If you ask at least 10 people what their best safari destinations in Tanzania are, few (or even none) will mention the phenomenal Lake Manyara National Park.  Hopefully, with our comprehensive guide, you will be among those who choose this stunning protected Area. How does it feel to see the tree-climbing lions, a unique kind that is only found in two places (Lake Manyara National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park- Ishasha sector)? How about spotting thousands of flamingos in comfort and with spectacular scenery without breaking the bank? Join Alba Wonders Africa as we guide you through visiting Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania.

Lake Manyara National Park overview (History, location, and size)

Situated roughly 78 miles southwest of Arusha, the nearly 33000-hectare Lake Manyara National Park offers one of the most unforgettable access to wildlife in Tanzania. Nestled in the Rift Valley area (between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley), this Protected Area is part of the Northern safari circuit in Tanzania.

Named after Lake Manyara, the huge Soda Lake found in the area, the name “Manyara (from Emanyara)” is a Masai word for the “Euphorbia tirucalli” tree species.

Lake Manyara was added to the list of Tanzania’s National Parks in 1960, hence making it the country’s second-oldest wildlife park.

What to see in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara Park

This Soda Lake, formed from volcanic action extends 50 km along the 600-meter-high rift valley escarpments, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this National Park. This Biosphere Reserve, since 1981 covers the largest of the Protected Area and is the main water source for the park’s diverse wildlife species.

Wildlife

Lake Manyara National Park is home to four of the Big Five game- lions (including the tree-climbing lions), elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. Other wildlife species you can tick off your bucket list for Lake Manyara National Park are zebras, Masai giraffes, Sykes’ monkeys, impalas, Black-backed jackals, Bohor reedbucks, Side-striped jackals, Kudus, dik-diks, common warthogs, wildebeest, waterbucks, elephants, and primates such as vervet monkeys, Common waterbucks, Bush babies, Black-faced vervet monkeys, blue monkey, olive baboons, Greater Galago, spotted hyenas, Dwarf, Black-tipped and Banded Mongoose, Tree and Rock hyraxes, Hippos, Coke’s hartebeests, bush duikers, and several bat species

Birdlife

Over 400 bird species live in Lake Manyara National Park, occupying various natural habitats. These include migratory and resident species such as Baglafetch, grey herons, Emerald cuckoos, crested guinea fowl, crowned lapwing, spur-winged goose, African hawk eagle, Pink flamingos, little bee-eaters, silvery-cheeked hornbill, yellow-billed storks, African grey hornbill, Verreaux’s eagles, Schawlow’s Turacos, African jacanas, Masai Ostrich, Ashy starling, Black herons, Goliath herons, saddle-billed storks, long-tailed fiscals, white pelicans, Hottentot teal, cormorants, Narina trogon, Cattle egrets, Pink-backed pelicans, sacred ibis, and palm-nut vultures, Fisher’s sparrow lark, Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, open-billed stork, Hamerkop, Hadada Ibis, Marabou stork, and African Pochard, among others.

Mto wa Mbu village

Aside from wildlife, birds, and natural beauty, there’s a great opportunity to get immersed in the unique traditions and cultures of the people. Adventures here include tours of the Rift Valley escarpments and Maji Moto hot springs, among others.

Safari experiences offered in/around Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park primarily caters to wildlife, nature, bird, and photography enthusiasts. At natural wonders such as Maji Moto hot springs, visitors can enjoy breathtaking photography experiences. Meanwhile, walking safaris, game drives, and boat rides make it possible to see lots of wildlife species.

Game drives

An easy and most rewarding way to search for Lake Manyara National Park’s wildlife is to sign up for a game drive. Departing from any of the Safari Lodges/Tented Camps throughout the day or night, these adventures provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance of seeing lots of animals from the comfort of an open-roof 4X4 Safari vehicle while enjoying commentary from an expert guide. Some of the commonly sighted species include Lions, African elephants, Hippos, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, Baboons, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and lots of bird species.

Bird watching

Through game drives, boat rides, and nature walks, visitors have a great chance of seeing between 50 and 100 of the 400 bird species found here. These include African grey hornbill, Verreaux’s eagles, Schawlow’s Turacos, African jacanas, Masai Ostrich, Ashy starling, Black herons, Goliath herons, saddle-billed storks, long-tailed fiscals, white pelicans, Hottentot teal, cormorants, Narina trogon, Cattle egrets, Pink-backed pelicans, sacred ibis, and palm-nut vultures, and many others.

For unforgettable birding experiences, you will need a bird guidebook, a pair of binoculars, and a camera.

Boat ride

Lake Manyara Boat rides, lasting 1-2 hours, offer some of the best sunrise and sunset views of the Soda Lake, wildlife, and birdlife in the Protected Area. You will be introduced to sights of hippos, crocodiles, and lots of water birds.

Walking safaris

Lake Manyara walking safaris provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the finer details of life in the Protected Area, both small and big. During these 3-4-hour adventures, every sound is amplified, every movement magnified, and the sheer size of large mammals such as elephants and buffaloes is put into perspective when on foot.

Aside from the popular bush walks, other popular walks in Lake Manyara National Park include the hot spring tour to the “Maji Moto hot spring”, the treetop walk, and many others.

The best time to visit

While Lake Manyara National Park is open all year round, the best time to visit and achieve maximum experiences is at the beginning or end of the Park’s dry season, which falls between June and September. During this time, temperatures are mostly warmer.

Also, vegetation is drier and sparser due to the lack/reduced levels of rainfall, hence providing visitors better chances of sighting animals. However, these high temperatures and reduced rainfall levels can result in increased animal deaths. Also, the dry season coincides with the peak season, which means availability for accommodation is challenging, and prices are higher.

For the wet season, typically from March to May and October to November, abundant rainstorms and vegetation can make it challenging to see animals. Also, muddy tracks and Park roads make it difficult to access the National Park. However, this season also comes with several benefits that include less crowded game tracks and low-season rates at some Lodges.

Lake Manyara Accommodation Options

Some of the most popular accommodation options for Lake Manyara National Park include andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Acacia Farm Lodge, Lake Manyara Sopa Lodge, Migunga Tented Lodge, Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp, Marera Valley Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara Lodge, Kirurumu Tented Lodge, Oliver’s Camp, Twiga Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, and many others.

How to get there

There are two ways to get to Lake Manyara National Park: by road and air.

By Air/or fly and drive

There is an airstrip in the main Lake Manyara National Park, and you can also use the nearby ones at Serengeti or Ngorongoro and then connect to the park by road with a few scheduled or charter flights.

By Road

Lake Manyara National Park is only 78 miles from Arusha City, and you can access the Park via two Gates- the southern and Northern gates.

You can choose a full self-drive tour by landing in Arusha Airport, then pick up your rental car the next day. Driving to Lake Manyara National Park takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on where you are based.