Destinations / Kenya / Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Manyara

Forest, Lake & Rift Valley Wall

Beneath the dramatic wall of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park packs remarkable variety into a small area. Lush groundwater forest gives way to open floodplains and a shimmering soda lake, home to elephants, baboons, abundant birdlife and lions famed for resting in the trees.

EXPLORE LAKE MANYARA

Small Park, Big Variety

Groundwater Forest

Spring-fed forest of fig and mahogany trees shelters large troops of baboons, blue monkeys and elephants.

Tree-Climbing Lions

Manyara's lions are known for climbing into acacia trees. Sightings are never guaranteed, which makes them all the more special.

A Birder's Paradise

Pelicans, storks and, in some seasons, flamingos gather on the lake, with hundreds of species recorded in the park.

Unforgettable Experiences

Intimate, scenic and full of surprises.

  • Forest Game Drives

    Explore the groundwater forest in search of elephants, baboons and blue monkeys.

  • Tree-Climbing Lions

    Scan the acacias for lions resting in the branches.

  • Night Drives

    Discover the park after dark in search of leopards and nocturnal species.

  • Canoeing

    Paddle the lake shallows when water levels allow.

  • Birding

    Look for pelicans, flamingos, storks and kingfishers along the shore.

  • Rift Valley Escarpment Views

    Take in sweeping views of the lake from the escarpment above.

  • Village & Market Visits

    Explore the colorful markets and farms of Mto wa Mbu.

When to visit

Intimate, scenic and full of surprises.

  • The dry season offers the easiest game viewing, with wildlife drawn to the lake and springs.

  • The green season brings lush forest, migrant birds and, in some years, flamingos on the lake.

Premier Stays

Treehouse suites in the forest or sweeping views from the escarpment.

Treehouse Lodges

Elegant suites raised among the trees, inside the park itself.

Escarpment Lodges

Perched high on the Rift Valley wall, with panoramic views over the lake and plains below.

Pairs Perfectly with…

Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.

  • Tarangire National Park

    Ancient baobabs, enormous elephant herds and exceptional game viewing.

  • Zanzibar

    Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.

  • Rwanda

    Add an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to your East African adventure.

  • Serengeti

    Cross into Tanzania to follow the herds across endless plains.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • June to October, when elephants and other wildlife concentrate along the Tarangire River..

  • It is around a two-hour drive from Arusha, or a short flight to an airstrip in or near the park.afari

  • We recommend two nights, as part of a wider northern Tanzania safari.

  • Yes. Walking safaris and night drives are offered in the private conservancies bordering the park.

  • Yes. Its relaxed pace and spectacular elephant viewing make it a wonderful introduction to safari.

  • "Beyond our expectations. Weeks later everyone is still talking about not just everything we saw and did – all of which were truly wonderful – but how everything went off without a single hitch"

    R. FISHMAN, USA

  • "African Safari nailed it! They created a once-in-a-lifetime first-class experience that wowed us. We can't stop talking about this amazing trip and sharing the photos with friends."

    NORMAN ALESI, USA

  • "This was a trip that we will remember forever and go into our memories for a lifetime. Thank you for putting this bucket list trip of a lifetime together for us! It was exceptional."

    WAYNE & DENISE RICCI, USA

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