Lake Manyara National Park

Northern Tanzania Tanzania 1 Tours Available

Altitude

1,100m (lake surface)

Area Size

325 km²

From Nairobi

1,050 km (126 km from Arusha)

Best Time

Year-round destinationJune to Octob

About Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a stunning gem located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and spectacular flocks of flamingos that color the lake pink. Despite its small size (325 square kilometers), the park offers incredible biodiversity from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands and the alkaline lake itself. The scenic setting with the escarpment backdrop makes it one of Tanzania's most photogenic parks.

Highlights

Tree-climbing lions (unique behavior)
Large elephant herds
Spectacular flamingo flocks
Groundwater forest
Great Rift Valley escarpment views
Hot springs (Majimoto)
Canoeing on the lake (seasonal)
Over 400 bird species

Activities

Game drives
Canoeing (seasonal, depends on water levels)
Bird watching
Walking safaris
Cultural visits to Maasai and Iraqw villages
Mountain biking (on surrounding areas)
Tree-top canopy walkway

Best Time to Visit

☀️

Year-round destinationJune to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)January to February (good conditions)November to May (green season, excellent bird watching)

Essential Information

Weather & Climate

Temperatures: 20-30°C (68-86°F). Dry season: June-October (cooler). Wet season: November-May (warmer, more humid). Short rains: November-December. Long rains: March-May.

Wildlife

Tree-climbing lions (best seen in late afternoon), large elephant herds, buffalo, hippo, leopard (rare), hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, baboon, blue monkey, vervet monkey, 400+ bird species including flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, eagles.

Getting There

By road: 2-3 hours from Arusha (126 km) via the surfaced Arusha-Moshi highway. Easily combined with Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Park entrance gate is 8 km from the main road.

Accommodation

Lodges inside the park (Lake Manyara Serena, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge - luxury) and outside the park (Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, Kirurumu Manyara Lodge). Budget options available in Mto wa Mbu town.

Travel Tips

Best time to see tree-climbing lions is late afternoon (4-6 PM). The groundwater forest is excellent for bird watching. Carry water and sunscreen. Canoeing is seasonal and depends on water levels - check in advance.