Small in Size, Rich in Contrast
Location
Northern Tanzania
Best for
Birding, diverse wildlife, scenery
Ideal stay
1 – 2 nights
Access
2 hrs from Arusha
Safari style
Classic safari, luxury, family friendly
A compact jewel of Tanzania's northern circuit — famous for dramatic Rift Valley scenery, tree-climbing lions, prolific birdlife, and elegant safari pairings with Tarangire and the Serengeti.
Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania's most scenic and accessible parks, offering remarkable diversity in a small footprint. From the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and lush groundwater forest to vibrant birdlife and unusual wildlife encounters, it is a park that surprises at every turn.
The escarpment rises straight out of the lake, and the light on it at either end of the day is the park's signature.
Fed by springs off the escarpment, a lush forest sits at the gate — and a canopy walkway lets you read it from above.
Large herds move between the forest and the woodland, often at close range on a narrow park road.
On the ground
One of the few places in Africa to see lions in trees.
Home to thousands of flamingos and over 400 bird species.
Dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views.
A lush, unique forest with a canopy walkway.
Game drives
Forest, woodland, floodplain and lakeshore in a single short drive.
Flamingos on the lake
Thousands of flamingos gather on the alkaline shallows.
Treetop canopy walkway
Walk the groundwater forest at canopy height, above the elephants' road.
Birdwatching
Over 400 species, from pelicans and storks to forest hornbills.
Guided nature walks
Read the bush at ground level with an armed guide.
Bush dining
Lunch out under the acacias with the escarpment behind you.
Wildlife you can expect
Elephants — Large herds, especially in the forest and woodlands.
Tree-climbing lions — A unique and iconic sighting opportunity.
Flamingos & pelicans — Thousands of flamingos and a variety of waterbirds on the alkaline lake.
Baboons & blue monkeys — Troops are common in the forest and wooded areas.
Giraffe & buffalo — Often seen on the plains and acacia woodlands.
Hippos — Common in the lake and surrounding wetlands.
Where to stay
A few of the properties we book here. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match the camp to the journey.
An exclusive forest setting with intimate luxury and elevated treehouse-style suites.
Sweeping views, spacious suites, ideal for the northern circuit.
Dramatic views, an elegant lodge atmosphere, strong for couples and families.
A refined farmhouse retreat with beautiful gardens, wellness, and an excellent add-on for Ngorongoro and Manyara.
“Lake Manyara is best appreciated as a beautifully varied, short-stay park rather than a high-volume big-game destination. It pairs exceptionally well with Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and is especially rewarding for its scenery, birdlife, elephants, forest habitats, and the possibility of tree-climbing lions. Ideal for 1–2 nights, especially for first-time Tanzania safaris seeking contrast and convenience.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
June to February is generally the most rewarding window, with the dry season especially strong for wildlife and the short rains ideal for birding and green landscapes.
Best for dry-season game viewing and easy road conditions.
Excellent for birdlife, green scenery and photography.
Lush and quieter, though rain can affect movement and visibility.
From $14,635 PPSTanzania
From $15,000 PPSTanzania
From $12,000 PPSTanzania
From $10,105 PPSTanzania
Tell us what excites you
Our safari designers will build a tailor-made journey around it — the right camp, the right season and the right pace.