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Lake Manyara National Park

Where the Forest Meets the Rift Valley

Discover Lake Manyara National Park on a Tanzania self-drive safari. Explore lush groundwater forests, wildlife-rich plains, flamingo-filled lake shores and one of Tanzania's most famous tree-climbing lion habitats.

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Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania
Lake Manyara A compact park with remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
Discover Manyara

A Small Park With Remarkable Variety

Lake Manyara National Park sits beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment and offers an impressive mixture of habitats within a relatively compact area.

The park is known for its groundwater forest, elephants, baboons, blue monkeys, birds and the famous tree-climbing lions. The alkaline lake adds another dramatic element to the landscape.

  • Famous tree-climbing lions
  • Large elephant populations
  • Flamingos and abundant birdlife
  • Groundwater forest
  • Great Rift Valley scenery
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Why Visit Lake Manyara?

Four Reasons to Add Manyara to Your Safari

Lake Manyara works especially well as part of a northern Tanzania safari connecting Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Tree-Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara is famous for lions that can often be found resting in trees.

Elephant Country

The park's varied habitats provide excellent opportunities for elephant sightings.

Birdlife

The lake and surrounding habitats support an impressive variety of birds.

Rift Valley

Dramatic escarpment scenery creates a spectacular backdrop for the safari.

Groundwater Forest

Tall trees and dense vegetation create a completely different environment from the open Serengeti plains.

Photography

Forest, lake, wildlife and escarpment scenery create excellent photographic variety.

Wildlife

What Can You See?

Lake Manyara offers a mixture of forest, woodland, grassland and wetland habitats, creating opportunities for diverse wildlife and bird sightings.

Tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara

Tree-Climbing Lions

Elephants at Lake Manyara Tanzania

Elephants

Flamingos at Lake Manyara Tanzania

Flamingos & Birds

Baboons in Lake Manyara National Park

Baboons & Monkeys

Things To Do

Lake Manyara Safari Activities

A visit to Manyara can be more than a simple game drive. Depending on your itinerary and applicable park regulations, several experiences can be included.

Game Drive

Explore the park's forest, grassland and lake areas by safari vehicle.

Bird Watching

Manyara's wetland and forest habitats make it an excellent birding destination.

Canopy Walk

Walk above the forest and experience the park from a different perspective.

Photography

Capture wildlife, lake scenery, forest and Rift Valley landscapes.

Lake Manyara canopy walk Tanzania
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Lake Manyara Self-Drive

Explore Manyara With Your Own 4x4

Lake Manyara is a natural fit for travelers building their own northern Tanzania road trip. With a suitable safari-ready 4x4, you can include Manyara alongside Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

We can help you choose a suitable vehicle, understand the route and prepare your camping setup before leaving Arusha.

Popular Northern Circuit Route

Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Arusha

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Before You Visit

Lake Manyara Practical Information

A little preparation makes your self-drive safari much easier and more enjoyable.

Location

Lake Manyara lies along Tanzania's northern safari circuit, close to Mto wa Mbu and beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Getting There

The park is approximately 125 km by road from Arusha, making it practical to include in a northern circuit itinerary.

Best Time

The park can be visited throughout the year. Dry months generally make wildlife easier to spot, while green seasons offer lush scenery and excellent birding.

Opening

TANAPA currently states that Lake Manyara is open year-round and that gates close at 6 PM.

What to Bring

Carry binoculars, sun protection, water, comfortable clothing, insect repellent and your camera.

Wildlife Safety

Remain inside your vehicle except at designated areas and always follow ranger instructions.

Northern Tanzania

Build Lake Manyara Into Your Safari

Manyara is particularly convenient when combined with other northern Tanzania destinations.

01

Arusha

Start your journey

02

Tarangire

Elephants & baobabs

03

Lake Manyara

Forest & wildlife

04

Ngorongoro

Crater safari

05

Serengeti

Endless plains

FAQ

Lake Manyara Questions

Common questions from travelers planning a Lake Manyara safari.

What is Lake Manyara famous for?

Lake Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions, elephants, flamingos, groundwater forest, baboons, blue monkeys and its spectacular Great Rift Valley scenery.

How much is Lake Manyara National Park entry?

TANAPA currently lists US$70 for international adults and US$20 for international children on its Lake Manyara visitor page. Applicable fees can vary according to visitor category, age, vehicle and activities.

Can I visit Lake Manyara by self-drive?

Yes. Lake Manyara can be included in a Tanzania self-drive safari using a suitable safari-ready 4x4 vehicle.

Can I see tree-climbing lions?

Lake Manyara is well known for its tree-climbing lions. However, wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.

How far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?

Lake Manyara is approximately 125 km from Arusha by road, making it one of the more accessible parks on Tanzania's northern safari circuit.

What activities are available at Manyara?

Activities include daytime game drives, bird watching, photography and the canopy tree walk. Some activities have additional charges.

Your Tanzania Adventure

Ready to Explore Lake Manyara?

Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred vehicle and intended route. We can help you plan Lake Manyara as part of your Tanzania self-drive safari.

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