Derived from the Mbugwe word 'Manyero', meaning 'a place where animals drink water', Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania's smallest parks but offers incredible biodiversity. The park covers 325 square kilometers, of which two-thirds is the alkaline Lake Manyara. It boasts 11 different ecosystems and one of the world's highest densities of large mammals, from groundwater-fed forests to open grasslands and the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Tree-Climbing Lions
One of only two tree-climbing lion populations in the world. Scientists believe they climb to escape biting Tsetse flies.
2 Million Flamingos
Spectacular flocks of nearly 2 million greater and lesser flamingos descend on the lake to breed during summer months.
11 Ecosystems
From groundwater forests to acacia woodlands, grasslands, salt marshes, and the alkaline lake itself.
Rift Valley Escarpment
Dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley rise sharply on the western side, providing stunning backdrops and unique habitats.
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is 325 square kilometers (125 sq mi) in size, but two-thirds of this area is covered by water, leaving only 93 square kilometers of land for vehicle routes. Despite its small size, it boasts one of the highest densities of large mammals in Africa.
The lake extends well beyond the park boundaries into the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated area that protects animals, habitats, and includes a population of some 250,000 people with coffee and banana plantations.
The park is fed by underground springs and streams running down from the Ngorongoro Highlands. Its waters are shallow enough that animals like buffalo and elephants can usually wade right across for most of the year.
Lake Manyara also forms part of an animal migration corridor that allows large herds of elephants, wildebeests, zebras and buffalos to pass through the area during the dry season to Tarangire National Park where there is a year-round freshwater source.
Wildlife & Highlights
Bird Species
390 bird species including Pink-backed Pelicans, Yellow-billed Storks, Marabou Storks, Grey Herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, and the rare Purple-crested Turaco.
Activities at Lake Manyara
Game Drives
Explore the park's 11 ecosystems on guided 4x4 game drives through forests, grasslands, and along the lake shore.
Night Drives
The only park in Tanzania offering night drives. Spot galagos, porcupines, genets, and cats on the hunt.
Canoe Safaris
Paddle on the lake during high water levels for a unique perspective on wildlife and birdlife.
Hot Springs
Visit the natural hot springs on the lake's western banks where water temperatures reach 60°C.
Best Time to Visit
Birdwatching (November - April)
Best time for migratory birds including 2 million flamingos and pelicans. Migrants arrive in November and stay until April.
Wildlife Viewing (June - October)
Dry season when the lake retracts and animals concentrate around water sources. Best for general game viewing.
Migration (March - April)
Witness migrating wildebeests and zebras grazing by the lake as they pass through the migration corridor.
Getting There
Lake Manyara National Park is located 125 kilometers from Arusha, approximately 1.5 hours by road. The park is en route to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Serengeti parks.
Visitors can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and drive to the park, or take a 30-minute flight from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airstrip.
Entrance Fee
Approximately $50 per person for non-residents. The park is relatively small and most visitors spend one day here before continuing to other parks.
Tours Visiting Lake Manyara
Choose from our expertly crafted safaris that include Lake Manyara National Park in the itinerary.
Safari
5 Days Northern Circuit Safari
The definitive Northern Tanzania safari covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro....