Lake Manyara National Park

Tree-Climbing Lions & Rift Valley Beauty

2
Hours Drive
6-8
Hours Experience
400+
Bird Species

Discover Lake Manyara's Wonders

Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic gem at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, vast elephant herds, and incredible birdlife, this compact park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience just a short drive from Arusha.

The park's diverse habitats range from the groundwater forest to the alkaline lake, supporting an incredible variety of wildlife in a relatively small area.

Famous Tree-Climbing Lions
400+ Bird Species
Large Elephant Herds
Stunning Rift Valley Views
Lake Manyara National Park - Tree-climbing lions and Rift Valley scenery
Lake Manyara National Park Wildlife

Full-Day Safari Itinerary

Your perfect day of wildlife discovery

7:00 AM

Morning Departure from Arusha

Hotel Pick-up & Scenic Drive

Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Tanzanian countryside with beautiful views of coffee plantations and local villages on your way to Lake Manyara.

2 hours drive from Arusha
Great Rift Valley views
Pass through Mto wa Mbu village
9:00 AM

Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park

Morning Game Drive & Wildlife Viewing

Enter the park and begin your game drive through the lush groundwater forest. Search for the famous tree-climbing lions, troops of baboons, and blue monkeys in the canopy.

Tree-Climbing Lions Groundwater Forest Blue Monkeys & Baboons Wildlife Photography
11:00 AM

Lake Shore Exploration

Lake Manyara & Acacia Woodland

Drive to the lake shore and acacia woodland areas. Spot large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and if you're lucky, the tree-climbing lions resting in acacia trees.

Lion Spotting

Search for lions resting in acacia and sausage trees

Elephant Herds

Observe large elephant families near the lake

Bird Watching

Spot flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds

1:00 PM

Lunch with Lake Views

Scenic Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at a designated area with beautiful views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley escarpment.

Bird Watching Break

Take advantage of the lunch break for bird watching and photography of the lake's birdlife.

2:00 PM

Afternoon Game Drive

Final Wildlife Exploration

Continue with afternoon game viewing, exploring different areas of the park including the hot springs and more remote sections where wildlife might be more active.

Hippo Pool

Visit the hippo pool to see these massive animals

Hot Springs

See the park's natural hot springs area

Final Photography

Capture last shots of wildlife and landscapes

4:00 PM

Return Journey to Arusha

Park Departure

Begin your journey back to Arusha with incredible wildlife memories.

Comfortable Return

Relax during the scenic evening drive back to your accommodation.

Estimated Arrival

Arrive back in Arusha by early evening (around 6:00 PM) after an unforgettable day exploring one of Tanzania's most scenic national parks.

Safari Inclusions

Professional English-speaking safari guide
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
All national park entrance fees
Picnic lunch and bottled water
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
All government taxes and fees

Wildlife & Park Features

Discover Lake Manyara's unique attractions

Tree-Climbing Lions

Famous lions that uniquely rest in acacia and sausage trees during the day

Bird Watching Paradise

Over 400 bird species including thousands of flamingos and migratory birds

Large Elephant Herds

Impressive elephant populations roaming the park's diverse habitats

Alkaline Lake

Seasonal lake attracting flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds

Rift Valley Escarpment

Stunning 600-meter high escarpment providing breathtaking backdrop

Groundwater Forest

Lush forest with mahogany and fig trees supporting diverse wildlife

Ready for Your Lake Manyara Adventure?

Book your unforgettable day safari at Lake Manyara National Park

Book This Safari