Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a small and scenic park with some unique features. The flamingoes on Lake Manyara, the tree-climbing lions, and the large elephant herds are distinct attractions.

How to get to Lake Manyara 

Lake Manyara is only 126km away from Arusha city. Fly into the nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport close to Arusha. You will then take a brief road trip to Manyara.

If you are using public transport, catch a bus to Bahati and another to Lake Manyara. Bahat is the regional capital.

If your flight lands at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will catch another flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

If you are going to Manyara from another Park, go by road or catch a park-to-park charter flight direct to Lake Manyara Airport.

Lake Manyara National Park is close to Tarangire. You can combine the two.

When to Visit Lake Manyara National Park

The weather is dry between June to October. Game drives are better when it is dry. Roads are passable, vegetation sparse, and water sources few. Animals gather around the few water sources. January is dry too.

Carry a light jacket for the early mornings and evenings.

November to May is the rainy season. There are fewer visitors at this time. Bird watchers will love it because migratory birds will be in Lake Manyara National Park.

The roads are less passable because of mud. 

Accommodation in Lake Manyara National Park

• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
• Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge
• Escarpment Luxury Lodge
• Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
• Migunga Tented Lodge
• Escarpment Luxury Lodge
• Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
• Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp

What to wear to Lake Manyara

Wear comfortable and practical clothes. Casual is better. Neutral colors are preferable. Wear fabrics that absorb sweat. Always pack a warm jacket because it can be cold in the early mornings and evenings.

Wear quick-drying clothes to avoid inconveniences. Shoes should be comfortable for walking. As always, wear sunscreen, bug repellant, and a hat.

Lake Manyara National Park Attractions

• Manyara hosts the most famous lion pride in Tanzania. The lions of Manyara have unique black manes. They also climb trees. Watching them make their way around tree branches is Lake Manyara’s buffalo herds, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, baboons, hippos, elephants, and impalas draw visitors to the Park. 
• Lake Manyara is the highlight of the Park. Thousands of pink flamingo birds dot the shores. Water birds like pelicans, stilts, herons, storks, and stilts live there too. Other birds occupy the nearby forest.
• Large elephant herds roam the acacia woodlands near Msasa River.
• A groundwater forest near Lake Manyara is home to baboons, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
• Lake Manyara National Park has to more than 400 bird species.
• The only National Park in Tanzania that offers night drives is Lake Manyara.