Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania's most varied small parks — a place where evergreen forest, lake scenery, primates, birdlife and Rift Valley views create a softer contrast to the open savannah parks.

Rainforest, lakeshore and canopy views give Lake Manyara its distinctive character. In a compact area, the park combines forest wildlife, baboon troops, flamingos, hippos, tree-climbing lion possibilities and activities that bring you closer to the landscape.

Lake Manyara can be visited year-round. Seasonality mainly changes greenery, water levels, birdlife and how open or dense the park feels during game drives.

Lake Manyara usually works best as a compact stop on a Northern Circuit safari, especially when connecting Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Karatu.

Many travellers visit Lake Manyara because it adds a completely different mood to a Northern Circuit safari. Instead of big open plains, the park brings groundwater forest, primates, lake scenery, birdlife and the possibility of activities beyond the vehicle.

Lake Manyara works especially well when staying in or near Karatu, or when building a shorter route that includes Ngorongoro and Tarangire. It is not usually the main wildlife anchor of a safari, but it adds variety and helps break up the route.

Lake Manyara is compact, varied and easy to include in a Northern Circuit safari. A few simple preparations will help you enjoy the forest, lake and optional activities comfortably.