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LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

HIGHLIGHTS

tree climbing lions lake manyara

Home to large populations of tree-climbing lions

flowers lake manyara

Over 600 flowering plants and fern species documented

flamingos

Known for its flocks of thousands of flamingos

BEST TIME TO GO

Lake Manyara National Park is good for watching wildlife all year round. However, like most parks in Tanzania, Lake Manyara climate is at its best during the dry months, which extend from June to October. The weather during these months is considered the most favorable for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities. You can expect a mild temperature during the daytime ranging from 25-28 degrees Celsius, and temperature during the nighttime can fall up to 12-15 degrees Celsius.

BEST WEATHER

If you want to view large mammals in Lake Manyara Tanzania, the ideal time to visit is the dry season (June to October and January to February). On the other hand, if you are more excited about birdwatching, the wet season (November to December and March to May) is the ideal time. Since the park is easily accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit depends on your safari and outdoor activities preferences.

WORST WEATHER

The wet season in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania starts in November and ends in May. Although this time is not considered ideal for safari and wildlife viewing, the rain brings life back to the park’s terrain, thrives the dried vegetation and unveils a beautiful green scenery. Moreover, the wet season is also considered the ideal time to see many Lake Manyara migratory birds.

BEST TIME

June to October is the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park, as there is a lot of sunlight, little to no rain and fewer mosquitoes. That means there are more chances to enjoy in the wild all day without worrying about rainfall ruining your fun.

HIGH SEASON

The dry season (June to October) is referred to as the peak tourist season in Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania. That is because guaranteed wildlife spotting during this time attracts many tourists, and they flood the park to spot animals gathering around water sources. Due to a shortage of accommodation for so many tourists, safari tours during the high season are generally costly.

LOW SEASON

Since the wet season is not a preferred time for most safari and outdoor activities, it is considered a low season to visit Lake Manyara National Park. This time is best for those who want to enjoy great discounts on Tanzania safari and accommodation and seek exclusivity.

ABOUT LAKE MANYARA

Located in the Moduli District of the Arusha Region at the base of the Great Rift Valley in Northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park forms part of the renowned northern safari circuit, which also includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Although many other popular parks in the Northern circuit overshadow Lake Manyara National Park, the park is the best to enjoy a first-time vibrant safari experience in Tanzania.

Established in 1960 to protect diverse ecosystems and the population of mesmerizing flamingos, the park covers an area of approximately 329 sq km. Lake Manyara’s distinctive features set the park apart from other safari destinations. The rare tree-climbing lions of the park and over 400 bird species primarily add to the park’s fame and allure.

In addition, it offers a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes and hippos, in a relatively small area. The best thing about Lake Manyara National Park is it’s easily accessible location. The park’s proximity to other renowned national parks makes it a perfect destination to explore during your trip to Tanzania.

Ngorongoro is the home for Maasai pastoralists who live in harmony with a wide variety of animals, including wildebeest, zebra, black rhinos, old elephants, large herds of buffalo, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, and more. Overall, the Big 5, diverse range of wildlife and spectacular scenery make Ngorongoro one of the most fascinating natural wonders and a must-visit destination.

LAKE MANYARA TRIPS

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania which is famous for spectacular flocks of more than 2 million flamingos, tree-climbing lions and Masai giraffes. Visiting Lake Manyara National Park is the perfect way to start your Tanzania safari journey. To give you an idea of what the tour might look like, here are the best Lake Manyara tours by Realty Tours & Safaris.
Tour 1 1

6 Days / 5 Nights Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Ngorongoro / Tarangire

  • Selous Game Reserve
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Tarangire National Park
View Tour
Tour 5

3 Days / 2 Nights Tarangire / Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater

  • Tarangire National Park
  • Lake Manyara National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
View Tour
Tour 3

4 Days / 3 Nights Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Olduvai / Ngorongoro

  • Selous Game Reserve
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Olduvai Gorge
  • Ngorongoro Crater
View Tour
BACK TO TANZANIA

Contact Us

    testimonial-RT

    Noemi Casado, Spain

    From the moment we booked our safari with Reality Tours, the service was impeccable. The staff were incredibly responsive, answering all our questions and ensuring we were prepared for our adventure in Tanzania. Our guide was not only knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems but also had an infectious enthusiasm that made each day more exciting than the last. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. This trip was a perfect vacation for us.

    Suzanne Richard, England

    I can’t thank Reality Tours enough for the incredible adventure in Tanzania, everything was perfectly organized. It was our first safari, but it definitely won’t be our last! The attention to detail, the friendly guides, and the breathtaking views made for an unforgettable journey.

    Nathan Burke, USA

    Reality Tours delivered an exceptional safari experience! Our family had an amazing time on our safari with Reality Tours. The kids loved learning about the animals, and the staff went out of their way to accommodate our needs. A truly special family vacation we’ll always cherish.

