Lake Manyara on a budget

Lake Manyara is a good choice on a budget.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Lake Manyara on a budget?

• Shared tours and mid-range lodging are available.
• Travelling by road instead of flying in keeps costs down.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and hippos.

Suggested time on the ground: 1 to 2 days. 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.

Activities that fit

game drives, birdwatching and camping.

When to go

The best period overall is June to February. For quieter months and often better value, try March, May and November.

Dry season and the easiest time for driving and mammal viewing.

Other destinations on a budget

• Kruger South Africa
• Merzouga Morocco
• Addo South Africa
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Tarangire Tanzania
• Akagera Rwanda

Full Lake Manyara guideBest safaris on a budget

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.