Lake Manyara National Park sits below the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Its compact landscape brings together forest, woodland and the changing edge of a shallow alkaline lake. The variety of habitats gives a visit a different feel from the open plains. Explore the park as part of a wider northern itinerary, with time to notice the forest and birds as well as larger wildlife. Lake levels and the areas accessible to visitors change with local conditions.
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Northern Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park
A compact mix of groundwater forest, Rift Valley scenery and lakeshore habitats.
Take A Closer Look
Get To Know Lake Manyara.
01
Rift Valley escarpment
Look up from the lakeside landscape to the steep escarpment that borders the park.
02
Groundwater forest
Experience a greener setting within the northern circuit, with forest shade and changing habitats.
03
Lake and birdlife
Explore the lake’s seasonal edge and the birds associated with its wetland habitats.
A Few Useful Details
Your Visit, At A Glance.
Where You’ll Be
Northern Tanzania
A Good Time To Visit
Open for visits year-round. June–October and January–February are popular drier windows; forest and lake habitats offer interest in every season.
Getting Here
Reach the park by road from Arusha, often combined with Tarangire and the Ngorongoro highlands.
Find Your Kind Of Season
Good Timing Makes A Difference.
Open for visits year-round. June–October and January–February are popular drier windows; forest and lake habitats offer interest in every season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High Season
January – February · June – October
Popular drier months for exploring the forest and lakeside landscape.
Mid Season
March · November – December
Changing rain and lake conditions shape the scenery and birdlife.
Low Season
April – May
Expect wetter tracks; lake levels and access should be checked for your dates.
High Season
January – February · June – October
Popular drier months for exploring the forest and lakeside landscape.
Mid Season
March · November – December
Changing rain and lake conditions shape the scenery and birdlife.
Low Season
April – May
Expect wetter tracks; lake levels and access should be checked for your dates.
These are travel-planning bands, not fixed lodge tariff dates. Weather, wildlife movements and access vary.
Make It Part Of Your Journey
Journeys That Bring You Here.
Starting points that include this destination.
Wildlife safari
7 Days · 6 Nights
Northern Explorer — 7 Days
A classic northern circuit with Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, balanced with time to enjoy the journey.
From
USD $2,895
per person
More Than A Place On A Map
Make A Little More Of Your Visit.
Experiences connected to this destination.
Half or full day
Wildlife
Guided Game Drives
Follow the wildlife with a guide and enjoy the small surprises between the big sightings.
Half day or tailored visit
Culture
Cultural & Community Visits
Make room for a respectful encounter with local stories, skills and everyday life.
A Good Place To Pause
Stay Somewhere That Fits.
Places in or around this destination, chosen to work with your route.
Lodge
Karatu, Tanzania
Marera Valley Lodge
A comfortable Karatu base serving visits to Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.
Lodge
Karatu, Tanzania
Eileen’s Trees Inn
A garden lodge in Karatu, with a welcoming pause along the northern safari route.
Picture Yourself Here
A Glimpse Of Lake Manyara.
Four views. A little inspiration for the journey ahead.
Made Around You
A Journey With Lake Manyara In Mind?
Tell us your dates, your people and the places you would love to connect.