Lake Manyara National Park

Tanzania’s Scenic Safari Escape

Introduction

The Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and diverse safari destinations, offering a unique blend of landscapes within a relatively small area.

Located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, just a short drive from Arusha, this park covers approximately 330 square kilometers, with nearly two-thirds occupied by the alkaline Lake Manyara.

Despite its size, Lake Manyara is packed with wildlife, birdlife, and stunning scenery, making it a perfect addition to any northern Tanzania safari.

Why Visit Lake Manyara National Park?

Lake Manyara is ideal for travelers looking for a compact yet rewarding safari experience.

Top Reasons to Visit

Famous tree-climbing lions
Large flocks of flamingos
Diverse ecosystems in one park
Excellent for short safaris (1–2 days)
Scenic beauty with escarpment views

Tree-Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara

One of the most unique highlights of the Lake Manyara National Park is its famous tree-climbing lions.

What Makes Them Special

Lions resting on acacia tree branches
Rare behavior not commonly seen elsewhere
Great for photography and unique sightings

While not guaranteed, spotting these lions is a special and memorable experience.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara offers a rich variety of animals within a compact area.

Animals You Can See

Elephants (large populations)
Lions (including tree-climbing lions)
Buffalo, giraffes, zebras
Hippos in forest pools
Baboons and blue monkeys

The park is especially known for its large troops of baboons, often seen near the entrance.

Birdlife in Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird lovers.

Highlights

Thousands of flamingos along the Lake Manyara
Over 400 bird species
Pelicans, storks, herons
Hornbills and kingfishers

Seasonal changes affect bird concentrations, but birdwatching is excellent year-round.

Unique Landscapes of Lake Manyara

The diversity of scenery is what makes Lake Manyara truly special.

What You’ll Experience

Groundwater forests
Open grasslands
Acacia woodlands
The alkaline Lake Manyara
The dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment

Few parks in Tanzania offer such varied ecosystems in a single day.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

Dry Season (June – October)

Best for wildlife viewing
Animals easier to spot
Less vegetation

Green Season (November – May)

Best for birdwatching and flamingos
Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
Great for photography

Safari Activities in Lake Manyara

Game Drives

Enjoy half-day or full-day game drives through diverse habitats.

Canoeing (Seasonal)

When water levels allow, canoeing on Lake Manyara offers a unique perspective.

Cultural Tours

Visit nearby villages and interact with local communities.

Accommodation in Lake Manyara

There are several accommodation options both inside and near the park.

Options Include

Luxury lodges with escarpment views
Mid-range lodges
Budget campsites

Many lodges are located in the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu.

How to Get to Lake Manyara

Approximately 2 hours by road from Arusha
Easily combined with Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Plan Your Lake Manyara Safari Today

Plan your personalised safari with our experienced travel experts!

Hear It from Travelers

We go beyond just booking trips – we create unforgettable travel experiences that match your dreams!

    
 
 
      Verified Highly Recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions Team
Across Tanzania Expeditions is the most reliable company in Tanzania. I have not been disappointed traveling with them. Because they are friendly with their customers and treat them like family. Their devotion, reliability, responsibility, respect for others attracted me deeply. I strongly recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions Company. I Highly Recommend 100%. Especially Thanks To Mr. Hezron
  
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   Luis Rico 
 4 March 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Best Experience
Luxurious travel experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions. The most popular destination of our trip was Serengeti National park one of the most famous Parks and visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. It was our first safari, and it was the best experience. We are very happy and impressed to travel with them
  
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   Salvi Dona 
 15 February 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Our haneymoon was really Amazing!!
Across Tanzania Expeditions made our honeymoon trip truly magical! We wanted a romantic and adventurous experience, and they delivered. The private dinners under, the luxurious accommodations, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters all contributed to making this a trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Across Tanzania Expeditions, for creating memories we will cherish forever!" Remember to: Across Tanzania Expeditions!! Dream Safari!, Unforgettable wildlife, Amazing guides, perfect planning, Highly Recommended Across Tanzania Expeditions Team!
  
