NORTHERN TANZANIA

Lake Manyara National Park

A compact wilderness of forest, wetlands and open plains beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment.

DISCOVER LAKE MANYARA

A Small Park of Remarkable Contrasts

Lake Manyara National Park may be one of the smaller parks on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, but its landscapes change dramatically within a relatively short distance. Set beneath the towering Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park stretches from lush groundwater forest to open grasslands, wetlands and the shores of the shallow alkaline lake that gives it its name.

The forest near the park entrance provides a striking introduction, with towering trees sheltering troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Beyond the forest, the landscape opens towards the lake, where elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and other wildlife move between woodland, grassland and wetland habitats.

Lake Manyara is particularly well suited to travellers looking for variety within a shorter game drive. Its beautiful scenery, rich birdlife and location between Arusha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro make it a natural addition to a wider Northern Tanzania safari.

THE LAKE MANYARA EXPERIENCE

Forest, Wildlife & the Rift Valley

A Landscape of Contrasts

Few parks in Northern Tanzania change character as quickly as Lake Manyara. Dense groundwater forest gives way to acacia woodland, grassy floodplains, wetlands and expansive views towards the lake, all framed by the steep wall of the Great Rift Valley.

Wildlife Beneath the Escarpment

Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest and hippos are among the animals that may be encountered during a game drive. The park is also historically famous for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are never guaranteed and are part of the unpredictability that makes a safari exciting.

A Haven for Birdlife

Lake Manyara’s mixture of forest, wetlands and lakeshore habitats supports exceptional birdlife. Pelicans, storks, hornbills, kingfishers and numerous waterbirds may be encountered, while flamingos can sometimes gather around the lake when water and feeding conditions are favourable.

WHEN TO GO

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

Jan – Mar

Green & Wildlife-Rich

The park is generally green following the seasonal rains, creating beautiful scenery beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. Wildlife remains active and birdlife is particularly rewarding.

Apr – May

Long Rains

Rainfall reaches its peak and the forest, wetlands and surrounding landscapes become exceptionally lush. This is a quieter period for tourism and an attractive time for travellers interested in scenery and birdlife, although rain can affect some roads and activities.

Jun – Oct

Dry Season

Drier conditions make wildlife easier to spot as vegetation becomes less dense and animals concentrate around reliable water sources. Pleasant daytime conditions also make this a popular period for including Lake Manyara in a Northern Circuit safari.

Nov – Dec

Short Rains

Short rains refresh the landscape after the dry months, bringing greener scenery and renewed bird activity. Wildlife viewing remains rewarding while visitor numbers can be lower than during the busiest dry-season months.

Good to Know

Lake Manyara works particularly well as a half-day or full-day safari destination and combines easily with Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Water levels in the lake and the presence of flamingos vary naturally with seasonal rainfall and environmental conditions.