Lake Manyara National Park, home to the legendary tree-climbing lions!
Ernest Hemingway described the setting of Lake Manyara National Park as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”, and when you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is well-known for its tree-climbing lions, colorful flamingos and pouch-mouthed pelicans that find solace in its calm waters. A birdwatching safari from your camp to the lake will provide unforgettable views of these soaring feathered friends, which number over 400 species.
Ernest Hemingway described the setting of Lake Manyara National Park as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”, and when you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Lush forests, bush plains, cliffs and hot springs make for a scenic idyll and give you a tantalizing glimpse into all that the Tanzanian safari experience has to offer.
Hippo Pool, Flamingos & Other Birds of Lake Manyara National Park
Stop off on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, and the diverse ecosystems, stunning bird life and breathtaking views won’t disappoint. The alkaline shores of Lake Manyara are the perfect place to see a carnival of pink flamingos in their thousands, dramatic flecks of color against the volcanic backdrop. When yellow-billed storks and herons join the party, even the most reluctant bird-watcher will marvel at the display.
Lake Manyara National Park’s Tree Climbing Lions & Other Wildlife
The national park is also home to the world’s largest concentration of baboons and countless blue monkeys that scamper between the trees. The grassy floodplain is a gathering ground for large buffalo, wildebeest, zebras and giraffes. Further inland, you might even be rewarded with the rare sight of Lake Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions – the only kind of their species in the world.
Ready to start planning a tailor-made safari to Lake Manyara National Park? Our experts make planning your Tanzania safari experience a walk in the park. To help you with trip planning, browse our travel guide to find expert advice on safari in Lake Manyara. Get inspired with our sample itineraries and let our Wito experts customize a dream trip just for you!
Want to explore Lake Manyara National Park for a wildlife safari? Here are the best months to go.
The best to enjoy maximum game viewing is during the dry season, from June through October. The park becomes a paradise for bird lovers from November till June. During this wet season, you’ll observe thousands of flamingos, pelicans, African Fish Eagle, hornbills, Hamerkop, Black herons, little bee-eater and much more.
Since Tarangire is so close to Lake Manyara National Park, the two parks share an annual, short migration of wildebeest and zebra. You can see some migratory wildlife that roams the park in search of green pasture and water. You will also see hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, wildebeests, baboons, elephants and buffalos, and some apex predators such as the legendary African lions and leopards.
This is what your typical safari in Lake Manyara National Park would look like:
In the early morning, you will enjoy private game driving with your professional safari guide and vehicle. Our game drives are flexible depending on your preferences, so feel free to start your daily safari anytime you want.
Choose to roam Africa’s wide-open wilderness from dawn to dusk on a full-day game drive or enjoy a daily dose of morning and afternoon game drives, followed by a delicious hot lunch and a lion-like siesta! If you prefer to do a full-day game drive, we will provide you with a packed lunch so you can break whenever you would like to enjoy a classic safari picnic lunch made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
After a full-day safari in Lake Manyara National Park, you will be taken to your handpicked safari camp or lodge, where you will unwind and savour some delicious food and sundowners. Finally, to enhance your tailor-made Lake Manyara National Park safaris, you will have the option to experience a unique night game drive in which you will get to see some unusual nocturnal wildlife under the blanket of a million stars and magical moonlight.
Ready to start planning? Select your preferred time to travel, then let a Wito Africa safari expert create an itinerary that meets your needs for a safari and incorporates the highlights of that season. We can save you time, money, headaches and heartache by helping you plan your dream safari. To start planning your safari in Lake Manyara, please call us at 1-315.805.4040 or send our safari experts a message via email.
How to Plan Your Lake Manyara Safari Like a Pro
There are many factors to consider when planning a Lake Manyara safari in Tanzania. Deciding which reliable tour operator (s) to use for your dream African safari experience is not an easy task. With a sea of general online tour operators, it is hard to find the ONE that truly speaks to your discerning tastes and genuinely understands your travel needs and expectations.
Start by gathering enough information to help you decide on the best destination. Depending on your itinerary, you can start your Lake Manyara National Park safari from Arusha or Kilimanjaro. During the dry season, Tarangire has so much to offer. We suggest you spend at least one day in this lovely park.
Similarly to many other national parks in Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique setting for safari-goers to stay inside the park. You will be staying in some of the most charming safari camps and lodges, where you will unwind and enjoy delicious food and sundowners.
With several accommodation options to choose from, we can guarantee that your safari experience will be meticulously created just for you with your specific interests, travel style and schedule. Everything will be tailored to your preference, allowing you to enjoy a perfect balance of comfort, adventure and maximum wildlife viewing. We will only recommend the places we have stayed in and inspected thoroughly, and we can guarantee you will be safe.
