percent of its surface. The park teems with wildlife, from large troops of baboons in the forests to herds of elephants and the famous tree-climbing lions. Around the lake, you’ll find buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, wildebeest and zebras, along with abundant birdlife. The extremely diverse landscapes— from lush acacia woodlands and dense jungle forest to towering mountain cliffs and open grasslands — make this a haven for nature lovers.

Rift Valley Escarpment

Lake Manyara is also the perfect place to witness the spectacular 400-meter-high Rift Valley Escarpment. The Great Rift Valley is a long rift in the earth which runs down the eastern side of Africa. It was formed about 20 to 25 million years ago when the earth’s crust teared apart, and this enormous feature is so vast it can even be seen from space (like two lines running down Africa). Its varied terrain provides unique ecosystems that support an impressive variety of flora and fauna.

Excursions and activities in Lake Manyara National Park

Night game drive
Canopy walk/ Treetop Walk
Mountainbike tour Lake Manyara
Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu
Visit Maasai tribe
Visit Hadzabe tribe

Travel time Lake Manyara

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park: 2,5 hours’ drive
Lake Manyara National Park to Tarangire National Park: 1 hour
Lake Manyara National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 1 hour
Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti: 3,5 hours

Travel tips from our experts about Lake Manyara

Since this is one of the smaller parks in northern Tanzania it’s easy to combine excursions or activities with a game drive. Our guests like the cultural tour on the mountain bike, but also activities like the canoeing safari and Treetop Walk.

How long to stay? 1 day

Which hotel? Our guests love Lake Manyara Hotel, due to the spectacular views, friendly staff and delicious food.

Best time to visit Lake Manyara

The best time to see large animals in Lake Manyara is during the dry season, from July till October. If you are a bird lover you can better visit the park from November till June. During this season you can spot abundant birdlife – think pelicans, African fish eagle, hornbill, hamerkop, black heron, little bee-eater and many more.

Information and facts

Stunning views on the Great Rift Valley, abundant birdlife, troops of baboons, zebras, elephants and tree-climbing lions, the giant soda lake and the ultra-diverse landscapes make Lake Manyara worth your visit.

Most common animals

Zebras
Giraffes
Lions
Elephants
Impalas
Wildebeest
Buffaloes
Baboons
Blue monkey

Facts about Lake Manyara

Giant soda lake that covers almost 75 percent of the park
World’s largest population baboons
Park stretches along the Rift Valley Escarpment
Hot Springs
Birding hotspot: 400 species of birds

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Beaches & Safaris

Golden beaches meet thrilling safaris, where turquoise waves crash and majestic wildlife roams—offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.