Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania is home to the Tree-Climbing Lions and lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment covering 330 sq km. Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake, the northwest of which is protected by the park.

The park has a remarkably wide diversity of terrestrial habitats and ecosystems that include forests, wetlands, floodplains, hot springs, open savannahs, and acacia woodland.  Hemingway described Lake Manyara National Park as “The Green Hills of Africa”.

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and its underground water forest supports many lives especially the primates like the blue monkeys, baboon troops, and vervet monkeys among others.

The game in the park includes zebra, hippo, elephant, vervet monkey, wildebeest, gazelle, Masai giraffe, grey duiker, oribi, hyena, waterbuck, warthog, buffalo, and impala among others.

Hot water springs that are 70 degrees are one of the rare geological features that give visitors to this area an opportunity to explore. For birdwatchers, the Park is a paradise with more than 350 species of birds identified.

Things to do in Lake Manyara National Park

Game safaris – Incredible tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants.

Lake Manyara National Park is a magnificent terrain. Lake Manyara National Park has beautiful Lake Manyara giving the park a good reliable water supply all year round. This puts the animals here in prime condition and wildlife viewing becomes very exciting. The lakeshore to admire has different bird species among which are the pink flamingos.

The rest of the Manyara ecosystem consists of the mountainside, marshlands, woodlands, grassy areas, and hot springs. You will drive mainly through acacia woodlands, grassy floodplains, and tall forests in search of wildlife; including the famous tree-climbing lions and large family herds of elephants.

Canoeing on Lake Manyara

Take a canoe tour for 2. 5 hours exploring the lake in a two-man canoe, visitors row quietly along the shoreline from the protected shallow waters of this magnificent soda lake. You will be able to get up close and personal with dozens of aquatic species and species of birds such as the pink flamingoes at the lake shore.

Lake Manyara National Park is also home to several giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants all of which can be seen with a closer look as you canoe past them into the serene waters.

Mountain Biking through farms in Mto Wa Mbu

Mountain biking ride for 2 hours taking you through the farming village of Mto Wa Mbu. On this ride, you visit local farms, schools, churches, milling machines a local bar and enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant village life. Ideal to do on the way in or out of Manyara National Park.

Excellent birdwatching with 400 bird species

The shallow alkaline lake is home to about 400 bird species among which are the large flocks of flamingos and birds of prey. Look out for spectacular species such as the Grey crowned crane, Fischer’s sparrow lark, pink lesser flamingos, and the Crowned Plover,  silvery cheeked hornbill, black-faced sand grouse, crowned plover, Fischer’s sparrow hawk, Egyptian goose, southern pochard.

Other bird species in Lake Manyara National Park include Hottentot teal, African black duck, northern shoveler, yellow-billed duck, Cape teal, ground-dwelling crested guinea fowl, helmeted Guinea fowl, harlequin quail, scaly francolin, yellow-necked spurfowl, grey-breasted spurfowl, black cuckoo, common cuckoo, African cuckoo.

Manyara Treetop Walkway – 370m airwalk through the canopy of the forest.

Take a thrilling sky-high adventure straight through the forest on a 370 m airwalk traversing the treetops and taking in the scenery of the forest. The treetop walkway starts right from the short boardwalk and eventually rises in altitude leading to a series of suspension bridges with secure netting on either side.

During this walk, guides will point out interesting facts about the Lake Manyara flora and fauna, while you can enjoy a unique birds-eye view of the world around you.

Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

A whole new world of animal species (nocturnal) awaits you on a night game drive. It gives you a different perspective of the park and wildlife. Lake Manyara is the ideal location for this activity the many different ecosystems found in the park.

The area is a melting pot for all types of animals and plants – with the lake, the Rift Valley cliffs, ground water forest, the Ngorongoro highlands, and the dry Tarangire system all close by.

The less-seen animals are generally active at night and Lake Manyara National Park is full of them! Porcupines, genets, and civet cats are frequent visitors to the forest. Hippos are nocturnal animals and you likely get to see many of them grazing on the side of the road. You probably already know that it is not a common occurrence to spot elusive and solitary Leopards.

Community-Based Tours / Cultural Tours

Visit Maasai Bombas and Maasai dancing

Take a 2.5-hour tour of a Maasai Community learning more about their way of life, their traditional homesteads, and their traditional music and dance performances.

