Lake Manyara national park

Tanzania's Rift Valley Wildlife Haven

Where Forests, Wildlife and the Rift Valley Meet

Peak Season

June–October — Dry conditions and strong wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Visit

June–October — Generally favourable for game drives and photography.

Famous For

Tree-climbing lions, elephants, birdlife and the dramatic Rift Valley setting.

Home Of

Elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, baboons and abundant birdlife.

Why Visit Lake Manyara national park

Lake Manyara National Park is a compact but diverse safari destination in northern Tanzania, combining lake, woodland, forest and open grassland habitats.

The park is particularly known for elephants, birdlife and the possibility of seeing lions resting in trees. It works especially well as part of a northern Tanzania safari alongside Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

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Apollo Musinguzi

Founder & Lead Guide, Big Predators Tours

Over 20 years guiding safari adventures across Uganda, & Rwanda

Lake Manyara works best as part of a northern Tanzania circuit. Its habitat diversity makes it a worthwhile contrast to the larger open plains of the Serengeti.

- Apollo Musinguzi Contact Us

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara national park

Lake Manyara can be visited throughout the year, but seasonal conditions affect road access, wildlife visibility, scenery and birding.

June – September
(Peak Season)

June–October attracts strong safari demand.

Wildlife viewing is generally favourable.

Dry conditions can improve road access.

Photography benefits from clearer conditions.

Accommodation around northern Tanzania can fill quickly.

Safari costs may be higher during popular periods.

Best Overall

December – February
(Dry Season)

Vegetation becomes less dense in many areas.

Wildlife can be easier to locate.

Roads are generally easier to navigate.

Game drives can be productive.

Clearer skies benefit photography.

Visitor numbers increase during the busiest months.

Great Option

March – May & October – November (Wet Season)

November–May brings greener landscapes.

Migratory birds add seasonal interest.

Birdwatching can be especially rewarding.

The scenery becomes lush and vibrant.

Visitor numbers may be lower outside peak periods.

Heavy rain can occasionally affect roads and activities.

Budget Friendly

Wildlife Highlights

Lake Manyara can be visited throughout the year, but seasonal conditions affect road access, wildlife visibility, scenery and birding.

Tree-Climbing Lions

The park is famous for lions that may rest in trees, creating one of its most distinctive safari experiences.

Hippos

Hippos can be observed around suitable water environments, particularly near the lake.

Giraffes

Giraffes are among the park's notable large herbivores and can be seen across open habitats.

Buffalo

Large buffalo contribute to the park's diverse large-mammal population and can be encountered during game drives.

Baboons & Monkeys

The park's forest and woodland habitats support several primate species, adding variety to game drives.

Birdlife

Lake Manyara's lake and surrounding habitats make it an attractive destination for birdwatchers, with particularly rich bird activity during suitable seasons.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN Lake Manyara national park

Game Drives

Explore the park's forests, woodland and open areas while searching for wildlife.

Birdwatching

Enjoy the park's diverse bird habitats around the lake and forest.

Elephant Viewing

Look for elephants moving through the park's varied habitats.

Tree-Climbing Lion Search

Explore areas where these unusual lion behaviours may be observed.

Photography

Capture wildlife against the lake, forest and Rift Valley scenery.

Getting There

By Road

Lake Manyara is conveniently incorporated into northern Tanzania safari circuits.

From Arusha

It is commonly visited as part of a northern Tanzania safari route.

From Tarangire

The two parks can be combined efficiently within one itinerary.

From Ngorongoro

Lake Manyara can form part of a circuit continuing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

From Serengeti

It can be incorporated into a wider northern Tanzania safari, depending on the chosen route.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Lake Manyara national park

Pros of Visiting Lake Manyara national park

Diverse habitats in a compact park.

Strong elephant viewing.

Famous tree-climbing lion possibility.

Excellent birdwatching.

Scenic Rift Valley setting.

Easy addition to northern Tanzania circuits.

Good contrast to open savannah destinations.

Things to Consider

Smaller than Tanzania's major safari ecosystems.

Some areas can become wet and muddy.

Wildlife visibility varies by season.

Peak periods can bring more safari vehicles.

Usually better as part of a wider itinerary than as a standalone destination.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Location

Lake Manyara National Park lies in northern Tanzania within the Great Rift Valley.

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); major safari properties commonly accept international payment methods.

Accommodation

Most visitors stay in lodges and camps around the park or nearby safari towns.

Mobile & Internet

Connectivity varies, with stronger service in populated areas and weaker coverage in remote locations.

Getting Around

Game viewing is primarily conducted using guided safari vehicles.

SAFETY & HEALTH

Wildlife Safety

Remain inside the safari vehicle unless your professional guide confirms it is safe to exit.

Safari Guide

Always follow your guide's instructions when approaching wildlife or moving through remote areas

Malaria

Discuss appropriate malaria prevention with a qualified travel-health professional before travelling.

Yellow Fever

Requirements can depend on your travel history and countries visited before Tanzania.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for safari activities, medical emergencies and travel disruptions.