Item Code: 111-6560
$285.00

A day trip to Lake Manyara National Park is an excellent choice if you're looking for a mix of beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a relatively short distance from Arusha. Known for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and stunning landscapes, Manyara is a must-see park in Tanzania. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your day:

Overview of Lake Manyara National Park:

  • Location: About 130 kilometers (81 miles) southwest of Arusha, approximately a 2-hour drive.

  • Size: 330 square kilometers (127 square miles), but much of it is water, especially during the wet season.

  • Key Features: The park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including a soda lake (Lake Manyara), forested areas, grasslands, and cliffs. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, and many bird species.

Early Morning: Departure from Arusha

  • 5:30 AM: Depart from Arusha to make the most of your day in the park. The drive takes around 2 hours, so an early start is essential.

  • 7:30 AM: Arrive at the park entrance, go through registration, and start your safari.

8:00 AM: Morning Game Drive

  • Begin your game drive immediately after entering the park.

  • Key Wildlife: Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, although they are elusive and not always spotted. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs. You can also spot various primates, including baboons and blue monkeys.

  • Birdlife: Lake Manyara is a birdwatcher's paradise, with large flocks of flamingos often visible in the lake. You may also spot other bird species like pelicans, eagles, and herons.

  • Duration: 3-4 hours.

11:30 AM: Visit the Lake and Birdwatching

  • Head toward the lake to enjoy more birdwatching. The park’s soda lake is a critical feeding ground for flamingos, and depending on the season, the lake can be covered with thousands of these vibrant pink birds.

  • Other Wildlife: In addition to birds, you can spot hippopotamuses along the shores, as well as crocodiles.

  • Duration: 1 hour

12:30 PM: Picnic Lunch or Lodge Lunch

  • If you're on a self-guided trip, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the designated picnic areas in the park. Alternatively, if you’re on a guided tour, you may have lunch at a lodge or a campsite within or near the park.

  • Optional: Some lodges in the area, like the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, offer meals with views of the park’s beautiful landscapes, including Lake Manyara.

  • Duration: 1 hour.

1:30 PM: Continue Game Drive

  • After lunch, continue exploring the park, focusing on the other areas of the park, such as the forested areas and the rising cliffs that provide scenic views of the surrounding area.

  • You’ll also see diverse plant life and more wildlife. Keep an eye out for giraffes, impalas, and waterbucks.

  • The viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley provides an excellent opportunity for photos.

  • Duration: 2 hours.

3:30 PM: Departure from the Park

  • Begin your journey back to Arusha.

  • 5:30 PM: Arrive back in Arusha, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.


What to Bring:

  • Comfortable clothing: Light clothing for the day, and bring a jacket or sweater as it can be cooler in the morning and evening.

  • Binoculars: Great for spotting distant wildlife and birds, especially flamingos.

  • Camera: For capturing the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife.

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.

  • Insect repellent: Especially useful in the forested areas and around water sources.

  • Water and snacks: Stay hydrated throughout the day and bring light snacks.


Wildlife You Might See:

  • Tree-Climbing Lions: Rare but famous in Lake Manyara. These lions climb trees, a unique behavior not commonly seen elsewhere.

  • Elephants: Large herds are often seen near the park’s wetlands and throughout the park.

  • Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest: These species roam throughout the park.

  • Baboons and Monkeys: Common sightings, especially in the forested areas.

  • Flamingos: Often seen in large numbers around the lake, especially during migration season.

  • Hippos and Crocodiles: In the water, especially near the lake.

Number of Pax   1pax  2 -3pax 4-5pax 6-7pax  8-10pax
Price per person  $365 $295 $240 $215 $195

What’s Included:

    • All mentioned activities
    • Transfer
    • Park fees
    • Lunch box and water

Tips for the Tour:

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Laundry Services
  • Personal expenses
  • Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
  • Tips to guide and driver