Described by Ernest Hemingway as the ‘loveliest I had seen in Africa’, Lake Manyara National Park is situated on the Western escarpment of the Rift Valley. Home to lesser flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and one of Africa’s highest concentrations of elephants, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most popular safari destinations.
Manyara National Park is dominated by a shallow alkaline lake at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds. The park entrance leads to a junglelike groundwater forest, which is home to big numbers of olive baboon and blue monkey. A thrilling 370m-/1,200ft-long treetop walkway offers a bird’s-eye view into this unique habitat.
Due to Lake Manyara’s high water level in recent years, there isn’t a game-drive track following the shore anymore. This has unfortunately changed the quality of wildlife viewing and birding considerably.
However, four of the Big Five are present (rhino is absent). Animals easily seen include buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest. Look out for solitary bushbuck creeping around in the forest undergrowth and pairs of klipspringer balancing on rocks near the hot springs (Maji Moto).
Lake Manyara National Park
How to get to Lake Manyara National Park
Most travellers visit Lake Manyara National Park from Tanzania’s safari capital, Arusha. By road, Lake Manyara is 126km from Arusha, and the drive to the northern gate takes 1.5-2 hours along a new tarmac road.
You can also fly to Lake Manyara Airport (LKY) from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Kilimanjaro International Airport is located around 46km from Arusha.
When to visit Lake Manyara?
Like all of Tanzania’s national parks, Lake Manyara’s peak season is during the dry months from July to September. The short dry season from mid-December to early March is also a good time to visit, but the temperatures can get very hot during this period.
Although you will see wildlife during the wet season, it will be more difficult to spot animals amongst the luscious vegetation. In the dry season, animals are drawn to the few remaining water sources and wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent.
Bird enthusiasts may choose to visit during the short rainy season from the end of October to December. Migratory birds visit the park during these months, but muddy roads may be impassable, and some lodges close during the low season.
Accommodation at Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: Owned by &Beyond, this luxury lodge is nestled within an ancient mahogany forest. You can choose between 9 exclusive treehouse suites, and your private butler will ensure that you have a relaxing stay.
The lodge has a refreshing outdoor pool and a spa which offers a range of massage treatments. This lodge is also one of the few lodges that offers night safaris within the park.
Chem Chem Safari Lodge: Situated on the eastern shores of Lake Manyara, this lodge is split across 3 locations. The main site is close to Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge offers 8 spacious, tent-style suites which are all at least 80m apart. Chem Chem is perfect for travellers who value their own space.
Lake Manyara Ranch Conservancy: Located within a private conservancy just outside of Lake Manyara National Park, this campsite offers 8 spacious tents with 7-foot beds. Each tent has a wardrobe, a writing table, and wooden storage chests.
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge: This tranquil retreat is located just outside of Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge offers a range of exciting activities, including community lunches where you can learn more about Maasai culture, and daily game drives. You can choose between a comfortable standard room and the luxurious Losimingori Suite.
Manyara Green Camp: Owned by Wayo Africa, this sustainable camp offers 8 square en-suite eco tents on raised platforms which are situated on the banks of the Endabash River.
You can choose between communal dining in the spacious mess tent or private dining. Each tent has a comfortable bed and a decking area, and they are designed to minimise their environmental impact without compromising on comfort.
Safari in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is part of the northern circuit of national parks in Tanzania. A popular route is to start in Arusha and visit Lake Manyara before continuing to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and finishing your adventure at Arusha. These attractions can be combined as part of a 5-6 day itinerary.
Although Lake Manyara National Park does not contain as much wildlife as its bigger sisters, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, scientists believed that Lake Manyara contained one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa during the 1980s.
Your park entry fee (US$53.10 per adult, per day at time of writing) will support conservation work that aims to return the park to its former glory as one of Africa’s most biodiverse areas.