Discovery of Lake Manyara National Park 

Discover with your Off Road Tanzania guide the Lake Manyara National Park and its extraordinary ecosystem! Situated about 2 hours from Arusha in the spectacular Rift Valley, renowned for its escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a must-see in Tanzania! Famous for its biodiversity, Manyara National Park is a protected area where the flora and fauna, as well as migratory birds, make this tropical forest a unique place!

The emblematic animals of Lake Manyara

On your guided safari with Off Road Tanzania, you will have the pleasure of observing many animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, as well as buffalo, crocodiles, impalas and leopards. Not forgetting the monkeys and baboons!

The hippo pool also attracts a large number of water birds such as flamingos

The Manyara park sometimes offers a rare spectacle, that of lions perched in the trees; you may be lucky enough to spot them…

The extraordinary safari experience at Lake Manyara

On your journey with Off Road Tanzania, you will discover incredible panoramas. The various national parks of northern Tanzania such as Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, together with Lake Manyara National Park, offer an extraordinary experience. Our 4×4 safaris accompanied by our local guides will delight photography and adventure enthusiasts! Whether at sunrise or sunset, observing this wild nature will be at the heart of your safari in Tanzania!

Exploring the varied landscapes around Lake Manyara

Tanzania is an incredible African country of diversity; the landscapes are as varied as they are magnificent ! Dense forests stand alongside mountains and the savannah, arid lands contrast with floodplains, marshes and hot springs 

Immerse yourself in the local culture during your visit to Lake Manyara

Tanzania is a country of traditions and customs where the Maasai tribes live alongside the Tanzanian population. During your safari, you will be able to enjoy authentic encounters and have meaningful exchanges with the local people. The crafts and cultural heritage of the different tribes are still very much present in the villages you may visit during your safari with Off Road Tanzania.

Enjoy eco-friendly activities at Lake Manyara

During your trip with Off Road Tanzania, eco-tourism-related activities will be offered, such as hikes, cycling, canoeing on Lake Manyara, fishing… But also discovering ornithology and nature, providing genuine environmental education!

Accommodation and services during your safari at Lake Manyara

There are several types of accommodation in Tanzania, such as lodges, luxury tents in camps, and bungalows offering both comfort and a friendly atmosphere! The hospitality of your hosts, the wonderful scenery and the refined cuisine will make these places true havens of relaxation! As your safari unfolds, you will discover real little corners of paradise!

The best time to visit Lake Manyara

A few climate tips: the dry season runs from June to October and the rainy season from mid-March to mid-May. The climate remains pleasant all year round, but temperatures can be chilly at night! (Especially around the Ngorongoro crater)

Fauna and flora evolve according to the climate; depending on when you travel, you may even be able to witness the great migration of zebras and wildebeest (it is in the southern Serengeti in the Ndutu region from December to March)

The secrets and anecdotes of Lake Manyara

Off Road Tanzania will take you to the heart of the village of Mto Wa Mbu in the Manyara region, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch and talk with the local people, who hold many secrets and anecdotes about the Lake Manyara region. Did you know that on a safari in Manyara National Park you may encounter tree-climbing lionesses dozing in the treetops. 

Preparing your trip to Lake Manyara with Off Road Tanzania

 Contact our destination experts; they will be able to give you a great many essential tips for a high-quality, safe trip. Together, you will create the itinerary of your dreams, combining discovery of Tanzanian culture and wildlife viewing. Exciting excursions will be offered by our Off Road Tanzania advisers, and the quality of service and the friendliness of the Tanzanians will leave you with incredible memories of this exceptional trip !

Why visit Lake Manyara National Park ?

Safari 4×4 Land cruiser au parc Manyara

Going on safari in Lake Manyara National Park means being surrounded by splendid and rare nature, abundant fauna and flora, enough to feast your eyes… and your ears! Between the cries of monkeys and the songs of birds, the soundtrack is harmonious, just like these breathtaking landscapes.

The animals of Manyara Park

Manyara National Park attracts numerous animals thanks to its varied ecosystem: water sources, grasslands, tropical forests. It is a true sanctuary for birds: pink flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, ibises and even black-crested eagles. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the park !

Manyara Park was originally created to serve as a sanctuary for herds of elephants. It is therefore not uncommon to spot them. In the forest and its surroundings, there is a large population of monkeys. One could even say one of the highest in the world ! Among them are many baboons, green monkeys and blue monkeys.

When going on safari in this reserve, it is not uncommon to come across several species of antelope such as impalas and dik-diks, as well as buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. Big cats are also present in the reserve : lions and leopards. They are generally found in wooded areas, dozing high up on the branches of acacia trees.

Finally, the lake is also a hippo pool ! Many hippos bathe there all day long.

The flora of Manyara Park

Manyara National Park borders the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. This forms a dramatic 400-metre-deep fault line! It is an important stop on the route to Ngorongoro Crater. The flora here is particularly varied. Many permanent water sources are accessible in the park, especially Lake Manyara. In the north of the park, there is a lush, dense tropical forest. This forest is made up of acacias, candelabra euphorbias, sausage trees, giant fig trees… the diversity of this area is a splendid example of the plant composition of East Africa: it is naturally astonishing.

To the south, the forest gives way to grasslands, the lake and marshes. On the edge of the lake, there is mangrove.

Travel in Manyara National Park

Manyara National Park is located right next to Tarangire National Park and close to the village of Mto Wa Mbu, which leaves a good choice of activities to do after a safari in Manyara. Travelling to Lake Manyara National Park is not essential on a trip to Tanzania, but it is still a must-see for nature lovers. Indeed, the vast lake gives the park a rare greenness in Tanzania, far removed from the dry plains of the Serengeti.

When is the best time to go on safari in Lake Manyara National Park?

Manyara Lake National Park is open all year round, but as a general rule, the best time to visit is the dry season : between June and October. In fact, this is the best time to see the large mammals, but not to observe birds. It is the wet season that attracts most birds. They can easily be seen near the lake between November and May. The rainy season also offers other advantages : fewer crowds, the lowest prices, less heat. The best time for you therefore depends on what you want to experience !

How do you get to Manyara Lake Park ?

It takes about two and a half hours to drive from Arusha to Manyara. There is an hour’s drive between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, and the same amount of time to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A safari at Lake Manyara is therefore often followed or preceded by a safari in one of these two parks, or even both.

What are the fees and regulations for Lake Manyara National Park?

The entrance fees for Lake Manyara National Park for one day are:

  • $45 per adult
  • $15 per child aged 5 to 15
  • Free for children under 5.

Lake Manyara Park: regulations

Same rules as in all national parks of Tanzania : respect the animals and the environment. You will receive the detailed regulations at the park entrance.

Excursions and activities to do at Lake Manyara

  • Some lodges offer night safaris
  • Visit to the village of Mto Wa Mbu on the road to the Ngorongoro Crater
Need advice?