Take a 2.5- 3-hour village walk, and visit Mto wa Mbu, a small town that is adjacent to the park. Visiting this rural market town is a great way to immerse yourself in semi-rural Tanzanian life. Mto wa Mbu’s is a melting pot of local tribes, and you can try a local banana beer bar, visit a brewery or a farm, and enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal.

Where to stay at Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is situated on the edge of the great African Rift Valley. From there, you have a breathtaking view over Lake Manyara, and Mount Meru, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and Lake Manyara.

There are 24 deluxe twin suites, 24 deluxe double suites, and 2 luxury bedroom villas. All 50 suites offer you a great panoramic view of the surroundings. All the rooms are tastefully decorated and offer modern guest facilities and amenities, including indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, a mini bar, an in-room safe, and a private verandah. In the main building, you will also find a large lounge and a large reception hall. A dining room with a restaurant, fitness & wellness, a boutique, a conference room, a media room with TV, etc., a billiard room and various other entertainment options, an internet café, and a playroom for the children can also be found there.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is located inside Lake Manyara National Park on the southern border of the park, nestled in the mahogany forest blending well into the natural beauty of its breathtaking surroundings, about a kilometer from the lakeshore, and 150 km from Arusha town.

The lodge consists of 10 spacious tree houses crafted from local timber and palm fronds. Each tree house suite features ensuite bathrooms with tubs and outdoor showers, large open decks and spacious rooms with large windows, overhead fans, mosquito nets, private verandas with comfortable furniture extensive views of the lovely forest environment, and private butler service.

Other facilities include an interactive kitchen that allows guests to observe the preparation of their meals; an open-air boma dining area, and private viewing decks. The lodge also offers night game drives, bird watching, picnics or breakfast on the lakeshore, and massages.

Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp

The camp is located outside the park on the northern shore of Lake Manyara, with spectacular views of the steep 600-meter-high Great Rift Valley escarpment and beautiful sunsets to the west. It is about 10 minutes drive to the gate of Lake Manyara National Park, and 2 hours drive from Arusha town.

The camp has 10 canvas-tented chalets and 16 cottages with private balconies overlooking the rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees. The tents and cottages all feature traditional roofing, bathrooms, and bedroom area which is fitted with a king-size bed or twin or triple beds draped with mosquito netting. The honeymoon suite has a large corner bathtub, an adjoining shower, and a private game viewing deck.

Other facilities include a restaurant that serves intercontinental and traditional dishes, a swimming pool, and an evening campfire.

Kirurumu Manyara Lodge

The Lodge is situated outside Lake Manyara National Park on the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment with panoramic views of Lake Manyara, the Rift floor, and Mt Losimingori. It has 27 tented rooms with thatched roofs and wooden verandahs offered in twin or single, double, triple, family suites & honeymoon suites, all with bathrooms en suite.  Other facilities include a dining room, a bar with sundeck and panoramic view of the Rift Valley, Maasai guided ethnobotanical walks, and a boutique/gift shop.

How to get to Lake Manyara National Park

The flight time between Arusha (ARK) and Lake Manyara (LKY) is around 38 min and covers a distance of around 91 km. The fastest flight normally takes 20 min. Alternatively, for travelers who opt to use road transport from Arusha Airport to Lake Manyara National Park, the Park is about 125 km – 2 hours and 30 minutes from Arusha town.

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park is December  – March and June to October.  This is when the animals gather around the few remaining water sources and the vegetation is thin hence game can easily be spotted. You can also witness the Great Migration in the surrounding northern parks.

For bird watching, visit between November and May, when migrant species arrive and resident birds display their colorful breeding plumage.  The coming of the rains brings life to the park’s terrain, with the dried vegetation thriving again and a beautiful green scenery unveils yet again.

Tarangire National Park

Located approximately 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Arusha, Tarangire National Park spans across 2,850 km² of diverse wilderness. Its expansive savannah grasslands are interspersed with open acacia woodland adorned by majestic Baobab trees.

The park draws its name from the iconic Tarangire River that traverses its terrain. It stands out as the prime destination in Northern Tanzania for encountering the peculiar Baobab, often referred to as the ‘upside-down tree’ due to its distinctive appearance.

Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Tarangire National Park boasts the highest concentration of animal species outside the Serengeti ecosystem. Among its most notable inhabitants are vast herds of elephants and the unique spectacle of tree-climbing lions.

Tarangire National Park shelters a comprehensive array of classic African savannah wildlife, supplemented by a selection of rare species such as the elongated-necked gerenuk.

Tarangire’s wildlife repertoire includes wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, gazelles, hartebeests, giraffes, jackals, warthogs, olive baboons, bush babies, bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, caracals, genets, nightjars, honey badgers, wild dogs, and serval cats, among others.

Things to do in Tarangire National Park

Game safaris and Night Safaris – large herds of elephant populations

Tarangire National Park stands out for its vast population of majestic baobab trees and impressive herds of elephants, numbering around 2,500 individuals. Visitors can frequently observe these magnificent herds.

The game from the neighboring regions congregates in significant numbers close to the Tarangire River, which serves as the sole permanent water source in the vicinity. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, and more.

Bird watching

Excellent birdwatching opportunities with about 550 bird species such as Yellow-collared lover birds, bateleurs eagles, gigantic lappet-faced vultures, brown parrots, and much more. The best place to view these birds is in the woodlands, swamps, and near the Tarangire River.

Canoe safari

Embark on a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake. On this 2- 2.5 hours canoe safari, you can view buffaloes, bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and many water birds living in and close to the water.

Walking safaris in Tarangire National Park

Get up close to wildlife as you embark on a captivating adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Buffalo, graceful waterbuck, towering giraffe, whimsical warthog, dazzling zebra, elusive bush-buck, and mischievous baboons that populate the landscape all year round. Delight in the myriad bird species that grace the skies.

Embark on a walking safari spanning 2 to 3 hours, traversing the enchanting terrain with the Jekukumia River as your guide. Immerse yourself in the splendor of a picturesque waterfall, offering a revitalizing opportunity for a refreshing ‘shower’.

Venture into the shadowy Montane Forest, where inquisitive blue monkeys frolic amidst a tapestry of vibrant avian life. Witness the acrobatic prowess of the black-and-white Colobus monkey, a rare spectacle found uniquely in this region of the northern safari circuit.

Spectacular scenery famed for its ancient baobab trees

Tarangire national park is great for sightseeing as the park provides some of the most spectacular views of nature including the Tarangire River, the baobab trees, woodlands, and acacia landscapes.

Experience the Maasai Culture and their way of life.

Tarangire national park is situated near the Masai steep and offers community-based tours / cultural tours. Get to visit the nearby Maasai village and learn about the unique ways of living with their cultural aspects.

Where to stay in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire Treetops

Nestled within the confines of a secluded private game reserve adjacent to Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe, Tarangire Treetops offers an unparalleled vista encompassing Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the breathtaking Rift Valley wall.

Twenty meticulously crafted treehouses, thoughtfully adorned with a fusion of natural elements and contemporary design, boast expansive private balconies affording magnificent panoramas. Each sumptuous suite features an ensuite bathroom with a double shower, a private balcony, ceiling fans, and generous mosquito netting.

The heart of the retreat, the Main Lodge, is artfully constructed around a thousand-year-old baobab tree. Here, guests can indulge in culinary delights at the superb restaurant, unwind at the bar, cool off in the inviting swimming pool overlooking a nearby watering hole, and peruse the boutique store for souvenirs and essentials.

Exciting adventures abound, from morning and evening game drives to enlightening bush walks and immersive visits to a neighboring Maasai village.

For a touch of romance, intimate bush meals and captivating sundowners can be arranged, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the wilderness of Tarangire.

Tarangire Safari Lodge

The lodge boasts five circular bungalows designed in the fashion of the Maasai boma, providing ample space for families and groups requiring triple accommodation. Nestled away from the central lodge area, these bungalows ensure privacy and tranquility.

Each bungalow is equipped with expansive en-suite bathrooms featuring solar-heated showers and cozy bedding crafted from indigenous textiles. Additionally, the accommodation options include 35 tents and 5 bungalows offering twin, double, and triple rooms.

Guests can relish in the lodge’s amenities such as the open-air dining room, Lounge & Bar, Swimming Pool, and Baobab Boutique.

