Lake Manyara National Park Day Trip

Flamingos. Forests. Tree-Climbing Lions.
Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Lake Manyara National Park — a compact yet incredibly diverse park nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. From dense groundwater forests to open plains and the shimmering soda lake, this day trip offers rich wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

What Makes Lake Manyara Special?

Lake Manyara is a hidden gem, known for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and thousands of pink flamingos that line the lake’s edge. Despite its small size, the park boasts a wide variety of ecosystems, making it ideal for a short yet fulfilling safari adventure.

Perfect for photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a quieter, less-crowded safari.

What to Expect

1. Morning Departure
Leave from Moshi or Arusha in the early morning and drive through Maasai villages and rolling farmland to reach Lake Manyara National Park.

2. Game Drive Through Diverse Habitats
Begin your safari through the lush groundwater forest, where monkeys, bushbucks, and elephants roam. As you continue, you’ll cross open savannah, acacia woodland, and eventually reach the lake shore — each zone home to different wildlife.

3. Spotting Wildlife & Birds
Watch for giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, buffaloes, and, with luck, leopards or tree-climbing lions. Bird lovers will delight in the over 400 species found here, including pelicans, storks, and flamingos.

4. Picnic Lunch in the Park
Stop at a designated picnic site to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, with views of the lake and Rift Valley cliffs.

5. Scenic Exit & Return Drive
Wrap up your game drive and return to Moshi or Arusha in the late afternoon.

Highlights

• Scenic safari beneath the Great Rift Valley wall

• Flamingos, baboons, and tree-climbing lions

• Dense forests and soda lake landscapes

• Excellent birdwatching year-round

• Perfect day trip for wildlife and nature lovers

Tour Details

Duration: Full-day trip
Start/End: Pickup from Moshi or Arusha (early morning start)
Difficulty: Easy (vehicle-based game drive)
Includes: 4×4 safari vehicle, park fees, professional guide, lunch, bottled water, return transport

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: Always accessible and teeming with wildlife
Dry season (June–October): Best for spotting large mammals
Wet season (November–May): Lush scenery and excellent birdwatching

Add to Your Itinerary

This day trip pairs well with:

• Tarangire National Park

• Ngorongoro Crater

• Maasai Village Cultural Experience

A Compact Park Full of Surprises

Want a rich safari experience with stunning scenery and great wildlife — all in one day? Lake Manyara National Park delivers diversity, beauty, and peaceful game viewing.

Book your Lake Manyara adventure with Seronera Safaris — where every corner holds a surprise.