Lake Manyara National Park – Tanzania’s Scenic Safari Gem

Lake Manyara National Park – Tanzania’s Scenic Safari Gem

A Compact Park Bursting with Wildlife, Scenery, and Birdlife – Explore it with Mashirima Tours

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the most diverse and picturesque wildlife destinations in the country. Though relatively small in size—covering just 330 square kilometers—the park offers an incredible range of habitats, from groundwater forests and acacia woodlands to open grassy plains and the expansive Lake Manyara itself.

Famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-dotted lake shores, and dramatic landscapes, Manyara is the perfect addition to any Northern Circuit safari, easily combinable with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.

Scenery That Changes with Every Turn

Lake Manyara National Park is a photographer’s dream, with lush forests, steep Rift Valley walls, and the shimmering alkaline lake forming a striking backdrop. The ever-changing landscapes allow visitors to enjoy multiple ecosystems in a single game drive.

• 🌳 Dense groundwater forests with baboons and monkeys
• 🌾 Open grasslands ideal for large herbivores
• 🦩 Seasonal wetlands and soda lake attracting thousands of birds
• 🌄 Stunning Rift Valley escarpment views

Incredible Wildlife & Birdlife

Manyara may be compact, but it delivers exceptional game viewing and birdwatching opportunities:

• 🦁 Tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior seen in only a few places in Africa
• 🐘 Large herds of elephants roaming through the forest
• 🐃 Buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and giraffes
• 🐒 Troops of olive baboons—one of the largest populations in Africa
• 🐊 Hippos in the Hippo Pool, close to the lake’s edge
• 🦜 Over 400 bird species, including pelicans, storks, cormorants, and the iconic pink flamingos

Top Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

With Mashirima Tours, you can enjoy a wide range of nature and cultural experiences:

• 🚙 Guided Game Drives – Morning, afternoon, or full-day safaris through varied landscapes
• 🥾 Nature Walks – Explore the forest and escarpment on foot with expert guides
• 🛶 Canoeing (seasonal) – Paddle across Lake Manyara’s calm waters for a different view of wildlife
• 🦜 Bird Watching Safaris – Especially during the wet season when migratory birds arrive
• 🛖 Cultural Visits – Tour local Maasai and Mto wa Mbu villages for immersive cultural experiences

Where to Stay

Mashirima Tours offers a variety of hand-picked accommodations to suit your style and budget:

• 🏕️ Luxury lodges overlooking the Rift Valley
• 🛖 Tented camps offering immersive wilderness experiences
• 🏨 Mid-range and budget-friendly options near the park entrance
• 🌍 Eco-lodges committed to sustainable tourism

All stays can include meals, guided activities, and transportation arranged by our expert team.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is a year-round destination, each season offering a unique experience:

• June to October (Dry Season): Best for general wildlife viewing; animals gather around water sources
• November to May (Green Season): Lush scenery and spectacular birdwatching, with thousands of flamingos and migratory species

How to Get There

• 🚙 Just a 2-hour drive from Arusha, and close to Ngorongoro and Tarangire
• 🛬 Charter flights available to nearby Lake Manyara Airstrip
• Mashirima Tours handles all transportation and transfers for a seamless experience

Why Choose Mashirima Tours for Your Lake Manyara Safari?

✅ Professional and friendly guides with in-depth local knowledge
✅ Customizable safari packages for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups
✅ Easy combination with Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire for a complete Northern Circuit experience
✅ Trusted by international travelers for quality service, safety, and value
✅ Support for community-based tourism and conservatio

‍Plan Your Lake Manyara Adventure with Mashirima Tours

Whether you’re a bird lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking peaceful natural beauty, Lake Manyara National Park promises a rewarding and unforgettable safari. With Mashirima Tours, every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on the magic of the moment.

Book your Manyara safari today or let us help you craft a full Northern Tanzania tour tailored just for you!

‍