Destinations
Lake Manyara National Park
Groundwater forest and an alkaline lake beneath the Rift Valley escarpment.
Manyara is small, and that is part of its appeal. The park runs in a narrow strip between the Rift Valley escarpment and the lake itself, which packs several very different habitats into a short drive.
You pass through dense groundwater forest fed by springs at the base of the escarpment, then open woodland, then the lake shore where flamingo and pelican gather when water levels suit them.
It is usually visited as a half day or full day on the way between Arusha and Ngorongoro, and it pairs well with a cultural visit or a walk outside the park.
Wildlife it is known for
- Elephant
- Olive baboon
- Flamingo
- Hippo
- Exceptional birdlife
- Giraffe
- Tree-climbing lion
What you can do there
- Game drives, morning and afternoon
- Birdwatching
- Guided walking safari
- Cultural visits with local communities
- Canoeing on the lakes
Good to know
| Best time to go | Green and full of birds from November to June. Drier months concentrate the game. |
| How long to stay | Half a day or one night, usually on the way to Ngorongoro. |
| Getting there | About two hours from Arusha, at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. |
Journeys that include it
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