Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park Overview

Nestled within Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park stands as a gem of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. Established in 1960, the park spans 325 square kilometers, offering a picturesque blend of lakeside wilderness. At its heart lies Lake Manyara, an expansive alkaline lake covering around 230 square kilometers, yet never surpassing three meters in depth. Its waters ebb and flow with the seasons, expanding during heavy rains from March to May and November to December. This dynamic rhythm creates a captivating environment for photography enthusiasts, with each visit promising a unique experience.

Alongside the iconic lake, the park boasts diverse habitats including wetlands, floodplains, and forests. These varied landscapes support a rich array of wildlife, from majestic elephants and tree-climbing lions to vibrant bird species. Lake Manyara National Park offers an immersive safari experience, where visitors can witness the natural beauty and biodiversity that Tanzania is renowned for, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.

Northern Tanzania

124 square miles (320 square km)

Things to Do in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park offers a wealth of activities for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of this iconic destination. Here are some top things to do in the park:

Things to do in lake manyara national park

 

  1. Safari Drives:
    Explore the park’s diverse landscapes and encounter a variety of wildlife on a thrilling safari drive. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
  2. Birdwatching:
    Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 bird species recorded within the park. Bring your binoculars and spot colorful flamingos, pelicans, storks, and countless other avian species.
  3. Canoeing:
    Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake Manyara up close by embarking on a guided canoeing excursion. Glide through the calm waters of the lake and observe wildlife from a unique perspective.
  4. Cultural Tours:
    Learn about the local Maasai and other tribes with a cultural tour of the surrounding villages. Gain insight into their traditional way of life, customs, and rituals, and interact with community members.
  5. Walking Safaris:
    Join a guided walking safari to explore the park on foot and get closer to nature. Walk along the forested trails and discover hidden gems while learning about the park’s flora and fauna from experienced guides.
  6. Picnicking:
    Take advantage of the park’s designated picnic areas and enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and refuel amidst the stunning scenery.
  7. Scenic Lookouts:
    Visit viewpoints like Msasa Hill or Endala Hill for panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. Marvel at the sweeping vistas and capture breathtaking photos of Lake Manyara and beyond.

To truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lake Manyara National Park, nothing beats a classic game drive. The main circuit can be completed in just a few hours, allowing you to witness the park’s diverse wildlife at different times of the day. Early morning and evening drives offer the chance to see animals when they’re most active, while nighttime drives reveal the park’s nocturnal inhabitants under the glow of a spotlight. For a unique perspective, explore the park’s mysterious forests from above on a nearby treetop walkway, offering stunning views from 18 meters high. Alternatively, take to the water and paddle across Lake Manyara by canoe, experiencing the park from a whole new angle.

Conveniently located just an hour and a half from Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park is easily accessible and forms an integral part of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Extend your adventure by visiting the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu or immersing yourself in Maasai culture at a local boma, adding a cultural dimension to your journey through Tanzania’s natural wonders.

Lake Manyara National Park Map

Top Tanzania Safari Destinations

Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most iconic and diverse safari destinations, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offers something special for every traveler. Whether you're tracking the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or exploring off-the-beaten-path reserves, Tanzania's national parks and game reserves provide an adventure like no other.

Here are the top safari destinations that should be on every traveler's list:

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haruna h
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Incredible Safari Experience with Emanuel – Highly Recommended! My name is Harry, and I had an amazing safari experience organized by Emanuel from Lion View Tour. Emanuel was an excellent safari guide and driver—professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I truly enjoyed every moment and was lucky enough to see the Big Five! I arrived at Arusha Airport, where I was picked up right on time. We started with a city tour of Arusha and enjoyed some very delicious soup. Later, I stayed overnight at a beautiful lodge near Emanuel’s home. It was very clean, had a comfortable bed, and I felt completely safe. The next morning, we drove to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive, which was fantastic. Afterward, we continued to Karatu for an overnight stay, which was also very pleasant. The following day, we visited the Ngorongoro Crater—an absolutely breathtaking place with incredible wildlife. We spent the full day exploring and spotting animals. Next, we traveled to Lake Eyasi, where we stayed overnight and experienced something truly unique—the Hadzabe tribe. We met the bushmen, went hunting with them, and even caught two birds! We also tasted fresh honey straight from a beehive. It was an unforgettable experience watching them harvest honey without getting stung—truly fascinating and fun! On the same day, we drove back to Arusha Airport on time, and I caught my flight to Zanzibar without any issues. Thank you very much, Emanuel, for such a wonderful and well-organized safari. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience. Best regards, Harry
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Bert P
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Eine unglaublich großartige Safari! Unsere Safaritour mit Fahrer und Tourguide Emanuel von Lion View Tours hat unsere Erwartungen weit übertroffen. Wir können nur staunen, wie perfekt er über alle Tiere und Pflanzen Bescheid weiß. Und das alles in ganz prima deutscher Sprache! Er hat die ganze Tour (Kilimandscharo, Tarangire NP, Materunisee, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Eyasi-See, Arusha) so perfekt geplant und organisiert! Auch die von ihm ausgewählten Lodges waren super. Seine kleinen Seitentrips u.a. zu den Assai, Datoga oder Hadze (Bergwanderung mit Jagd) waren sehr spannend. Und sein Unternehmen Lion View Tours macht dem Namen alle Ehre: Natürlich jede Menge Löwen gesehen, ebenso alle anderen großen und kleinen Tiere. Emanuel: immer gute Stimmung, erzählt sehr viel zu Land und Leuten, wir haben enorm viel über Tansania gelernt. Also: Wenn Tansania, was uns mit allem drum und dran sehr gefallen hat, dann mit Emanuel Marite!
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Sabine S
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Der schönste Afrikaurlaub mit Emanuel Wir hatten den schönsten aller Afrikaurlaube mit dem besten Guide den wir je hatten. Er hat ein unglaubliches Wissen über alle Schätze Afrikas. Er konnte uns alles zeigen was wir schon immer sehen wollten und noch viel mehr. Er hat ein großes Herz, weiß für alles eine Lösung -er is der Beste.
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Alex
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Ein Traum von Afrika Eine Reise die ich nie vergessen werde! Emanuel unser Guide hat ein wahnsinnig gutes Fachwissen von den Tieren und der Natur. Wir hatten sehr viel Spaß. Ich werde wieder kommen!
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Michael
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Einmal Lion View immer Lion View Mit Lion View hatten wir die schönste Safari überhaupt. Wir sind seit vielen Jahren leidenschaftliche Tansania Urlauber und durch einen Freund aus Tansania auf Lion View aufmerksam geworden. Emanuel und Msiagi haben uns die wirklich schönsten Flecken Erde in Tansania gezeigt ohne Zeitdruck immer freundlich zuvorkommend absolut professionell und das zu einem vernünftigen Preis. Wir können jedem nur empfehlen der überlegt eine Reise in dieses wunderschöne Land zu unternehmen sich vorher an Lion View zu wenden und sich professionell beraten zu lassen! Emanuel und Msiagi Asante sana nakutakia maisha marefu Kristin und Michael
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Ozlem
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Great Safari Tour!!! We booked Emanuel because of a common friend In Switzerland who recommended us to do the safari tour with him. We can only confirm it that it was a good decision to do it so! He has a great personality who gives his best to make all his guests happy! He showed us around and explained us always about the country. We were two girls travelling alone and we always felt save during the trip! You should definitely do the tour with him! his german is quite good and also he speaks fluently english. After the trip, friends got jealous and want to book as well with Emanuel:) so highly recommended! Asante sana, Özlem, Ninorta
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Lena
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Best trip & best tour guide Im August diesen Jahres haben wir eine unvergessliche Reise in die Nationalparks von Tansania erleben dürfen. Mein Freund und ich haben 3 Tage lang die wunderschöne Landschaft und die Tierwelt Tansanias bestaunt. Im Nachhinein betrachtet sind wir traurig, dass wir nur 3 Tage gebucht haben, da es uns so sehr gefallen hat. Vor allem hatten wir riesen Glück mit unserem perfekt deutschsprechenden Tourguide Emanuel. Unabhängig von der sprachlichen "Barriere", die er sich eingenständig durch Youtube Videos beigebracht hat, war er ein unfassbar herzlicher Mensch, der immer unsere Bedürfnisse in den Vordergrund gestellt hat. Durch sein Know-How und die Art und Weise wie er die Safari gestaltet hat, können wir Lion View Tours nur jedem weiterempfehlen und falls wir wieder kommen sollten, dann nur noch mit Emanuel :) Vielen Dank für die einzigartigen und schönen Erinnerungen!
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Domi SF
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Trip to Paradise Wir haben diesen Sommer eine 3 tägige Safari durch verschiedene Parks in Tansania gemacht. Unser Guide Emanuel konnte perfekt deutsch und hat einem jeden Wunsch erfüllt. Er war sehr bemüht uns alle Tiere zu zeigen oder sie via Funk mit seinen Kollegen ausfindig zu machen. Er hielt sich an alle Vorschriften und man hatte keine Angst in schlechten Händen zu sein. Wir sind oft aus eigenem Interesse schon relativ früh zu den Parks gefahren, da dort die Chancen die Tiere in Aktion zu sehen sehr hoch sind. Alles in allem können wir uns nur nochmal bei Emanuel nur für die wunderschöne Zeit bedanken und ich hoffe das er mit seinem Lionsviewtours richtig durchstarten kann !
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Tatjana M
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Amazing Country & Tour Guide Emanuel is such a good person and the best guide in Tansania. We had an amazing Safari with him. He showed us so many things, plants and animals. Furthermore, we were singing and happily driving around - these were just unforgettable moments and will be memories forever! Emanuel showed us the great spirit of Tansania! We strongly recommand. Emanuel ist ein toller Mensch und der beste Führer in Tansania. Wir hatten eine super Safari mit ihm. Er hat uns so viele Dinge, Pflanzen und Tiere gezeigt. Außerdem haben wir gesungen und sind fröhlich herumgefahren - das waren einfach unvergessliche Momente und werden für immer in Erinnerung bleiben! Emanuel hat uns den schönen Spirit von Tansania gezeigt! Wir empfehlen ihn wärmstens weiter.
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Linda
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Safari 2019 Jambo!! Meine Kollegin und ich hatten vor 3 Jahren das Glück Emanuel als unseren persönlichen Tourguide zu haben. Es war eine Bereicherung durch und durch. Er zeigte uns die wunderschöne Tierwelt Tanzanias mit viel Insider-Wissen und erstaunlicher Beobachtungsgabe! Es wurde viel gelacht und gesungen. Wir waren super betreut und nebst der Natur, waren die Unterhaltungen und die Herzlichkeit von Emanuel ein riesen Highlight unserer Reise. Danke Emanuel für diese unvergässliche Erlebnisse! Hakuna Matata!
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