    Jennifer Riley, USA

    Our family had an incredible time with Reality Tours Tanzania! It was our first time in Africa, and we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the continent’s beauty. Our guide was patient with our kids, answering their endless questions about the animals and landscapes we encountered. The visit to Tarangire National Park was a highlight for us, with its diverse wildlife and stunning baobab trees. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

    John Mathew, USA

    I had an amazing experience with Reality Tours Tanzania! Our safari guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems, making the whole trip educational as well as exciting. Seeing the Serengeti at sunrise was truly breathtaking, and I’ll never forget the moment we spotted a pride of lions resting in the shade. I highly recommend this tour company for an unforgettable adventure!

    FAQ's

    There are flights to Manyara National Park from Arusha and Serengeti National Park. The best way to get to Lake Manyara National Park is by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Arusha; this airport is located about 46 kilometers away. Apart from the airway, the easiest way to reach Manyara National Park is by car, as it only takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach from Arusha city. The distance is nearly 126 kilometers, which easily gets covered by the car.
     
    Visitors can visit Lake Manyara National Park throughout the whole year. It actually depends on the activities that you are going to do. But the most ideal time to visit Manyara National Park is during the dry season, which is June to October. This season offers great weather for experiencing wildlife and outdoor activities. However, if you are the one who is excited about bird watching, then the ideal time to visit ranges from November to December and from March to May.
     
    You need to spend at least 3 days in Manyara National Park. There is a lot to explore at the national park, such as cultural activities. Your 3-day trip starts with the transfer from Arusha City to Lake Manyara. After spending the full day engaging in activities and game drives, on the next day, you can spend your morning doing game drives and end your day by travelling to Arusha later.
     
    Most of the costs are covered in your safari packages, which include meals, transportation costs, park fees, and accommodation. You should bring some of the cash if you want to explore the local art markets, shop for alcohol, woodwork, or paintings, or if you want to bring some gifts back to your hometown. You should bring some cash for tipping the guide or drivers.
     
    Lake Manyara National Park is located d between Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley. The national park covers an area of 125 square miles, which is around 325 sq km. Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area in Tanzania’s Arusha City and Manyara Regions. It contains five distinct vegetation zones.
     
    Manyara National Park contains many wild animals, which include lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and giraffes. Lake Manyara is home to more than 400 different bird species. There are also flamingoes and pelicans at Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara is mainly famous for its tree-climbing lions. This phenomenon has shocked many scientists because seeing tree-climbing lions on a game drive is an unforgettable experience. Lake Manyara is also famous for its pink flamingoes, which fill the alkaline lake.
     

    The Lake Manyara National Park offers a majority of activities. The main activity is the game drive, in which you will be driven to different regions of the park and explore the different habitats, including hot springs, lakes, shores, and pools, and get a chance to admire the wildlife that is present there. You can go bird watching; there are more than 400 species of birds to witness.

     

    We recommend you go bird-watching in the early morning, as you can spot the birds easily. Another activity is canoeing, where you get the opportunity to witness a variety of birds, animals, and eye-catching scenery. You can also take a guided nature walk to explore the park.

    The entry fee for Lake Manyara National Park is $59 for non-resident adults and $18 for non-resident children. This fee is valid for 24 hours but only permits one entry at a time, which means if you leave the park, you have to pay the fee again to re-enter. If you are planning to stay overnight, then you need to pay an additional $47.20 for non-resident adults and $12 for non-resident children per night.
     
    In Lake Manyara National Park It is usually cold throughout the year. It is important to remember that mosquitoes and tsetse flies are a main concern in Tanzania, and you can be best protected against these insects by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes. You should bring warm clothes with you, as it mostly gets cold.
     
    There is network coverage in Lake Manyara National Park. However, in some cases, there is little coverage or no coverage at all. There are some hotels and lodges that provide complimentary Wifi for the visitors. And almost all the campsites and lodges provide you with phone and internet service.
     
    Lake Manyara National Park is an excellent safari destination. It is well known for its tree-climbing lions, Soda Ash Lake, and flamingoes. The park offers a great wilderness experience in diverse habitats, making it an ideal spot in Tanzania for wildlife viewing. The shores of the lake, which are covered with pink flamingos, attract more than 400 different species of birds. It is considered a paradise for bird birds Lovers. We can witness the eye-catching scenery while exploring Lake Manyara National Park.
     
    The weather in Lake Manyara National Park is usually mild, with the average temperature being consistent throughout the year. Lake Manyara National Park is rarely hot enough to feel uncomfortable. It is especially cold in the early morning and evening.
     
    The small size of Lake Manyara National Park and the range of animals and family-friendly activities make it a great place to take families. Kids can take guided nature hikes to observe baboons trooping, and pink flamingos, and learn more about the environment. Families travelling through Tanzania will also find the park to be a convenient stop because of its close proximity to Arusha and other sites on the Northern Circuit.
     
    Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area, and activities are mainly regulated to control the human impact on nature. It is important to remember that off-road driving is strictly prohibited to protect wildlife. Visitors should follow the designated paths. Also, littering is strictly prohibited.
     
    Lake Manyara National Park does get a little bit Crowded during the peak season of June to October. Some ways to avoid the crowds are you enter the park in the early hours before vehicles from Arusha reach the park, or you can spend time in the southern part of the park, which doesn’t receive as many visitors as it does in the northern part.
     
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