Lake Manyara National Park
Groundwater forest, a soda lake and the wall of the Rift Valley, on the road between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
- Rift Valley escarpment
- Groundwater forest
- Elephants
- Birdlife
- Baboons
- Tree-climbing lions
Our view
Lake Manyara is small, and it is often visited in a few hours on the way from Tarangire to Ngorongoro. That suits it: it works well as a short, varied stop rather than a long stay.
You enter through a groundwater forest that feels almost tropical, with big troops of baboons, blue monkeys and elephants moving through the trees. Beyond it the land opens up between the lake and the steep wall of the Rift Valley, with buffalo, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest on the grassland and birds along the shore.
Manyara's lions are famous for climbing trees, but don't count on seeing them up there; they are elusive. The birdlife is the more reliable highlight, especially in the wetter months.
For most trips I suggest a half or full day here, rather than a night inside the park, and staying on the escarpment above or nearby in the Karatu highlands.
Areas within the park
The groundwater forest
Tall, green forest fed by springs at the foot of the escarpment, with baboons, monkeys and elephants.
The lake shore and grassland
Open country between the forest and the soda lake, with plains game and waterbirds.
The escarpment
The Rift Valley wall that rises above the park, with lodges on the rim and views over the lake.
When to go
Where to stay
Manyara, Tanzania
Manyara Green Camp
$591 – $788
Safaris that go here
9 Nights Chem Chem, Ngorongoro and Northern Serengeti
Arusha › Burunge WMA › Lake Manyara › Tarangire › Ngorongoro › Northern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
A private-guided safari through three of northern Tanzania's most distinct landscapes, travelling by road through the north and flying to the far northern Serengeti
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti Migration and Zanzibar
Arusha › Tarangire › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Serengeti › Grumeti › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
An 11 night / 12 day high end classic safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti’s migration and Zanzibar’s Northeast coast. An excellent combination of quality and high end safari camps…
Best of Asilia Northern Tanzania
Tarangire › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Serengeti › Arusha
2027 rates on request
Best of Asilia Northern Tanzania An 9 night / 10 day high end classic safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the beautiful Serengeti central near Moru Kopjes and to Northern…
11 day Tanzania walking and active safari – high end option
Arusha › Arusha National Park › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Southern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
Walking and active safari in 4 wilderness areas Starting and ending at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Northern Tanzania, this 11 day / 10 night safari is focused on walking enthusiasts.…
11 day Tanzania walking safari combo
Arusha › Arusha National Park › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Southern Serengeti
2027 rates on request
A walking safari in 4 wilderness areas Starting and ending at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Northern Tanzania, this 11 day / 10 night safari is focused on walking enthusiasts. Accompanied…
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Questions
How long do I need in Lake Manyara?
A half or full day is enough for most people, usually on the way between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Will I see tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara?
Possibly, but they are not easy to find. Manyara's lions are known for resting in trees, and sightings are a bonus rather than something to plan around.
Are there flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Sometimes. Flamingo numbers depend on the water level and change a lot from year to year.
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?
Yes, as part of a northern circuit. Its forest and Rift Valley setting are very different from the open plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Plan a safari to Lake Manyara
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.