If you choose to explore the beauty of Lake Manyara National Park on game drives, we highly recommend using qualified local safari guides. With our personalized trips, you will have control over your experience and enjoy all the flexibility you need to plan your daily game drives with your private safari guide.
You can decide when to start your trip and how long your daily game drives should last, as long as it is within the time set by the national park authorities (the park gates usually open at 06h00 and close at 18h30). Ultimately, you will have an opportunity to choose what you would like to do, when you would like to start your private safari trip, and where you would like to go.
At Wito Africa, we do not limit game drives by restricting drivers on the mileage they can travel per day. Therefore, we are happy to offer you an extensive all-day private game drive with a picnic lunch break between your game drives.
As a standard offering for all our experiences, we provide all meals, bottled drinking water, tea/coffee and juices at breakfast for the duration of your safari. We can accommodate all kinds of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher to pescatarian.
Moreover, bottled drinking water and soft drinks will be readily available throughout your safari experience with us. We have a stocked mini-fridge in the vehicle that will cool drinks whilst you enjoy your uninterrupted wildlife viewing from the comfort of your customized safari jeep.
Our unique approach to offering stress-free safari experience starts with ensuring that you are well-informed about the specific requirements of the country you visit so you know exactly what to expect. Understanding how a safari operates, what is involved before and during, and what key points to consider when booking ensures an unforgettable safari adventure. Topics like when to visit, how to get there, and what to pack are addressed by safari experts.
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Let our experts help you create the perfect African safari experience just for you.
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Ultimately, you will choose exactly what you’d like to do, when you would like to start your private safari trip, and where you’d like to go.
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Everything was specifically designed for you by our experts. All you need to do is pack your suitcase and GO!
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Our guaranteed trips are packed with wildlife encounters, sightseeing, and activities that all reflect your group’s focus and interests. Most importantly, you will make life-long friends and memories you will never forget!
WHY TRAVELERS CHOOSE US
At Wito Africa Safaris, giving our customers unbiased advice and exceptional safari experiences is what we live and breathe. Our Africa safari experts are well-traveled and have in-depth first-hand knowledge of the places they suggest. To make sure these offerings live up to the expectations of our guests, the experts at Wito Africa routinely inspect new lodges, experiences, and activities. Nothing beats current, pertinent travel advice obtained directly from a local expert. The Wito Africa 'dream team' will be there for you every step of the way to ensure that even your smallest needs are met and no detail is overlooked, so you can embrace your experience with complete peace of mind.
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Our expertise is unique as we grew up in the safari industry in Africa, we know our home like the back of our hands. We can't wait to share it with you!
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With our 24/7 reliable logistical support on the ground in Africa, your experience with us (from start to finish) will always be worry-free!
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You will never have to worry about what to pack for your African safari, how to obtain your visa and which flight route is the best - we’ll take care of everything for you!
Want to focus on your wildlife photography & filmmaking?
Get the best shots of your life with the help of our experienced wildlife photographers. Whether you are just getting started with photography, a wildlife enthusiast, or a professional photographer seeking new adventures, our tailor-made Africa photo safaris are suitable for all levels of photographic experience. Hosted by professional wildlife photographers from start to finish, we will take you on a journey to some of Africa’s most prolific wildlife areas.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE MANYARA NP
Just for you, we have hunted out the very best lodges, villas, camps and even treehouses in Tanzania to suit every budget, itinerary and personal preference. Trust us – you’re going to be spoilt for choice! An awe-inspiring setting is just the beginning… Every one of our recommended accommodation options will blow you away with personal service, attention to detail and various levels of luxury.
AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is perfect for those discerning clients who enjoy a more luxurious exotic experience in the rejuvenating paradise of Lake Manyara. We often recommend these stilted treehouse suites, raised above the floor of a mahogany forest in Lake Manyara National Park to the guests who appreciate everything that slow-paced travel has to offer!
Promising unparalleled privacy and the serenity of being integrated into nature, this lodge will allow you to bask in luxury from the moment you step into your gorgeous treehouse suite. We love the spacious decks and large windows, giving a feeling of being right in the heart of the great outdoors, combined with the exclusivity of a private suite. If you’re unsure about the outdoor shower, each of the bathrooms also offers a freestanding bath.
AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is also a great choice for clients who enjoy a bit of culinary exploration, as they can observe the preparation of tasty traditional dishes in the central kitchen area.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
The lodge is situated in lush green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 species of birds. It offers an ideal place on which to base a northern safari experience. The Ngorongoro Crater, Oldeani, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands are just a short drive away from the lodge.
Sitting around the outside fireplace, watching the sun setting over the Great Rift Valley, and listening to the humming of the birds in the background is a fitting way to end the day and prepare for a sumptuous dinner feast.
