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Lake Manyara National Park

A narrow strip of groundwater forest, soda lake and Rift escarpment, famous for tree-climbing lions.

Overview

Lake Manyara National Park is small - about 330 square kilometres, two thirds of it water - and squeezed between the Rift Valley escarpment and the lake itself, which makes it one of the most scenically compressed parks in Tanzania. You pass through five habitats in an hour: groundwater forest fed by springs at the base of the escarpment, acacia woodland, open floodplain, the soda lake with its flamingos and pelicans, and the hot springs at Maji Moto. The park's reputation rests on its tree-climbing lions, which drape themselves along acacia branches - genuinely seen here, though not on demand. Elephant move through the forest, the baboon troops are among the largest recorded anywhere, and the birdlife is exceptional for the size, with over 400 species. A canopy walkway and night drives, both rare in Tanzanian parks, are available. It sits on the road between Arusha and Ngorongoro, which makes it an easy and worthwhile half-day.

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Photos of Lake Manyara National Park

Operators serving Lake Manyara National Park

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Things to do in Lake Manyara National Park

Places and experiences rather than companies. Each one carries the thing you would otherwise find out by turning up.

  • Treetop walkway

    Active

    A canopy bridge through the groundwater forest at the park entrance.

    Short, and a good way to break the drive between Ngorongoro and Arusha without committing to a game drive.

    2 hoursPaid

Where these are, around Lake Manyara National Park

60 listings with a mapped location.

Map of 60 listings
  • Listed
  • Placed from the town

What Lake Manyara National Park costs

All-in on the ground, per person per day, excluding international flights. Ranges rather than a single figure, because accommodation and group size move the total more than anything else.

Indicative daily cost per person for Lake Manyara National Park, by travel style
StylePer person, per day
Camping or budget lodge, shared vehicle$160 – $220
Mid-range lodge$220 – $380
Luxury camp, private vehicle$550 – $1,100

Of that, $70 – $120 a day is government fees set by TANAPA. Every operator pays the same, so a quote below this floor is not a better deal — it is a different trip.

Add this to a whole-trip estimate

Indicative figures checked for 2026. Park fees are revised annually and some are quoted before VAT — confirm current rates with your operator or the park authority before you book.

When to visit Lake Manyara National Park

Month by month: wildlife, weather and how busy it gets.

October

Dry season — good roads, thinner bush, animals gathering at water.

Wildlife
Wildlife: 4 / 5
Weather
Weather: 4 / 5
Crowds
Crowds: 2 / 5
Rainfall
40 mm
Temperature
17–30 °C
Show all twelve months
When to visit Lake Manyara National Park
Best time to visitWildlifeWeatherCrowdsRainfallTemperature
JanuaryShort rains — brief afternoon storms, green landscapes, fewer visitors.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 4 / 5Crowds: 2 / 560 mm17–30 °C
FebruaryDry season — good roads, thinner bush, animals gathering at water.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 4 / 5Crowds: 3 / 555 mm17–30 °C
MarchWet month — expect rain most days, and lush, difficult country.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 3 / 5Crowds: 2 / 5110 mm17–29 °C
AprilLong rains — some tracks impassable and some camps closed. Lowest prices.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 2 / 5Crowds: 1 / 5200 mm17–28 °C
MayLong rains — some tracks impassable and some camps closed. Lowest prices.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 2 / 5Crowds: 1 / 5150 mm16–28 °C
JunePeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices.Wildlife: 4 / 5Weather: 5 / 5Crowds: 3 / 530 mm15–28 °C
JulyPeak seasonPeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices.Wildlife: 4 / 5Weather: 5 / 5Crowds: 4 / 510 mm15–27 °C
AugustPeak seasonPeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices.Wildlife: 4 / 5Weather: 5 / 5Crowds: 4 / 510 mm15–27 °C
SeptemberPeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices.Wildlife: 4 / 5Weather: 5 / 5Crowds: 3 / 515 mm16–29 °C
OctoberDry season — good roads, thinner bush, animals gathering at water.Wildlife: 4 / 5Weather: 4 / 5Crowds: 2 / 540 mm17–30 °C
NovemberWet month — expect rain most days, and lush, difficult country.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 3 / 5Crowds: 2 / 5105 mm17–29 °C
DecemberMigrant birds arrive; flamingo numbers build on the lake.Wildlife: 3 / 5Weather: 4 / 5Crowds: 3 / 590 mm17–30 °C

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