Day Trip to Lake Manyara

Safari summary

1-Day Tour to Lake Manyara National Park
– A Compact Yet Stunning Safari Experience in Northern Tanzania –

Your Lake Manyara adventure begins early in the morning when your professional safari guide picks you up from your hotel or lodge in Arusha, Moshi, or nearby areas. After a short briefing and loading your gear into a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle, you will set off on a scenic drive toward one of Tanzania’s most charming national parks—Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled at the base of the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment, this small yet incredibly diverse park is a perfect day-trip destination, offering rich wildlife encounters and striking landscapes.

Located just about 2 hours from Arusha town, Lake Manyara is often described as a “hidden gem” among Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Despite its smaller size, covering around 330 km² (with the alkaline lake itself occupying nearly two-thirds of the park), it boasts an astonishing variety of ecosystems and wildlife in a compact area.

As you enter the park, your guide will drive slowly through the lush groundwater forest—a cool, shaded area filled with towering mahogany and fig trees. Keep an eye out for the large troops of baboons (some of the largest concentrations in Africa), as well as blue monkeys, bushbuck, and hornbills calling from the canopy above. The forest offers a tranquil start to the safari, immersing you immediately in nature.

Continuing further, the vegetation opens up to grassy floodplains and expansive acacia woodlands, where you’re likely to encounter elephants browsing peacefully, giraffes walking gracefully through the trees, and herds of zebra and wildebeest grazing the open terrain. Lake Manyara is also home to the rare tree-climbing lions—a behavior seen in only a few places in Africa. With luck, you may spot one resting high in the branches of an acacia tree, escaping the midday heat or surveying its territory.

The shallow alkaline lake itself, after which the park is named, is a highlight of the trip. It attracts thousands of flamingos, particularly in the rainy season, as well as storks, pelicans, cormorants, and over 400 other bird species—making Lake Manyara a paradise for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Around midday, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at one of the designated sites inside the park. These shaded spots are ideal for a break and often offer panoramic views over the lake or escarpment. Your guide will ensure your comfort while you enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild.

After lunch, your game drive continues, with opportunities to visit the hot springs (Maji Moto) located at the southern end of the park. These geothermal springs bubble up from the earth, giving off steam and a slight sulfuric smell—an interesting geological feature that contrasts with the surrounding environment. Along the way, you'll pass through different ecological zones, allowing for more wildlife viewing and photography.

In the afternoon, after a rewarding day of exploration, you’ll exit the park and begin your return journey. Depending on your schedule, you will either be dropped off at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, or taken directly to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward travel. The drive back gives you time to reflect on your incredible day immersed in Tanzanian wilderness.

This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a genuine safari experience, as well as for those adding a short excursion to a larger itinerary. With its close proximity to major towns and airports, and its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, Lake Manyara National Park offers the perfect one-day escape into Africa’s wild beauty.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Lake Manyara

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Bird watching—with professional guide
• Photography safari—with professional guide
• Sightseeing | shopping | markets

What’s included?

• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas