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Lake Manyara National Park
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Lake Manyara National Park, Parcul Național Lacul Manyara, Parc National du Lac Manyara

Overview

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a captivating destination renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. Situated between the towering walls of the Rift Valley escarpment and the sparkling waters of Lake Manyara, the park offers a stunning tapestry of landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Lake Manyara National Park is easily accessible, just a short drive from the bustling town of Arusha. This makes it ideal for travellers seeking a day trip or a faster safari experience without venturing too far from urban comforts.

The park’s most iconic feature is Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake stretching along its western border. The lake’s glistening waters attract many bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Flamingos, pelicans, herons, and storks are among the numerous avian residents that call the lake home.

Surrounding the lake is a mosaic of habitats, including dense forests, grassy plains, and woodland areas. The groundwater forest, in particular, is a notable highlight, with its ancient mahogany and fig trees providing shade and shelter for various wildlife.

Exploring Lake Manyara National Park with experienced guides from Timon Safaris provides valuable insights into the behaviours and habitats of the wildlife. Their expertise enhances the safari experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate balance of nature within the park.

Lake Manyara National Park, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers a captivating safari experience for nature enthusiasts. From birdwatching along the shores of the lake to encountering unique tree-climbing lions, the park’s natural wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Wildlife

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife population, which thrives within its varied habitats. While the park is not known for sizeable significant game populations, it offers a unique and intimate safari experience.

The park has many mammals, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. Visitors may also spot impalas, waterbucks, and bushbucks as they graze in the open grasslands. Monkeys like baboons and vervet monkeys can be seen swinging through the treetops, adding a playful element to the park's wildlife encounters.

Lake Manyara National Park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions. These skilled predators have developed the remarkable habit of lounging in the branches of acacia trees, providing a fascinating spectacle for visitors. Spotting these majestic felines resting on sturdy branches is a truly unforgettable experience.

The park's diverse habitats support an impressive bird population. Apart from the flamingos that grace the lake, Lake Manyara is home to over 400 bird species. From colourful bee-eaters and kingfishers to majestic eagles and vultures, the park offers endless opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to spot and identify various avian species.

Common Animals

Probability of seeing various animals

Black Backed Jackal

Black Backed Jackal

50%
Jackal

Golden Jackal

30%
Leopard

Leopard

50%
Caracal

Caracal

20%
Banded Mongoose

Banded Mongoose

100%
Dwarf Mongoose

Dwarf Mongoose

95%
Slender Mongoose

Slender Mongoose

90%
Serval

Serval

20%
Buffalo

Buffalo

95%
Hyena

Hyena

40%
Lion

Lion

50%
Zebra

Zebra

70%
Waterbuck

Waterbuck

90%
Dik-Dik

Dik-Dik

100%
Elephant

Elephant

95%
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

90%
Bushbuck

Bushbuck

60%
Hipo

Hippo

80%
Warthog

Warthog

100%
Grant Gazelle

Grant Gazelle

70%
Thomson Gazelle

Thomson Gazelle

69%
Hartebeest

Hartebeest

100%
Topi

Topi

100%
Giraffe

Giraffe

100%
Impala

Impala

100%
Baboon

Baboon

100%
Blue Monkey

Blue Monkey

100%
Velvet Monkey

Vervet Monkey

100%
Eland

Common Eland

60%

Common Birds

Probability of seeing various birds

Marabou Stork

Marabou Stork

100%
Yellow Billed Stork

Yellow-billed Stork

100%
White Stork

White Stork

50%
Black Stork

Black Stork

100%
Saddle Billed Stork

Saddle-billed Stork

100%
Egyptian Goose

Egyptian Goose

100%
Ostrich

Ostrich

100%
White Backed Vulture

White Backed Vulture

95%
Lappet Faced Vulture

Lappet Faced Vulture

95%
Ruppels Vulture

Ruppels Vulture

100%
Black Masked Weaver

Black Masked Weaver

100%
Rufous Tailed Weaver

Rufous-tailed Weaver

100%
Black Kite

Black Kite

80%
Augur Buzzard

Augur Buzzard

100%
Towny Eagle

Towny Eagle

75%
Secretary Bird

Secretary Bird

70%
Gray Crown Crane

Gray Crown Crane

95%
Martial Eagle

Martial Eagle

80%

Location on map

Reviews

Lake Manyara National Park

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Area / Size
330 km² / 127 mi²
Altitude
954-2,055 m / 3,130-6,742 ft
Best time to go
June to September
High season
Most of the year – July to March
Low season
April and May
Best weather
June to October
Worst weather
March and April
Travel Time
  • Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park: 2,5 hours’ drive
  • Lake Manyara National Park to Tarangire National Park: 1 hour
  • Lake Manyara National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 1 hour
  • Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti: 3,5 hours

Optional Activities

that can be done in

Lake Manyara National Park

Walking Safari, Safari à Pied

Walking Safari

Treetop Walkway, Passerelle dans les arbres

Treetop Walkway

Maasai Village Visit

Masai Village Visit

Accommodations used by

our tourists in

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
5/5
 Lodge
 Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
4/5
 Lodge
 Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp
3/5
 Tented Camp
 Lake Manyara National Park
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
2/5
 Lodge
 Lake Manyara National Park

Mrimba Palm Hotel

Mrimba Palm Hotel boasts a beautiful setting, offering a refreshingly serene environment from the hustle and bustle of the busy Arusha City Center. Boasting a calming silence that offers total relaxation from the busy day after a long trip to Arusha or just a peaceful time to reflect on all the marvelous experiences of the day. Our restaurant encompasses a classic catchy decor, a masterclass display of beauty with pine roofing on the inside, and beautiful tabletops and chairs from the rare and affluent Mahogany hardwood. The Mrimba Palm Restaurant offers you an amazing experience during meals; dinner, lunch, snacking, and lunch with a wide range of drinks on order.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Planet Lodge Arusha

Featuring an outdoor pool and restaurant, Planet Lodge is located in Arusha. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in public areas. The African-style chalets have a private bathroom, air conditioning, and mosquito net. Extras include a telephone, towels, and linen. The Planet Lodge restaurant serves international and local cuisine. The bar offers a selection of drinks. Guests can relax by the poolside and in the lush garden while enjoying Mount Meru’s views. The lodge is a 1-hour drive from the Arusha National Park and within 48 km from the Kilimanjaro Airport. Free private parking is available on-site.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Karama Lodge

With pool views, Karama Lodge is situated in Arusha and has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a bar, a garden, and a year-round outdoor pool. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the lodge free of charge. There is a private bathroom with a shower in all units, along with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests at Karama Lodge can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Old German Boma is 5 km from the accommodation, while Njiro Complex is 6 km from the property. The lodge is a 1-hour drive from the Arusha National Park and within 48 km from the Kilimanjaro Airport. Free private parking is available on-site.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Gran Melia Arusha

Located in Arusha, 2.6 km from Old German Boma, Gran Melia Arusha provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can make use of a bar. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony, and a private bathroom with a shower. Every room is equipped with a coffee machine, while selected rooms have a kitchen with a fridge. All units in Gran Melia Arusha are equipped with bathrobes and an iPod docking station. A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. Gran Melia Arusha offers 5-star accommodation with a sauna and terrace. Arusha Central Market is 3.1 km from the hotel, while the Uhuru monument is 3.1 km away.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge, located on the outskirts of Karatu town about midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, is close to the village of Rhotia. Convenient to the main road, this elegant lodge has stunning views over the valley to the hills beyond. We look forward to your visit when we can offer you true Tanzanian hospitality and a warm welcome. Our large main building has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of the pool and the beautiful nearby hills. Enjoy a drink or an alfresco lunch on the spacious verandah overlooking the pool. Relax in the bar and lounge area with a cozy fire in the cooler months and take your meals in the large dining room. You’ll find the welcoming reception area and gift shop here as well. The Rosemary Spa is located in a quiet corner of the garden and offers massage and other treatments for your relaxation. The cottages are set in lush tropical gardens and a walking path circumnavigates the extensive organic vegetable garden.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com