Lake Manyara National Park

Where the Great Rift Valley Meets the Wild

A Spectacular Landscape of Forests, Flamingos, and Free-Roaming Wildlife

It is located along the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley in Northern Tanzania. At the same time, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world and Tanzania’s most biodiverse area. 

The park is located between the city of Arusha and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and accessible as part of the northern safari circuit.

Lake Manyara National Park covers about 330 square kilometres. Two-thirds of the park is covered by the shallow, alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, creating vegetation ranging from mangroves to open woodlands to grasslands to lakeside habitat; thus fostering a very rich biodiversity with diverse plants and animals.

The eastern shore of the Great Rift Valley is an ecological system rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna. The lake also contains large populations of flamingos and other wading birds, which provide an amazing pink shoreline for sight in peak seasons.

Lake Manyara is home to some of the world’s largest populations of tree-climbing lions, and large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippopotamuses. It is home to over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

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Embrace the Call of the Wild

Discover the incredible diversity of Lake Manyara National Park

Experience

This park passes through a wide variety of natural ecosystems.

  • View majestic birdwatching
  • Participate in Eco-tourism activities
  • Join a photography tour
  • Go on a guided nature walk
  • Explore a scenic Game Drive

Wildlife

Making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts to explore unique wildlife and natural habitats.

  • Tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants
  • Hippos and giraffes in a variety of habitats
  • Flamingos and waterbirds near Lake Manyara
  • Rich Forest and Savanna
  • 400+ species of birds

Activities

Enjoy fantastic outdoor adventures to connect with Earth's natural environment and wildlife.

  • Game Drives
  • Guided Nature Walks
  • Birdwatching
  • Nature walks
  • Enjoy scenic views
Your Next Adventure Begins Here

Discover the beauty of Tanzania with a Voyage to Lake Manyara National Park

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Critical Factor in your overall safari experience at Lake Manyara

A key factor in your overall safari experience at Lake Manyara is choosing the right time to visit. The dry season from June through October is generally regarded as the best time to view wildlife, as animals are more easily seen near water. From November to May during the wet seasons, the park will be transformed into a verdant paradise full of birds and limited other visitors.

The safari experience will depend on the weather, wildlife movement, and the number of visitors to the park. If you’re visiting in the dry months, expect dry trails and excellent visibility, while in the rainy season, you will experience lush beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. 

Regardless of when you visit, you will always be rewarded with unique experiences in Manyara, thanks to its tremendously diverse ecosystem.

Rich Biodiversity & Wildlife

Recognised worldwide for its abundant diversity of life forms

Lake Manyara National Park is recognised worldwide for its rich wildlife diversity. The park contains several ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, river systems, and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, which provide habitat for a wide range of animals, birds, and plants.

The recognisable wildlife species found in the park include tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, hungry giraffes, and many zebras and hippos. The park’s habitats are essential for both resident and migratory animals, making Lake Manyara one of Tanzania’s key conservation areas.

Birdwatchers can observe more than 400 species, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks, that inhabit the lake, making this park an excellent choice for those who love to birdwatch along its shores. The diversity of plants in the park also contributes to its various ecosystems, thereby maintaining their importance as successful ecosystems.

The perfect destination for adventure seekers, those seeking peace and tranquillity, and ecologically minded individuals. For all these reasons, any traveller visiting Africa for a safari should visit Lake Manyara National Park.

Gallery

Discover unique wildlife snapshots at Lake Manyara National Park

What To Do at Lake Manyara National Park

Some highlights and iconic things to do while visiting Lake Manyara National Park

Highlights

Iconic Activities

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FAQ

Browse through frequently asked questions for more information

Lake Manyara National Park is in northern Tanzania, located between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

At Lake Manyara National Park, the dry season runs from June to October. The wet season is from November to May, when wooded areas turn green.

The Size of Lake Manyara National Park is approximately 330 km2 (Approximately 330 km2) and approx 90% of that is taken up by Lake Manyara.

Going on safari, bird watching, taking photos, enjoying the beautiful lakes and river valleys of the Great Rift Valley, and hiking through them. It is what visitors have identified as their primary activities when visiting Lake Manyara National Park.

Short or long guided trail walks are available at Lake Manyara National Park. It enables visitors to get up close and personal with different types of trees and various animals in those forests.

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