Home to tree-climbing lions and some of Tanzania’s most varied scenery in one compact park. Explore groundwater forest, a shimmering soda lake and the towering Rift Valley escarpment that gives Manyara its dramatic setting.
From the forested foot of the Rift Valley escarpment to the shores of the soda lake, Lake Manyara is a world of mahogany and fig forest, golden acacia woodland and some of northern Tanzania’s most scenic wildlife viewing.
The name Manyara comes from the Maasai word emanyara, a plant traditionally used to fence homesteads, and the park has the same tucked-away feel. Established as a national park in 1960 and recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, it lies beneath the wall of the Great Rift Valley. A shimmering alkaline lake, groundwater forest, acacia woodland and open floodplain all sit within one compact park.Within a few hours you can move from mahogany and fig forest, where baboons and blue monkeys gather and elephants feed in the shade, to the lake shore. There, hippos wallow and flocks of pelicans, storks and, when conditions allow, flamingos feed. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in the branches of acacia trees.
From treetop walkways to night drives, choose the experiences that bring this compact park to life.
3 – 4 hoursExplore forest, woodland and lake shore with an expert driver-guide, looking for elephants, buffalo, giraffe, baboons and, with luck, tree-climbing lions.
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Part of a game driveAsk your guide to spend extra time in the acacia woodland where lions rest in the branches by day.
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About 1 hour flightWalk among the treetops on a suspension walkway above the groundwater forest for a monkey’s-eye view of the canopy and its birds.
Ask about this Flexible Year-roundWith more than 400 species recorded, from lake waders to forest specialists, Manyara rewards birders.
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2 – 3 hoursWhere arranged, explore after dark with a spotlight to look for nocturnal animals such as genets and civets.
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2 – 3 hoursWalk with an armed ranger in permitted areas to follow tracks, learn about plants and notice the smaller wonders.
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Half dayCombine the warm Maji Moto springs with a stop at the hippo pools, with scenic picnic stops along the way.
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2 – 4 hoursWalk or cycle through the lively village beside the park, meeting local communities and discovering fruit, crafts and daily life
Ask about thisManyara is rewarding all year round. The lake, the forest and the birdlife change with the rains.
Warm, mostly dry weather between the rains, with green scenery and good viewing in the woodland. / Warm & green
Warm & greenHeavy showers refresh the forest and fill the lake. Birdlife is rich, the park is quiet and rates are lower, though some tracks can be wet. / Quiet season
Quiet seasonClear skies and cooler days. Animals gather near water and the forest, making wildlife easier to find.
Peak seasonDry, warm weather continues and wildlife stays concentrated, with fewer visitors than mid-year.
Great viewingBrief showers bring fresh growth and migratory birds, with excellent birdwatching and lovely light.
Birding seasonThe Great Migration follows the rains, not the calendar. Plan around the expected location of the herds and stay flexible.
Choose from escarpment lodges, forest-edge camps, campsites and village stays, most only minutes from the gate.
Lake Manyara
Mto wa Mbu
Follows the herds
Seronera areaA few essentials to help you shape the perfect journey.
Northern Tanzania, at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment beside Mto wa Mbu, on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Mto wa Mbu Gate, about 125 km from Arusha.
Drive from Arusha in around two hours, or fly to the nearby airstrip on a scheduled or charter flight.
A half day covers the highlights. A full day or overnight stay allows time for walks, the canopy walkway and a relaxed pace.
Escarpment and forest lodges, tented camps, public and special campsites, and guesthouses in Mto wa Mbu.
Park, camping and vehicle fees are set by the park authority. Confirm current rates before you travel.
Tell us when you want to travel and what inspires you, and we will design your journey.
The Serengeti is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for these amazing creatures.
The Serengeti pairs beautifully with Tanzania’s other parks. Combine them for a fuller northern-circuit safari.
Northern CircuitFamous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, especially in the dry season.
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World Heritage SiteA vast volcanic caldera with dense wildlife, including a good chance of seeing black rhino.
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Northern CircuitHome to the Great Migration and some of the richest wildlife viewing on Earth.
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Northern CircuitArusha National Park, nestled in northern Tanzania, is a scenic gem known for its striking diversity.
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Southern CircuitRuaha National Park is the second largest national park in Tanzania, known for its vast and diverse landscapes.
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Northern CircuitIs best known for non-technical high-altitude trekking and multi-day summit ascents to Uhuru Peak
Explore this ParkA little preparation makes your journey smoother. Consider your travel dates, route, transport and the type of experience you want before choosing a final itinerary.
Decide which wildlife, mountain or beach experiences matter most. Seasonal conditions can influence the best route and accommodation availability.
Explore the seasonsConsider driving distances, time in each park, internal flights where appropriate, and how much time you want to spend relaxing between activities.
Discover destinationsCheck passport and visa requirements, travel insurance, recommended health advice, baggage limits and any activity-specific equipment needs.
Discuss your tripTell us when you would like to travel, what inspires you and what kind of experience you have in mind.