​Overview – Lake Manyara NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Lake Manyara NP is a small park at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Its groundwater forest offers a nice change of scenery from the more savannah-dominated parks. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, big cats aren't that easily seen. Elephant are prolific and are the main attraction.

 
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Best Time To Go June to September (easier to spot animals)
High Season July to March (Northern section gets crowded)
Size 330km² / 127mi²
Altitude 954-2,055m / 3,130-6,742ft
+23 Photos

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)

Lake Manyara NP Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

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.

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.

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.

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Lake Manyara NP Safari Reviews

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  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Ariadne van Zandbergen  –  
South Africa ZA

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

Elephants, Tree-climbing Lions & Dramatic Scenery
4/5

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks. The lakeshore with its floodplains gives way to acacia woodland below the steep walls of the Rift Valley escarpment. As you enter the park, you’ll find yourself in lush...

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Latest User Review
Frank  –  
Switzerland CH
Reviewed: Nov 28, 2023
3/5

We have seen just one elefant and a few other animals. Bird watching was better. Scenery at the lake side nice. Djungle forest beautiful.

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