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   Roger.Lacy 
 31 January 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Superb experience in Tanzania.
The team Across Tanzania Expeditions was incredibly professional, responsive, and attentive to our preferences. They took the time to understand what we wanted and tailored the itinerary perfectly to meet our expectations. Our guide & driver was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the culture, wildlife, and landscapes of Tanzania. They shared fascinating insights about the animals, plants, and local traditions, making every moment enriching. Across Tanzania Expeditions Owner were super professional very helpful and knowledgeable. They are very good and helpful in everything. We are very happy with their amazing customer service!!!. We already looking forward to planning our next trip with them!
  
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   Gwaniri Z 
 31 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Great experience of across tanzania expeditions.
Our journey began with a safari in the Serengeti, and we were instantly awed by the sheer beauty of the park. The abundance of wildlife was incredible. We saw the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, along with countless giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The expert guide knew exactly where to find the animals and provided us with fascinating insights into their behavior and the ecosystem. The picnic lunch by the was one of the highlights of our trip. Zanzibar The island’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty was the perfect way to , our Tanzania expedition.Tanzania is a place of unparalleled beauty, and our trip was a dream come true. The combination of wildlife, landscapes, and rich cultural experiences made this an unforgettable adventure. We are already planning our next trip. I would wholeheartedly recommend Across tanzania expeditions Tours to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable Across tanzania expeditions travel experience.
  
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   John Mac 
 12 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Thanks Across team.
We started our adventure in Serengeti National Park with Across Tanzania Expeditions, where we were awed by the vast incredible wildlife. Witnessing the Great Migration together was like watching a live nature documentary the sheer number of wildebeests and zebras was mesmerizing. We visited the Ngorongoro Crater, a place that felt almost mythical. The lush greenery, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife atmosphere. We trip concluded on the serene beaches of Zanzibar.Tanzania gave us more than we could have imagined. It wasn’t just a trip it was a shared adventure, and a reminder of the beauty of the world. Thanks Across team for providing a great experience.
  
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   Harley 
 4 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified A truly memorable experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions.
Our 5 days safari with Across Tanzania Expeditions was nothing short of spectacular! Upon arrival in Tanzania, we were greeted by our wonderful guide, Fazo, who quickly made us feel at home. His expertise and enthusiasm for wildlife were infectious. Faoz's ability to spot animals was astounding – he could point out a leopard lounging in a tree from what felt like a mile away! His extensive knowledge about the ecosystems, animal behaviors, and local cultures enriched our experience beyond just the sights. The itinerary was perfectly crafted, allowing us to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Each park offered unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. They go above and beyond to ensure that your time in Tanzania is as enriching and unforgettable as possible. We will definitely be back for another adventure!
  
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   Castiel 
 20 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Highly recommend this company!
We had a wonderful time with Across Tanzania Expeditions. Our guides Fazo were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable and educational. The breathtaking sceneries and well-organized tours made this an unforgettable journey. Across Tanzania Expeditions provided an incredible balance of wildlife adventure and cultural immersion. This trip will stay with our lifetime.
  
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   Polanco 
 16 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Across Tanzania Expeditions was absolutely exceptional.
From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel welcomed and well taken care of. The pre-trip communication was excellent, with clear information on what to expect and a personalized itinerary that met all our interests. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about Tanzania’s wildlife, ensuring we saw all the major animals we were hoping for lions, elephants, giraffes, and more! The meals and lodges were also fantastic, with stunning views and top-notch service. We can wholeheartedly recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions. They made our trip not just a vacation, but an experience of our a lifetime. Our experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions was absolutely exceptional.
  
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   Pearce 
 11 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Outstanding tour: well planned and well run. Can’t say enough good things!
Our 9 day Safari was outstanding!!! The owner Hezron and his team were very conscientious, helpful, committed to their people having an amazing trip. Hezron contacted me daily when there to make sure all was going well. Hussein does a lot of the planning and booking and did a great job, we loved all of our lodging. Fazo our guide was a walking encyclopedia of all animals we encountered in the 5 National Parks we went to. We saw the Big 5 and more! The vehicle was clean and reliable. Fazo was a very safe and conscious driver with an instinct for where animals would be. The food at all of our lodgings were great. I am celiac and the team at Across Tanzania contacted each place before we got there to make sure they knew what to expect for my dietary needs. The trip was well planned, well run, and thoroughly enjoyable. Would highly recommend a private tour (we saw groups all packed in and they would only get to see out of their window) we had full movement in the 6 seat Land Cruiser to get the photos and views we had been dying to see.
  
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   JodyMCanada 
 26 October 2024