Tarangire Ndovu Camp

Tarangire Ndovu Camp provides an authentic tented safari experience within the renowned northern safari circuit. The camp boasts 12 canvas tents, comprising 10 standard suites and 2 interconnected family suites with two bedrooms each.

These tents offer ample space and are elegantly furnished, allowing guests to unzip the front and immerse themselves in the stunning Tarangire landscape. Each tent is equipped with essential amenities such as a storage chest, wardrobe, luggage rack, and bedside tables.

Additionally, the camp features a cozy lounge, a welcoming dining area, a well-stocked bar, a rejuvenating spa, a charming gift shop, a communal fire pit, and a refreshing swimming pool.

The best time to visit Tarangire National Park

The optimal times to explore the park are from December through March and June to October. During these periods, animals gravitate towards the Tarangire River for water, enhancing the chances of sightings.

To witness the impressive herds of elephants, it’s advisable to plan your visit towards the end of the dry season, around September/October.

For bird enthusiasts, the ideal window is between November and May, when migrant species arrive and resident birds adorn themselves in vibrant breeding plumage.

As the rains arrive, the park’s landscape bursts back to life, with once-parched vegetation rejuvenating and transforming into a lush green backdrop once more.

How to get to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is 160km from Arusha which is about 2 hours and from Kilimanjaro Airport about 3 hours (160 km)

Arusha National Park is situated in northern Tanzania between Arusha and Moshi Township. It is Tanzania’s smallest park and covers approximately 552 sq. km (212 sq. miles).  Arusha National Park features a variety of ecosystems, such as grasslands, swamps, crater lakes, highland forests, and much more.

The three largest landmarks in the park are Momela Lakes, Mount Meru, and Ngurdoto Crater. Arusha National Park is only a 45-minute drive from Arusha City Center and is nested on the foothills of Mount Meru.

The other prominent features of the park are Ngongongare Springs, Lokie Swamp, Senato Pools, Lake Jembamba, and Lake Longil. Some of the small pools are dry until the rains, at which time you may see waterfowl, as well as other animals coming to drink. Grazing herbivores are frequently seen at Lake Longil and the rich grasses make it a lovely place for a picnic.

The game safaris take place in Ngurdoto Crater and the surrounding forest. A range of diverse wildlife is found in the Arusha National Park. The wetlands are home to hippos, the forests to colobus and blue monkeys whereas the wooded grasslands support elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, and many species of antelope.

Leopards and spotted hyenas are the major predators. There is cultural interaction and cultural experiences that include touring local villages, farms, and markets.

Mount Meru and Ash cone on the Momella route 60kms away, can take 4 days with a peak at 4566m above sea level. The shallow scenic views of Momella Lakes make Arusha National Park worth a visit with varying alga colors and about 400 bird species.

Things to do in Arusha National Park

Game Safaris with excellent populations of giraffes and primates.

Thanks to its vast diversity in natural habitats and small size, Arusha National Park has fantastic wildlife densities. Many game drives occur in the Ngurdoto Crater and the surrounding forest, where the largest densities of elephants, buffalos, and hippos are found.

The Serengeti Ndogu, or little Serengeti, is a vast and golden savannah grassland where many of the plains game graze and is also a great addition to any game drive.

Birdwatching with over 400 bird species.

The Arusha National Park and particularly the Momella Lakes offer gorgeous bird-watching opportunities.  The most famous bird species in the Arusha National Park are waterfowls such as little grebes, eagles, pochards, geese, Hamerkop, red sharks, spur-winged geese, woodpeckers, herons, secretary birds, and grey parrots.

Walking safaris at the foothills of Mt. Meru and the Ngurdoto Crater Rim Trail

Ngurdoto Crater walking trail offers of exploring the various trails and observing the wildlife in their natural habitats such as buffalo, baboons, and warthogs. You can also visit the small Ngurdoto Museum at the Ngurdoto Crater. It shows the different methods used by poachers to illegally hunt animals.

Hiking to Mount Meru Waterfalls Hike will be worthwhile as get to interact with some of the local people living up the side of the mountain while viewing amazing scenery such as the surrounding mountains and valleys, and animals of all kinds.

Canoe safaris on Momella Lakes for 2-3 hours.

