3 daysArusha
3 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Group Camping Safari
5.0(113)Free cancellation
from$770
Photo: Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsLake Manyara National Park
The northern safari circuit
Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, about two hours from Arusha. Much of it is a shallow soda lake; the rest is a narrow strip of groundwater forest, woodland and grassland, packed into a small, scenic park.
What to see
- Baboons and blue monkeys: Large troops in the forest near the gate.
- Hippo pool: Hippos and birds where streams enter the lake.
- Flamingos and pelicans: On the lake when water levels suit them.
- Tree climbing lions: The park is famous for them, but they're seen only sometimes.
- Treetop walkway: A suspended walk through the forest canopy.
Practical information
| Fee | About US$59 per adult per 24 hours |
| Gate | At Mto wa Mbu, on the main road to Ngorongoro |
| Best months | All year; birds best from November to April |
| Combine with | Tarangire the day before, the Ngorongoro Crater the day after |
Tip: Stop in Mto wa Mbu for a village walk, banana beer and lunch: it's one of the most diverse villages in Tanzania.
Honest downsides
Manyara is small and can feel busy at midday, and it has fewer big animals than Tarangire or the crater. If you have to drop one park from a short safari, it's usually this one.
When to go
Manyara is good all year. In the dry season, from June to October, animals are easier to see along the lakeshore and in the forest clearings. In the wet season, from November to April, the park is lush, migratory birds arrive, and flamingos and pelicans are more likely on the lake if water levels suit them.
Getting there and how long to stay
- From Arusha: About 2 hours on a good tarmac road to Mto wa Mbu, where the gate is.
- Half a day: Enough for the forest, the hippo pool and a lakeshore drive.
- Next stop: The Ngorongoro Crater is about an hour up the escarpment.
Who it suits
Families with young children, birdwatchers and travellers with a short safari who want somewhere easy on the way to the crater. Compare it with Tarangire in our Tarangire and Lake Manyara guide.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Lake Manyara National Park
Every tour here includes Lake Manyara National Park in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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Lake Manyara National Park: questions
How much is the Lake Manyara entry fee?
About US$59 per non resident adult per 24 hours, including VAT, the same as Tarangire.
How long do you need in Lake Manyara?
Half a day is enough for most visitors.
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?
It's a good half day for forest, primates and birds on the way to Ngorongoro, but less essential than Tarangire or the crater.
Are there tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara?
Yes, but they're not seen every day, and lions climb trees in Tarangire and the Serengeti too.