Lake Manyara National Park
About Lake Manyara National Park
A narrow strip of groundwater forest, floodplain and soda lake beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, famous for elephants and tree-climbing lions.
Easily reached on the drive between Arusha and the crater, which makes it an efficient first or last game drive. Night drives and a canopy walkway are both available here.
Highlights
Wildlife & landscape
Season by season
Jun – Oct
Dry season concentrates game near the lake shore and the groundwater forest.
Nov – May
Peak birding, with migrants on the lake and thousands of flamingos in good water years.
Practical notes
- •Half a day is enough — most itineraries pair it with the drive to Karatu or the crater.
- •One of the few parks in Tanzania licensed for night game drives.
- •The canopy walkway is a good option for families and non-drivers.
Trips that include Lake Manyara National Park
4 Days Safari in Tanzania
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
The short northern circuit: two of the best parks in Tanzania with no long transfers.
STARTS FROM
$1,450
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8 Days Tanzania Safari
Tarangire · Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Our most complete northern itinerary, unhurried, with three Serengeti nights.
STARTS FROM
$3,180
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