Lake Manyara National Park
What Is Lake Manyara National Park Known For?
Located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment near Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania's most scenic and ecologically wealthy parks.
Despite being quite small, it boasts an extraordinary array of habitats, including acacia woodlands, open grasslands, groundwater forests, and the alkaline Lake Manyara. During the wet season, the lake is home to a variety of avian species, including pelicans, storks, herons, and thousands of flamingos.
The park is also home to a variety of remarkable wildlife, such as iconic tree-climbing lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, and hippos. Additionally, it is home to large elephant herds. Lake Manyara is an excellent destination for short safari stops between major parks, birdwatching, and game excursions.
It is frequently incorporated into custom-designed Tanzania Safari Packages that combine wildlife viewing with cultural and scenic highlights throughout the northern safari circuit due to its accessibility and diverse biodiversity.
Set in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara stuns with tree-climbing lions, vibrant flamingos, underground forests, hot springs, and canopy walks—a rare mix of scenery, wildlife, and adventure.
Adventures in Northern
Getting to The Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park can be accessed through two main entry points: the northern and southern gates. The northern gate is more frequently used, as it’s closer to most safari lodges and camps. This makes it a convenient starting point for game drives and day visits.
The southern gate is less commonly used but offers access to the quieter, more remote areas of the park. Depending on your safari route and accommodation, your entry point may vary.
When To Visit Lake Manyara National Park
You can visit Lake Manyara National Park throughout the year, as its wildlife and scenery remain impressive in every season. The park experiences two main seasons—the dry season and the wet season—each offering distinct advantages for travellers.
Both seasons offer rewarding experiences, depending on your interests and safari expectations.
The Dry Seasons in Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park experiences two dry periods each year. The short dry spell typically occurs during January and February. The longer and more pronounced dry season lasts from June to October. These months are ideal for game viewing, as animals gather around limited water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
During these dry spells, more and more visitors do approach the park for outstanding game-viewing opportunities.
Because limited water sources and vegetation are getting thin and short, spotting wildlife becomes easier.
As a result of limited water sources, visitors can spot maximum wildlife forms concentrated in certain places which means more glances of prey-predator play.
This makes the dry season a suitable time to explore the vast wilderness and richness of Lake Manyara National Park.
The Wet Seasons in Lake Manyara National Park
The wet season in Lake Manyara National Park is defined by the period from November to May. The park is transformed into a vibrant, verdant, green landscape with tall grasses and lush vegetation following the rains, making it an ideal location for photography.
Although the extensive vegetation can make it more difficult to observe animals, it is an ideal time for birdwatching.
The landscape is enhanced by the arrival of a large number of migratory bird species, which contribute colour and movement.
During this season, there are fewer visitors, which results in a more immersive and tranquil experience in the natural world.
The park's natural beauty is emphasised during the wet season, which provides a tranquil alternative to the busier drier months.
Location And Geography
Lake Manyara National Park is located between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is a protected area in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara regions.
Lake Manyara National Park is named after a shallow alkaline or soda lake which is fed by a series of rivers coming over the cliffs. The lake has no outlets. The varied terrain and vegetation are part of the appeal of Safari In Tanzania.
For starters, there’s a groundwater forest covered with evergreen mahoganies and figs.
Then, there are the open savannahs and acacia woodlands.
Around the lake itself, there are salt flats and marshlands.
Lake Manyara National Park is located between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is a protected area in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara regions.
Lake Manyara National Park is named after a shallow alkaline or soda lake which is fed by a series of rivers coming over the cliffs. The lake has no outlets. The varied terrain and vegetation are part of the appeal of Safari In Tanzania.
Things To Do In Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a unique destination that offers visitors a wide variety of activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some of the different Lake Manyara National Park Activities:
The wildlife species can be seen in their natural habitat occupied with their daily activities.
Lake Manyara is covered with mahogany trees and therefore an excellent place to spot giraffes, monkeys, and buffalos.
While on its vast stretch of savannah plains one can easily spot zebras, impalas, warthogs, elephant herds, cheetahs, and hippos among many others.
Spotting tree-climbing lions taking a rest on the tree branches is also a common phenomenon in the Lake Manyara National Park.
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
June–October (dry); November–May for birdlife and greener scenery
Key Wildlife
Elephant, buffalo, hippo, flamingo, baboon, lion (including ‘tree-climbing’ behaviour)
Activities
Activities
- Game drives — Half- or full-day circuits
- Canoeing — Seasonal; where operators offer lake activities
- Treetop Canopy Walk — Moving along the treetop walkway is another major activity to undertake during the Lake Manyara National Park safari. It is an incredible way of discovering the beauty of the park. Canopy walk ensures ultimate views and amazing bird-watching experiences. You will also come across playful monkeys jumping and entertaining throughout the route.
