Lake Manyara
A shallow alkaline lake that attracts flamingos, pelicans and storks.
Lake Manyara National Park
Forest, flamingos and the Rift Valley wall
- Best time
- June – October
- Recommended stay
- 1 day
- Nearest airport
- Lake Manyara Airstrip (LKY)
- Main attraction
- Tree-climbing lions & flamingos
About Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara sits at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Groundwater forest, acacia woodland and the shallow soda lake are packed into a small area, so a single day here is varied and rewarding.
The park is famous for lions that rest in the branches of acacia trees, for large troops of olive baboons and, in the wet season, for flamingos and pelicans on the lake.
- Size
- ≈ 650 km² (about two-thirds lake)
- Drive from Arusha
- ≈ 2 h
- Bird species
- 400+
What makes it special
Groundwater forest
Tall fig and mahogany trees fed by springs from the escarpment, home to blue monkeys and baboons.
Hot springs (Maji Moto)
Natural springs at the southern end of the park.
What you can see and do
- Tree-climbing lions
- Elephant
- Olive baboon
- Blue monkey
- Giraffe
- Buffalo
- Hippo
- Flamingo
- Pelican
- 400+ bird species
Game drives
Treetop walkway
A suspended walkway through the forest canopy.
Canoeing
On the lake when water levels allow.
Birdwatching
When to go
June – October for game; November – June for birds
- January: Good
- February: Good
- March: Good
- April: Rainy / low season
- May: Rainy / low season
- June: Best
- July: Best
- August: Best
- September: Best
- October: Best
- November: Good
- December: Good
- Best
- Good
- Rainy / low season
Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting there
About 2 hours by road from Arusha, on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Nearest airports & airstrips
- Lake Manyara AirstripLKY
- Kilimanjaro International AirportJRO
Where to stay
Lodges on the escarpment above the park and in Mto wa Mbu village.
Entry and conservation fees
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee — adult non-resident | On request | Rate on request (+18% VAT) |
| Vehicle entry fee | On request | Rate on request |
Park fees are included in SASU Tours packages. Current official rates are confirmed in your quotation.
Park and conservation fees are set by TANAPA, NCAA and the Zanzibar authorities and can change. Figures shown are indicative; your quotation always uses the current official rates.
Lake Manyara in pictures
Tours & safaris
Packages that visit Lake Manyara
Wildlife Safaris
Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Short Safari
Arusha · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro
- Game drives
- Crater tour
- Treetop walkway
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