Lake Manyara is a compact park between the Rift Valley escarpment and a soda lake, with forest, grassland and marsh. Many visitors stop here en route to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 649 km²
- Best time
- June to February
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Lake Manyara
- A soda lake that attracts flamingos and pelicans
- Tree-climbing lions
- Groundwater forest near the entrance
- Baboons and blue monkeys
- Cultural walks in Mto wa Mbu
Best time to visit Lake Manyara
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Lake Manyara is June to February.
Dry season and the easiest time for driving and mammal viewing.
Wet season and the best time for birdwatching; flamingos may gather on the lake in varying numbers.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 18–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 19–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 20–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 19–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 17–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 17–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 17–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 18–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 19–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 19–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 19–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Lake Manyara includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
At the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment near Mto wa Mbu, on the road from Arusha to Ngorongoro; about 2-3 hours from Kilimanjaro airport.
Trips to Lake Manyara
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Lake Manyara for families
- Lake Manyara for a honeymoon
- Lake Manyara for photographers
- Lake Manyara for a first safari
- Lake Manyara on a budget
- Lake Manyara for luxury travel
Compare with
- Lake Manyara vs Nyerere
- Lake Manyara vs Ruaha
- Lake Manyara vs Serengeti
- Lake Manyara vs Tarangire
- Lake Manyara vs Ngorongoro
- Lake Manyara vs Amboseli
Travelling to Lake Manyara from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?
Generally June to February. Dry season and the easiest time for driving and mammal viewing.
How many days do I need in Lake Manyara?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Lake Manyara?
At the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment near Mto wa Mbu, on the road from Arusha to Ngorongoro; about 2-3 hours from Kilimanjaro airport.
Is there malaria in Lake Manyara?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.