Many travelers come to the park with high hopes of seeing flamingos and the park's famous tree-climbing lions, which often perch in the acacia trees throughout the area. A popular way to visit Lake Manyara National Park is through a multi-day tour. Most of these tours include visits to other area hotspots, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and the Serengeti National Park, and usually include meals and lodge or camping accommodation.
Lake Manyara National Park is a must-visit for birding enthusiasts.
Safaris to Lake Manyara are generally not suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
Make sure to wear sun protection and insect repellant.
Lake Manyara National Park is about a 2-hour drive east of Arusha or a 3.5-hour drive from Moshi. While you can rent your own vehicle to get around Tanzania, most people visiting the parks find tours more convenient and less risky. Guided tours that include stops at Lake Manyara generally depart from Arusha and include game drives.
If you want to see mammals, the best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which runs from June until October. However, if you are okay with a little (or a lot) of rain and want to see birds, come during the wet season. Migratory birds summer in the park, and sightings are most abundant between November and April.
Many tours to Lake Manyara National Park also include visits to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about a 45-minute drive away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact crater on Earth. It’s known for its dense concentration of wildlife, making it an excellent spot to see all sorts of creatures in just one game drive.