Momella Lakes are a collection of seven shallow lakes located in Arusha National Park. While canoeing look out for games such as giraffe, waterbuck, and antelope as well as a wide variety of birds.  Momella Lakes are a collection of seven shallow lakes in the park. Drift along the shallow waters of the Small Momella Lake in a canoe while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding bush and wildlife coming to the shores for a drink.

Climb Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak.

Mt. Meru Climb takes only 3 or 4 days to climb and it’s perfect for helping visitors acclimatize if undertaken before the climb to Kilimanjaro. An armed park ranger will join the team to guard against any animal threats as you start your approach through Arusha National Park via the Momella route.

Look out for sightings of baboons, giraffes, zebra, colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds. From here you start your ascent through Meru’s diverse vegetation zones from montane forest, moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert until you reach its magnificent crater.

Traverse around the crater rim to reach the summit, the Socialist Peak at 4566m thereafter you will explore the ash cone that was formed in the crater during the 1910 eruption.

Community-based tours/ Cultural experiences visiting the local villages, farms, and markets.

Immerse yourself in the rich tribal history of the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Experience a “day in the life” of a local villager as you take part in cultural activities specific to each tribe. Learn how to track wildlife and go hunting with the locals.

Get a chance to sample honey straight from a beehive and interact with the blacksmith and their artisan pieces. At the foothills of Mt. Meru, you may also participate in the daily life of the Meru people and discover their culture and history.

You may also visit the Cultural Heritage Center, where you’ll see a stunning collection of East African art, including sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. The tour includes a visit to the art and craft shops, the museum, and the traditional huts. You can learn about the different tribes in Tanzania, their way of life, and their art and craft techniques.

You may also explore the Maasai Market, where you can buy traditional Maasai handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry.

Where to stay at Arusha National Park

The Kili Villa

This is a luxurious retreat situated on a golf and wildlife estate close to the park and only 30 mins from Arusha International Airport.  The villa lodge features three luxurious villas for exclusive use only. A Deluxe Villa B33 (for 12 guests, 2 triples / 4 twin rooms), Superior Villa B32 (10 guests, 2 doubles / 3 twin rooms), and Standard Villa B43 (for 6 guests, 2 doubles / 1 twin room). Villa Tembo Mtoni is the superior option. This lodge offers horse riding, Canoeing, and Game drives.

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Ideally situated on the outskirts of Arusha, this lodge is a brilliant spot to stay either before, or after your safari in Tanzania. Hidden on the grounds of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee farms, with wonderful views of the Tanzanian countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Arusha.

The lodge comprises 18 Plantation rooms, 12 Plantation suites, a Swimming pool, an a la carte restaurant, an intimate café bistro, and a cozy lounge, all of which have inviting open log fires to warm you from the cool night air, an intimate swimming pool, a garden terrace, and acres of lush coffee plantation.

Hatari Lodge

Hatari Lodge is nested within the woodlands of Mt. Meru near the Momella meadow inside the Arusha National Park. The Lodge comprises 15 rooms in total, and each room is individually designed with dark wood, circular wall patterns, and color palettes that are inspired by the 1960s and 1970s.

Large platform beds, wicker circle chairs on wrought iron pedestals, cowhide ottomans, and teardrop lightings are just some of the furnishings. The main building, the oldest on the property, is where you find the lounge and restaurant.

Rich brown square floors, open beam ceilings, and fireplaces give the space an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, and the small library has a selection of reference books for your use.

Arusha Safari Lodge

Located only 20 minutes from the city, Arusha Safari Lodge is a conveniently located and personable hotel in Arusha. The lodge has 2 guest rooms in the main building or any 7 poolside cottages situated by the gardens.

The best time to visit Arusha National Park

During the dry winter season from July to October. This is when the vegetation is thinner and sparser, and animals gather around retreating water sources, so wildlife is easier to spot.

There are two rainy seasons in Arusha National Park. The season of ‘short rains’ is between November and December with sporadic showers generally clearing up quite quickly. The wet season of March to May brings long, rainy days, and outdoor activities and safaris are often disrupted.

The wet season is best for bird watching, spotting newborn animals, and photographing the beautiful lush green landscapes. Birdwatchers are treated to over 400 different bird species found in the park, including the bright pink flocks of flamingos that cover the Momella Lakes.

How to get to Arusha National Park

It is 50 km which is about 1,5 hours over partly paved roads and from Kilimanjaro Airport about 1 hour.