Lake Manyara National Park

Location

Lake Manyara National Park is located in the Rift Valley area of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. It lies 78 miles south-west of Arusha, 34 miles from the Ngorongoro Crater, and around 130 miles from the famous Serengeti National Park.

Size

Lake Manyara National Park covers around 125 square miles, of which Lake Manyara itself makes up 89 square miles.

History

Formerly a sport hunting destination, Lake Manyara was visited as far back as the 1920s. The area was designated as the Lake Manyara Game Reserve in 1957 and later gained national park status around 1960.

Entrance Fees & Permits

Entrance to Lake Manyara National Park is USD 52 per adult and USD 17.70 per child under 12 years of age for a 24-hour period. Proof of identity is required at the entry gate.

Hours of Operation

The entry gates of Lake Manyara National Park are open daily from 6am to 6pm.

How to Get There

By Road

Lake Manyara National Park can be accessed via the southern or northern gate. The park is approximately 78 miles from Arusha—about a 90-minute drive on recently tarred roads.

By Air

Visitors arriving in Arusha or Kilimanjaro typically transfer by road to the park, though chartered flights to Lake Manyara Airstrip are available. From the airstrip, it’s about 10 miles or a 30-minute drive to the park.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Lake Manyara National Park experiences mostly mild weather. The dry season falls between June and early October, offering great wildlife viewing due to low grass. The wet season, from December through May, is ideal for birdwatching, especially flamingo sightings, due to the lush conditions.

Avoiding Crowds

Travel during the green season from November to January for fewer crowds. This period follows the short rains and precedes the long rainy season from March to May.

Value for Money

Accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges to luxury camps. Many visitors include Lake Manyara as a one-night stop on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, given its convenient location between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater. Longer stays are also rewarding for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Wildlife and Landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings

Lake Manyara National Park offers rich wildlife encounters including zebras, giraffes, vervet monkeys, large herds of elephants, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The lake is a stunning pink during flamingo season, and hippos are commonly seen. Night drives may reveal porcupines, civets, and genets.

The Terrain

Two-thirds of the park’s area is taken up by the cool waters of Lake Manyara. The surrounding terrain includes grassy floodplains, woodlands, and the steep rocky escarpments of the Rift Valley wall.

Experiences

Game Drives

Game drives are typically conducted in enclosed 4×4 vehicles, though open-vehicle options are available at select lodges. Guests can witness lions in trees, playful zebras on the plains, and flocks of pink flamingos. Night drives offer glimpses of hippos and elusive nocturnal creatures like the genet and civet.

Guided Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris in small groups are offered along forest trails like the Msara Trail and Lyamba River Trail. The 370-meter treetop walkway, with suspended bridges winding through the forest canopy, provides unique views and a chance to spot birds and other wildlife from above.

Explore Lake Manyara National Park with Adventure In The Wild Safaris and enjoy one of Tanzania’s most diverse and scenic safari destinations.