Lake Manyara National Park

Pros & Cons

• Very relaxed elephants to view at close quarters
• Stunning scenery
• Superb birding
• Near Arusha and en route to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti
• Activities include canoe safaris, night drives and a treetop walkway
• Rarely crowded in the morning
• Gets crowded in the afternoons during peak season (June and July and October to April)

Wildlife

This park is known for its large elephant population. The big cats are present, but not seen that easily. The forest patch is home to habituated troops of olive baboon and blue monkey. Buffalo, giraffe and several antelope species are easily encountered on a drive.

• More about Lake Manyara's wildlife

Scenery

Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake at the base of the Western Rift Valley escarpment. The park has a remarkable variety of habitats in a small area. The park entrance leads to a beautiful groundwater forest. Other habitats include the grassy floodplain, rocky escarpment and acacia woodland, all of which can be covered in a half-day visit. Deeper into the park a visit to the hot springs (Majo Moto) is recommended.

Weather & Climate

The climate never overheats at Lake Manyara, where average daytime temperatures peak at around 29°C/84°F in the Wet season (November to May). The pattern in this period is a month or two of 'short rains', then a dry spell, then a longer stretch of rain. It's slightly cooler in the Dry season (June to October). The temperature plummets at night, however. Freezing conditions are rare, but they can happen.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

The wildlife watching is good at Lake Manyara practically all year. As a consequence, it's high season in the park for all but two of the wetter months (April and May). That means maximum prices and lots of tourists. Most people visit the park in the afternoon, so if your itinerary allows it, an early morning visit is highly recommended.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Lake Manyara NP?

• Lake Manyara safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Lake Manyara