Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a small safari park at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Its groundwater forest offers a nice change of scenery from the more savannah dominated parks. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, big cats aren’t that easily seen. Elephant population in this safari park is prolific and is the main attraction.
Things to See & Do Lake Manyara NP
The park is known for its legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively huge-tusked elephants. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on the grassy plains. The lake is a seasonal home to large flocks of flamingos, and a wide array of waterbirds can be found on the shore at all times.
Best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park
Game & Wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but at its best from late June to October, during the Dry season. However, this very scenic park is at its most beautiful during the Wet season, from November to May, when the vegetation is lush and waterfalls cascade down the escarpment.
Passport & Visa Requirements for Entry into Tanzania
Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Tanzania embassy to verify the information below is current.
Getting to Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara NP is part of the popular northern safari circuit. Arusha is the gateway town and the best way to get there is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated about 46km/29mi from Arusha.
There are flights from Arusha and the Serengeti to Lake Manyara’s airstrip, but the trip from Arusha on the tarred road only takes 2 hours by car.
If coming from the Ngorongoro Crater, the driving time is as well about two hours to cover the 80km/50mi.
Things to See & Do
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively huge-tusked elephants. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on the grassy plains. The lake is a seasonal home to large flocks of flamingos, and a wide array of waterbirds can be found on the shore at all times.
The forest patch at the entrance of the park is home to habituated troops of olive baboon and blue monkey. The occasional bushbuck can also be spotted here, darting off in the undergrowth. Pairs of klipspringer are sometimes seen balancing on the rocks at the far south of the park and the hippo pool is a good place to see these semi-aquatic creatures up close.
The best time to visit Lake Manyara NP
Game & wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but at its best from late June to October, during the Dry season. However, this very scenic park is at its most beautiful during the Wet season, from November to May, when the vegetation is lush and waterfalls cascade down the escarpment.
Passport & Visa Requirements for Entry into Tanzania
Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Tanzania embassy to verify the information below is current.
Getting to Lake Manyara NP
Lake Manyara NP is part of the popular northern safari circuit. Arusha is the gateway town and the best way to get there is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated about 46km/29mi from Arusha.
There are flights from Arusha and the Serengeti to Lake Manyara’s airstrip, but the trip from Arusha on the tarred road only takes 2 hours by car.
If coming from the Ngorongoro Crater, the driving time is as well about two hours to cover the 80km/50mi.
