Lake Manyara National Park is a wildlife destination in northern Tanzania, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park covers about 648.7 square kilometres and is known for its alkaline lake, groundwater forest, elephants, birdlife and tree-climbing lions.
Where Is Lake Manyara National Park?
The park is just south of Mto wa Mbu in northern Tanzania, about 125 km from Arusha by road. The drive from Arusha takes approximately 2–2.5 hours under normal road conditions.
Lake Manyara is also conveniently located on the northern safari circuit, making it easy to combine with Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
What Is Lake Manyara Famous For?
The park is best known for:
- Tree-climbing lions
- Large elephant herds
- Lake Manyara and its seasonal flamingos
- More than 400 recorded bird species
- Groundwater forests
- Hippos and wetlands
- Great Rift Valley scenery
- Hot springs
- Baboons and blue monkeys
Tree-climbing lions are one of the park's main attractions, although seeing them in trees is not guaranteed.
Wildlife You Can See
Common wildlife includes:
- Elephants
- Lions
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Buffaloes
- Wildebeest
- Hippos
- Warthogs
- Baboons
- Blue monkeys
- Bushbuck
- Various antelope species
The lake and wetlands attract flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, fish eagles and many other waterbirds.
Main Attractions
Lake Manyara
The alkaline lake is one of the park's defining features. Its water levels and bird concentrations change with the seasons.
Groundwater Forest
This evergreen forest is supplied by underground springs and provides habitat for monkeys, baboons, birds and other wildlife.
Great Rift Valley Escarpment
The escarpment creates the dramatic landscape surrounding the park and provides scenic viewpoints.
Hot Springs
The park has natural hot springs along the lakeshore.
Hippo Pools
These areas provide opportunities to observe hippos and waterbirds from designated viewing areas.
Things to Do
The main activities include:
- Game drives
- Bird watching
- Canopy walkway
- Walking activities where permitted
- Viewing scenic viewpoints
- Photography
- Picnics at designated areas
- Cultural visits around Mto wa Mbu
- Night game drives where permitted
Can You Do a Day Trip to Lake Manyara?
Yes. Lake Manyara can be visited as a day trip from Arusha, particularly because it is around 125 km away by road.
However, staying overnight can give you more time for wildlife viewing and can make sense when the park is part of a longer northern Tanzania safari.
Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is open throughout the year. For general wildlife viewing, the dry season can be advantageous because vegetation is less dense and animals may be easier to spot.
The wetter months bring greener scenery and can be particularly attractive for birdwatching and photography. Flamingo numbers also vary depending on water conditions and season.
If your main goal is to see a specific animal, remember that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed regardless of the season.
How to Get to Lake Manyara
By Road
From Arusha, the park can be reached by road in approximately 2–2.5 hours. The main gate is near Mto wa Mbu.
By Air
Manyara Airstrip receives scheduled and charter flights. Transfers can then be arranged to the park gate or accommodation.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is available inside the park and in nearby areas.
Options include:
- Lodges
- Tented camps
- Campsites
- Hotels and guesthouses
Mto wa Mbu and Karatu provide additional accommodation options, ranging from budget stays to higher-end lodges.
Lake Manyara Park Entry Fees
Park fees depend on the visitor's age, citizenship/residency status, vehicle and activities. Additional charges may apply for certain activities and special sites. TANAPA's official tariff should be checked before travelling because fees can change.
TANAPA's current Lake Manyara visitor information lists an international adult entry fee of US$70 and an international child fee of US$20, while its page lists TZS 20,000 for East African residents. Confirm the applicable category and current tariff before payment.
How Long Should You Stay?
For a quick visit, one full day can cover the main areas of the park.
For a northern Tanzania safari, Lake Manyara can be combined with:
Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro → Serengeti
The number of nights should depend on your overall itinerary rather than trying to spend too long in a relatively compact park.
What to Pack
Bring:
- Comfortable lightweight clothing
- Closed shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Extra batteries or power bank
- Drinking water
- Light jacket for cooler mornings
Neutral-coloured clothing is recommended for safari activities.
Safety Rules
Wild animals are unpredictable. Visitors should:
- Stay inside the safari vehicle unless at a designated area.
- Never approach or feed animals.
- Keep a safe distance from elephants and hippos.
- Never approach tree-climbing lions.
- Follow the instructions of your guide and park rangers.
- Stay on designated roads and boardwalks.
- Do not litter.
- Keep food secure around baboons and monkeys.
- Observe posted speed limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?
Yes. It is particularly suitable for travellers interested in elephants, birds, forests, lake scenery and the possibility of seeing tree-climbing lions.
How far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?
The park is approximately 125 km from Arusha and takes around 2–2.5 hours by road.
Can I visit Lake Manyara in one day?
Yes. A one-day game drive is possible, especially from Arusha or as part of a northern safari itinerary.
Are there flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Yes. Flamingos occur seasonally on the alkaline lake, together with many other waterbirds.
Are there tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara?
Yes. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are not guaranteed.
Can Lake Manyara be combined with Serengeti?
Yes. It is commonly included in northern Tanzania safari itineraries together with Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Is Lake Manyara open all year?
Yes. TANAPA states that the park is open year-round, although weather conditions can affect some routes and activities.