National Park · Northern Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park
A small, scenic park along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, historically known for tree-climbing lions.
How to get there
By road from Arusha, roughly two hours, often paired with Tarangire and Ngorongoro on the same loop.
What to find
Flamingo-lined lake shallows, dense forest close to the entrance gate, and Rift Valley escarpment views.
Overview
Lake Manyara National Park lies between the Rift Valley escarpment and a shallow soda lake, about two hours from Arusha. It's part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Although it's small, the park is very varied, with groundwater forest near the gate, acacia woodland, open grassland and lakeshore. It's known for large troops of baboons, elephants, hippos, flamingos when conditions suit, and lions that sometimes rest in trees.
Highlights
- Groundwater forest full of baboons and blue monkeys
- Rift Valley escarpment views
- Flamingos and many other water birds
- Tree-climbing lions (occasional)
Things to do
Game drives
Half-day or full-day drives.
Canoeing
When lake levels allow.
Cultural tours
In the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu.
Best time to visit
All year. The dry season (June to October) is best for large mammals, and the wet season for birds.
Getting there
About 2 hours by road from Arusha, on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Where to stay
Lodges on the escarpment with views over the lake, and camps in Mto wa Mbu.
Lake Manyara
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Tanzania →
Good to know
- A good half-day stop on the way to Ngorongoro.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.