Pink flamingos
USD 700 - USD 1200 Per Person Sharing Per Night
Large herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions
July - Aug
June - September
Location
Lake Manyara National Park is located in the Rift Valley area of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. It lies 78 miles south-west of Arusha, 34 miles from the Ngorongoro Crater and around 130 miles from the famous Serengeti National Park.
Size
Lake Manyara National Park covers around 125 square miles and of that, Lake Manyara itself makes up 89 square miles.
History
Formerly a sport hunting destination, visited as far back as the 1920s, the Lake Manyara Game Reserve was established around 1957 with the reserve being given national park status around 1960.
Entrance Fees & Permits
With proof of identity requested upon entry, the entrance fee into Lake Manyara National Park is USD 52 per adult and USD 17.70 per child under 12 years of age. This is for over a 24-hour period.
Hours of Operation
The entry gates of Lake Manyara are open between 6am and 6pm daily.
By Road
Visitors to Lake Manyara National Park can enter either through the southern or northern gate. The distance from Arusha is around 78 miles which is an approximate 90 minute drive on roads that have been recently tarred.
By Air
If visitors arrive in either Arusha or Kilimanjaro, most will then drive to Lake Manyara National Park, with a few opting to fly via a chartered flight to Lake Manyara Airstrip. The drive to Lake Manyara National Park is then 10 miles or an approximate 30-minute drive.
Weather & Climate
The Serengeti National Park enjoys a dry winter over the months of June through to the end of August. June can see temperatures up to the mid-seventies, with the climate cooling in July and August. Short rains fall between November and April, with the longer rains falling in March and April. Game viewing is at its best in the dry winter season, with the great migration being a highlight in July and October.
Avoiding Crowds
Consider travelling in the green season of late October through to December, just after the busy winter peak season. Visiting in late May and early June will allow you to go on safari just ahead of the crowds.
Value for Money
Thanks to a diverse range of accommodation options available, it is possible to enjoy a quality safari experience in the Serengeti National Park with a variety of budgets. Guests have the option of choosing lodges and camps in remote areas or settling in the middle of a great migration pathway in one of Africa’s most outstanding safari destinations. Travelling by road also helps with overall pricing.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in the Lake Manyara National Park
Animal sightings in the Lake Manyara National Park are always exciting, from zebras and giraffes to vervet monkeys and large herds of elephants. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions and flocks of brillant flamingos that wash the lake pink. Watch hippos at play and take the opportunity to do a night drive and spot porcupines and genets.
The Terrain
Lake Manyara’s cool waters make up two-thirds of Lake Manyara National Park. The surrounding land mass is a blend of grassland and floodplains with woodlands meeting rocky mountain escarpments.
Game Drives
Game drives in Lake Manyara National Park are conducted in enclosed 4*4 Safari Vehicles, with the option to enjoy a 4×4 open-vehicle when staying at certain lodges. Look out for prides of tree-climbing lions, frolicking zebras, and admire the breathtaking sight of pink flamingos resting on Lake Manyara. On a night drive, keep eyes peeled for hippos on land and cute, nocturnal animals such as civet and genet.
Guided Walking Safaris
Visitors wanting to explore Lake Manyara National Park on foot can enjoy the forest trails of the Msara Trail and Lyamba River Trail in small guided groups. Enjoy amazing views and wildlife spotting across the landscape from the 370 m treetop walkway, made up of suspension bridges winding their way through the trees of Lake Manyara National Park.
Maji Moto Hot Springs
Located on a thin piece of land between the Rift Valley and Lake Manyara National Park, the Maji Moto Springs are an absolute oasis for all who visit.