Lake Manyara National Park is a small and varied park under the wall of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. A soda lake fills much of its area, and the park packs forest, grassland, swamp and acacia woodland into a compact space. Ernest Hemingway called it the loveliest lake in Africa, and the setting is beautiful.
The park is best known for its groundwater forest, where baboon troops of several hundred, blue monkeys and elephants move among mahogany and fig trees, and for its tree-climbing lions, which sometimes rest on the branches of acacia. The lake draws flamingos and pelicans when water levels allow, and the Maasai giraffe and buffalo graze on the shore.
It makes an easy half-day stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, about two hours from Arusha.
Manyara holds elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck. The forest has vast troops of olive baboon and blue monkeys, and the park’s lions are famous for climbing trees, though sightings are never guaranteed. Leopards are present but elusive.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The Rift Valley escarpment rises behind a shimmering soda lake, with dense forest and open grassland below. Early morning light turns the water pink and silver, and the clouds sit on the escarpment.
Activities here
Manyara is warm to hot, with daytime temperatures of 26°C to 30°C, and cooler nights. The long rains fall from March to May and a short season in November and December.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 17 | 90 |
| Feb | 30 | 18 | 90 |
| Mar | 29 | 18 | 140 |
| Apr | 27 | 18 | 230 |
| May | 26 | 17 | 100 |
| Jun | 26 | 15 | 10 |
| Jul | 26 | 14 | 5 |
| Aug | 27 | 15 | 5 |
| Sep | 29 | 16 | 10 |
| Oct | 30 | 17 | 30 |
| Nov | 29 | 18 | 100 |
| Dec | 29 | 18 | 110 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October is dry, with clear skies and good game viewing in the forest and by the lake. The dry-season light is excellent for photography.
The rains green the park and bring migrant birds, and the lake fills. Some tracks can be muddy, and the animals are more dispersed.
June to October is the most comfortable and gives the easiest game viewing. The green season is best for birds and flamingos, and the park is rewarding all year.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Manyara is about 126 kilometres from Arusha, a drive of around two hours on a good tarmac road, and sits at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment on the road to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. It has an airstrip for light aircraft.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Manyara is warm and humid in the forest, so bring a hat and repellent. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
National ParkSerengeti National ParkThe Great Migration
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryNgorongoro Conservation AreaA day on the crater floorOur take
“Our take”
Manyara works as a night between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and as a place for birds more than for big game.
Safaris from
US$1,786 per person
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