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Imara Africa Safaris
Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park | Wildlife Safari in Tanzania

Discover the beauty of Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania's most scenic wildlife destinations! Famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, thousands of flamingos, and lush groundwater forests, this spectacular park offers unforgettable game drives, birdwatching, and breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley. Experience nature at its finest with Imara Africa Safaris!

6 Wildlife4 Highlights
Lake Manyara National Park

About Lake Manyara National Park

Tanzania · Tanzania · Safari Destination

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania's most picturesque safari destinations, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and bordering the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara. Although one of Tanzania's smaller national parks, it boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, including lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, acacia woodlands, hot springs, and the expansive alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds.

The park is world-famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, and over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers alike.

Whether you're embarking on a classic Northern Tanzania safari, heading to the Serengeti, or exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park is a must-visit destination that offers exceptional wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable safari experiences. Travel with Imara Africa Safaris for expertly guided game drives, carefully selected accommodations, and personalized adventures that showcase the very best of Tanzania!

Things to Do

4 activities & experiences

Game drivesBird watchingPhotography safarisGuided nature walks

Highlights

01Big Five game viewing
02Photography opportunities
03Predator sightings
04Scenic landscapes

Quick Facts

Region

Tanzania

At a Glance

Wildlife: 6 species
Photos: 5
Safari Planning

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Month-by-month guide with live weather, crowd levels, and seasonal highlights for Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.

Dry SeasonMixed / Short RainsGreen Season (Rains)Current Month

July

Peak season at Lake Manyara National Park. The very best game viewing as animals concentrate near permanent water. Book well ahead. Highlight: Big Five game viewing.

Dry Season 16–25 °CPeak Season Peak Pricing

Migration Status

Peak wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara National Park

Best For

Game drivesBird watchingPhotography safaris

Monthly Rainfall

Bone dry — perfect conditions

When to Visit

Recommended travel months

June to October (Best for Wildlife)

  • Excellent game viewing

  • Pleasant weather

  • Easier wildlife spotting due to shorter vegetation

  • Ideal for photography

November to February (Best for Birdwatching)

  • Thousands of flamingos gather on the lake when water levels are favorable

  • Migratory birds arrive

  • Beautiful green scenery

  • Great time for nature lovers

March to May (Green Season)

  • Lowest visitor numbers

  • Spectacular landscapes

  • Best accommodation offers

  • Ideal for photographers seeking dramatic scenery

Climate & Weather

Year-round weather patterns

Dry Season (June to October)

  • Sunny days with little rainfall

  • Cooler mornings and evenings

  • Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources

  • Comfortable temperatures for game drives

Wet Season (November to May)

  • Short rains: November to December

  • Long rains: March to May

  • Lush green landscapes

  • Excellent birdwatching with migratory bird species

  • Fewer tourists and beautiful scenery for photography

Location & Getting There

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Getting There

Routes, transfers & access information

By Road

  • Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from Arusha

  • Around 3 hours from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

  • Easily combined with Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park

By Air

Visitors can fly from:

  • Arusha Airport

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

  • Zanzibar

  • Serengeti Airstrips

Scheduled and charter flights land at Lake Manyara Airstrip, located just outside the park.

The Big Five & More

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

6species documented — spot Africa's most iconic creatures up close.

Other Wildlife

Safari Vehicles for Lake Manyara National Park

3 purpose-built vehicles— fully insured & maintained

Terrain

Savannah GrasslandsDense BushlandRiverine Forest

Accessibility

For the best safari experience, Imara Africa Safaris uses custom-built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers specially designed for African wildlife safaris. Our vehicles feature:

  • Pop-up roofs for exceptional wildlife viewing and photography

  • Comfortable window seats for every guest

  • Professional English-speaking safari guide

  • Complimentary bottled drinking water

  • On-board Wi-Fi (where network coverage allows)

  • USB charging ports

  • Mini refrigerator/cooler box

  • First aid kit

  • Binoculars (available upon request)

  • Spacious luggage compartment

  • Air conditioning during transfers

These vehicles are built to handle Tanzania's safari roads while providing maximum comfort and unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences.

4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
01

4×4 Safari Land Cruiser

Toyota 78 Series — Game Drive Specialist

7 - 8 guests 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
View Details Insured
4×4 Safari Van
02

4×4 Safari Van

Toyota HiAce Custom — Budget-Friendly Explorer

6–7 guests 4x4 Safari Van
View Details Insured
Land Cruiser Prado / V8
03

Land Cruiser Prado / V8

Luxury Transfer — VIP Experience

4–6 guests Land Cruiser Prado / V8
View Details Insured

Lake Manyara National ParkFrequently Asked Questions

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