Dates
2026
Duration
1 Days
Per Person
USD 290
Group
2+
Located beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks, famous for its groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, elephants, and breathtaking lake views. The park offers a perfect combination of wildlife, bird-life, forest scenery, and cultural atmosphere in just one day.
Tanzania ·
Day by day
Day 1
Detailed Day Trip Itinerary
08:00 AM – Pick Up from Arusha
Your safari guide picks you up from your hotel in Arusha early in the morning. After a short safari briefing, begin the drive toward Lake Manyara National Park.
The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours through Maasai villages, local farms, and the scenic Great Rift Valley landscape.
10:00 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park Gate
Arrive at the main gate near Mto wa Mbu where registration and park formalities are completed.
This area already gives a beautiful introduction to the park with towering mahogany trees, lush green forest, and playful baboons often moving around the entrance road.
10:30 AM – Morning Game Drive in the Groundwater Forest
Begin your first game drive through the famous groundwater forest.
This thick forest is one of the most unique ecosystems in Tanzania and is home to:
• Large troops of baboons
• Blue monkeys
• Bushbucks
• Elephants
• Hornbills and turacos
The cool forest atmosphere makes morning wildlife viewing very active. Elephants are commonly spotted feeding quietly among the trees.
10:30 AM – Drive Toward Hippo Pool & Lakeshore
Continue deeper into the park toward the lake shore and hippo pool area.
This section opens into wide grasslands and lake views where wildlife becomes easier to spot. Common sightings include:
• Hippos
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Wildebeests
• Buffaloes
• Warthogs
• Impalas
Lake Manyara is also one of Tanzania’s birding paradises with hundreds of bird species recorded. Depending on the season, you may see:
• Flamingos
• Pelicans
• Storks
• Herons
• African fish eagles
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Viewpoint
Stop at one of the picnic sites overlooking the lake and the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Enjoy your packed lunch while surrounded by nature and panoramic views. This is also a perfect time for photography and relaxation.
Many visitors consider this viewpoint one of the most peaceful lunch experiences in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
01:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
After lunch, continue exploring different sections of the park including:
• Acacia woodland
• Open plains
• Swamp areas
This is the best time to search for the famous tree-climbing lions that Lake Manyara is known for. Although sightings are never guaranteed, the park remains one of the few places in Africa where lions are often seen resting in trees.
You may also encounter:
• Massive elephant herds
• Buffalo groups
• Giraffes crossing the road
• Crowned cranes
• Monitor lizards
04:00 PM – Departure Back to Arusha
Begin the drive back to Arusha while enjoying the late afternoon scenery of the Rift Valley.
06:30 PM – Arrival in Arusha
Arrive back in Arusha and drop off at your hotel or airport.
Price Per Peron… in Usd
| 2 | 4 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PER PERSON SHARING (ADULT) | 290 | 225 | 210 |
| PER PERSON SHARING (KID) | 215 | 140 | 120 |
What Makes Lake Manyara Special?
Unlike other parks in Tanzania, Lake Manyara offers several ecosystems within a small area:
• Dense forest
• Open savannah
• Swamps
• Hot springs
• Alkaline lake shoreline
This diversity makes wildlife viewing very rich despite the park’s smaller size.
Animals Commonly Seen
You may encounter:
• Elephants
• Hippos
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Buffaloes
• Baboons
• Blue monkeys
• Warthogs
• Flamingos
• Tree-climbing lions
(occasionally)
Recommended Things to Carry
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Light clothes for daytime
• Warm jacket for morning/evening drive
• Comfortable shoes
Best Time to Visit
• June to October: Best wildlife viewing and dry weather
• November to April: Green scenery and excellent birdwatching with flamingos
Other Travel Packages
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All park entry fees and crater service fees
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals as indicated
- Airport transfers (JRO)
- Honeymoon safari experience arrangement
- Bottled drinking water and soft drinks during game drives
What's included
- International flights
- Visa fees & Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
What's Excluded
Your Peace of mind policy
If you have no specific requirements and just want to see the very best that Tanzania has to offer, then one of these trips is for you. Remember, we can always change days to suit, or create a tailormade itinerary just for you.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.