Lake Manyara for a first safari

Lake Manyara is a good choice for a first safari.

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 for a first safari?

• 1–2 days are enough for a good experience.

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 and cultural visits.

When to go

The best period overall is June to February.

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

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Lake Manyara guideBest safaris for a first safari

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.