Lake Manyara National Park is a narrow strip of groundwater forest, grassland and shallow soda lake beneath the steep wall of the Great Rift Valley. Much of the park is the lake itself, which draws flamingos and hundreds of other bird species, while the forest holds baboons, blue monkeys and elephants, and its lions are known for resting in trees. It is about two hours by road from Arusha, on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater, so it is usually visited for half a day or a day.
Last reviewed 9 November 2026
When to visit Lake Manyara
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June – October | Dry season. Easier game viewing in the forest and along the lakeshore. |
| November – June | Wet season. The park is at its greenest, migrant birds arrive, and flamingo numbers on the lake are often highest. |
Wildlife you can expect
Getting there
Lake Manyara is beside the main road from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, near the town of Mto wa Mbu. Most safaris visit on the way to the crater, and it also works as a day trip from Arusha.
How long to stay
Half a day covers the main forest and lakeshore drive. A full day, or a night at a lodge on the Rift Valley escarpment, gives you the views at sunset and sunrise.
Questions travelers ask
Do lions really climb trees in Lake Manyara?
Sometimes. Lake Manyara's lions are known for resting in the branches of acacia trees, though sightings are never guaranteed.
When can you see flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Flamingo numbers vary with the water level and are often highest in the wet season, roughly November to June. The lake also draws pelicans, storks and hundreds of other bird species.
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting?
Yes, as a half-day or day visit on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater. It offers a different landscape from the plains, with forest, the Rift Valley wall and the lake, rather than the big herds of the Serengeti.
Safaris that visit Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park Day Trip
3-Day Standard Lodge Safari
6-Day Tanzania Camping Safari
4-Day Wildebeest Migration Calving Season Safari
6-Day Wildlife Experience
