Lake Manyara National Park is a very exceptional destination to explore on holiday vacation in Tanzania. The park is located in the Northern part of Tanzania in between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. The park consists of terrain landscapes, diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife. The park covers an area of 330 square kilometers with Lake Manyara being the most visited attraction in the park.

Lake Manyara National Park offers unique adventure experiences as travelers explore Tanzania’s natural beauty, terrain landscapes, diverse wildlife animals and rich cultural heritage. With Lake Manyara covering about 200 square kilometers the park can be accessed from both Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The Park can also be accessed from the main gateway city of Arusha with dense forests, open woodlands, Savannah, Swamps as well as diverse ecosystems that inhabit many wildlife animals.

Lake Manyara is an ideal destination for birders too as they get to watch vast flocks of flamingos, pelicans, waterfowls, land birds, raptors, hornbills, kingfishers, herons and other migratory bird species. Around the park you can watch baboons, blue monkeys, rare vervet monkeys, elephants, bushbucks, tree climbing lions, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards and hyenas.

Lake Manyara National Park is an exceptional safari destination to explore and adventure while on safari in Tanzania. The activities you can do in the park range from Game drives to walking safaris as you transfer on guided nature walks around the savannah vegetation watching wildlife animals wander, bird species and plants. Other than the wildlife safaris you can have in the park, travelers can enjoy cultural adventures with the local Masai People as well as their traditions, customs.

Activities to do in the Park

• Game Drives

Game Drives are the most popular activity in Lake Manyara National Park offering travelers a chance to watch many wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat.

On the Game Drives, explore the diverse habitats, like forest, grasslands and the lake. The wildlife animals you watch include; baboons, blue monkeys, rare vervet monkeys, elephants, bushbucks, tree climbing lions, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, leopards and hyenas etc.

These are scheduled in different sessions i.e Morning, Afternoon as well as Evening. In the park, take many photos to keep  with you about the safari.

• Bird Watching

Lake Manyara is ideal for bird watchers from all over the world as the park has over 400 species recorded and these include; pelicans, kingfishers, hornbills and various raptors etc. Bird watching is a rewarding activity which happens annually in the wet season months from November to April when migratory birds visit the park.

• Walking Safaris

Lake Manyara National Park can be explored on foot as you embark on guided nature walk with ranger guides who give you a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level. Led by trained and knowledgeable guides, these walks are a unique way to experience the park as you watch smaller wildlife and plant life that you might miss during a game drive.

• Cultural Encounters

Lake Manyara National Park is exceptional to explore as you get to meet the local Masai communities. You shall engage in various cultural traditions, dances and customs as well as their way of life. You get to explore the traditional Manyattas, Masai crafts, ceremonies hence getting a deeper understanding of the Masai People.

• Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint

Lake Manyara National Park offers unique scenic view points from the park’s escarpment viewpoints. This dramatic escarpment forms the western boundary of the park offering sweeping views of the verdant landscapes beneath and the Ngorongoro Crater at a distance. While here, enjoy taking beautiful photographs.

While here, you can go on hiking adventure as you explore the terrain vegetation on foot watching the trails and valley below as well as the distant craters.

• Night Safaris (Seasonal)

Limited Night Safaris: Some tour operators in the area may offer night safari experiences, though these are usually restricted to specific areas. Night safaris allow you to explore the park after dark when nocturnal animals such as leopards, bush babies, and various predators are more active. It provides an entirely different safari experience as the landscape transforms under the cover of darkness.

Spotting Night Wildlife: These safaris often involve driving through the park with a spotlight to find wildlife. Be prepared to spot animals like civets, genets, and hyenas, which are rarely seen during the day.

• Nature Walks Along the Lake

Lake Shore Exploration: For those interested in exploring the park’s wetlands and lakeshore, guided walks around Lake Manyara’s perimeter can offer a peaceful experience to observe the rich birdlife and smaller creatures. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the surrounding forest without the bustle of a vehicle.

Flora and Fauna Observations: The lake’s edge is teeming with wildlife, including various species of fish, amphibians, and insects. The area provides opportunities to learn about the delicate ecosystem of the lake and the importance of maintaining its biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you are looking to experience:

Dry Season (June to October): The dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing, especially for larger mammals such as elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, as they gather near water sources.

Wet Season (November to May): The wet season is a great time for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the park. The lush landscapes also make for scenic photography.