Overview
About Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Set beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park brings remarkable variety into one safari. Spring-fed groundwater forest opens into acacia woodland, floodplains, wetlands and the changing shoreline of an alkaline lake.
Lake Manyara itself is a shallow alkaline lake within a closed drainage basin. Its water extent can change substantially in response to rainfall, inflows and evaporation, which in turn influences wetland habitats and the distribution of waterbirds.
It’s located near Mto wa Mbu and between other major Northern Circuit destinations makes Manyara convenient for both day visits and more extended stays. Longer visits can add experiences such as authorized walking, night drives, canoeing when available and the canopy walkway, while nearby Mto wa Mbu provides separate cultural and community experiences.
On Safari
Wildlife
Lake Manyara supports a diverse large-mammal community, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthogs, bushbuck and impala occupy the more open habitats; hippos occur around wetland and shoreline areas.
The groundwater forest is especially important for primates. Olive baboons are highly visible, while blue/Manyara monkeys and vervet monkeys are also characteristic of the area.
Predators include lions, leopards and spotted hyenas. The lions' tendency to rest in trees has become Manyara's most famous wildlife story.
Birdlife spans waterbirds, forest species, savanna birds and migrants such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons and many other birds. A cautious interpretation of current official counts is around 400 recorded species.
Things to Do
Activities
Game Drives
Wildlife Photography
Walking Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canopy Walk
Hot Springs Visit
Night Game Drives
Plan Ahead
Best Time to Visit
Lake Manyara can be visited throughout the year. January and February are usually relatively dry, while March to May brings greener landscapes and the long rains.
June to September is generally drier, often providing easier road conditions and open wildlife viewing, before the short rains return around October to December.
Wetter periods bring lush forest scenery and excellent birding. Flamingo numbers are not reliably tied to a single season because they respond to changing lake levels, water chemistry and food availability.
Plan Your Safari
Ready to Explore Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania?
Tell us what you would like to experience and we will help create a Safari around your interests, time and travel style.
Good to Know
Travel Tips
Bring your binoculars
Lake Manyara is especially rewarding for birdwatching, so binoculars are well worth carrying.
Take the forest slowly
In the groundwater forest, slow driving often gives better chances to see elephants, monkeys and forest birds.
Keep lion expectations flexible
Tree-climbing lions are possible, but they are never guaranteed on every visit.
Watch flamingo numbers seasonally
Flamingo concentrations change with lake levels and wider lake conditions.
Check special activities early
Canoeing, night drives and walking activities should be confirmed before travel.
Allow for wet-season tracks
During the rains, some tracks may be affected and game-viewing routes can change.
Add Mto wa Mbu separately
Cultural activities in Mto wa Mbu are outside the national park and should be planned as a separate experience.