Lake Manyara National Park lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, on the road between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is small compared with its neighbours, but packs in a lot: dense groundwater forest, open floodplains, a shallow soda lake and dramatic cliffs. It works well as a half-day or full-day stop.
Lake Manyara at a glance
| Distance from Arusha | about 2 hours by road |
| Best known for | Rift Valley scenery, forest, birds, tree-resting lions |
| Best time | All year; birds best in the wet months |
| Recommended stay | Half day to one full day |
Habitats in a small area
Groundwater forest
Just after the gate, the road enters a tall, green forest fed by springs from the escarpment. Look for large troops of olive baboons, blue monkeys and bushbuck. It feels very different from the open plains elsewhere.
Floodplains and woodland
Beyond the forest, grassy floodplains open out towards the lake. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest graze here.
The lake
A shallow, alkaline lake that shrinks and grows with the rains. When conditions are right, flamingos gather along the shore, along with pelicans, storks and many waders.
The escarpment and hot springs
The Rift Valley wall rises steeply along the western edge. In the south, the Maji Moto hot springs bubble out near the lakeshore.
Wildlife and birds
- Lions known for resting in trees, although sightings are not guaranteed.
- Elephants in the forest and woodland.
- Baboons in large troops, especially near the forest.
- Hippos at the hippo pool.
- Birds: several hundred species, from flamingos and pelicans to hornbills and crowned eagles.
Best time to visit
| Months | Highlights |
|---|---|
| June–October | Easier mammal viewing, dry roads |
| November–May | Lush forest, migratory birds, waterfalls on the escarpment |
Activities
- Game drives through the forest and along the lake.
- A treetop walkway in the forest, when operating.
- Canoeing on the lake, when water levels allow.
- Cultural and cycling tours in the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu.
Is Lake Manyara worth adding?
If you have a week or more, Manyara adds variety. If you only have a few days, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire usually take priority. Many guests visit Manyara on the way to the crater, with an afternoon drive before staying in the Karatu highlands.
Crater & Manyara Quick pairs it with the crater in three nights. The Northern Loop includes it as part of a full northern circuit. For park rules, see Tanzania national park rules.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as a half-day or full-day stop between Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater. It offers forest, baboons, elephants and birdlife that differ from the other northern parks.
Lions here are known for resting in trees, but sightings are not guaranteed and are less frequent than they once were.
Flamingo numbers depend on water levels and vary from year to year. They are often present in the wetter months.
