Lake Manyara

The small, but beautiful Lake Manyara National Park is tucked between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara regions – a mere hour-and-a-half drive out of Arusha.   

Part of the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, the protected Lake Manyara National Park is a medley of differing habitats, from steep mountain slopes and groundwater forests to dense woodlands and swamp areas with hot springs, grasslands dominated by flat-topped Acacia trees, and the Rift Valley soda lake.  An incredible array of over 670 flowering plant and  fern species has been documented here, including a few rare or endemic species.  

Lake Manyara’s wildlife complement is equally varied and abundant. Thousands of pink flamingos, glossy ibis, pelican, and other migratory waterfowl crowd the lake shores, together with the giraffe, buffalo, cheetah, and impala that venture down the slopes to drink as the afternoon cools.   

While a Lake Manyara safari is most famous for sightings of the region’s vast herds of elephant and unusual tree-climbing lions, the area’s rambunctious baboon troops, fleet-footed Egyptian mongoose, and curious Cape clawless otters are equally intriguing. 

Combine your visit to Lake Manyara National Park with a stay in the vast wilderness of the Serengeti National Park, a visit to the massive crater at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and an overnight stopover amongst the ancient baobabs of Tarangire National Park; all of which fall into the northern tourist circuit. 

Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara

During the wetter months (November to May), the Arusha/Manyara region is spectacularly picturesque, with waterfalls cascading down verdant mountain slopes and migratory flocks descending in their numbers. However, the sunny months of June to September are the preferred months for a Lake Manyara safari. During this time, the mosquitos are as scarce as the rain clouds, but the game viewing is at its most plentiful.