Lake Manyara Best Adventure
1 day—Step into Africa’s paradise on a private day safari from tree-climbing lions to vibrant birdlife at Lake Manyara in 2025/2026
$170-250 USD
pp
Safari summary
Lake Manyara National Park: A Compact Paradise of Wildlife and Wonders
Located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley, just a two-hour drive from Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most enchanting safari destinations. Despite its relatively small size, the park is rich with diverse landscapes from lush groundwater forests and open grassy plains to steaming hot springs and the shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. Visitors can enjoy extraordinary wildlife, rare tree-climbing lions, vast flocks of flamingos, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring northern Tanzania.
What to Expect on Lake Manyara National Park Day Trip
On a full-day safari in Lake Manyara, you’ll witness a remarkable variety of wildlife and habitats. Early morning is the best time to see animals active and enjoy optimal light for photography. Explore dense forests, open plains, and lakeshores, encountering elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, and numerous antelope species. Tree-climbing lions, a unique feature of the park, often provide magical moments for visitors. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the thousands of flamingos, pelicans, fish eagles, storks, and countless other species that inhabit the park’s wetlands and forests. Every drive brings surprises, from playful primates to solitary predators on the prowl.
Destinations Covered
Lake Manyara Day Trip Safari covers;
• Lake Manyara National Park – Famous for tree-climbing lions, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery.
• Great Rift Valley Escarpment – Dramatic cliffs and panoramic views that form a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife encounters.
• Lakeshore and Wetlands – Ideal for birdwatching, photography, and observing flamingos, pelicans, and fish eagles.
Why Choose 1 Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari
Lake Manyara 1-day safari offers an immersive and intimate safari experience, ideal for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Its compact size allows you to see a remarkable variety of wildlife in just one day, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and rare tree-climbing lions. The park’s dramatic landscapes, from lush forests to golden plains and the sparkling lake, make it perfect for photography and nature lovers. Whether you are on a first-time safari or continuing your journey from Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara provides a rich and flexible experience that blends wildlife, scenery, and memorable encounters in a concentrated area.
Group vs Private Options
Lake Manyara can be explored either as part of a group or on a private safari. Group safaris offer an affordable way to share the experience with other travelers, bringing a lively and social aspect to wildlife encounters. Private safaris provide a more personalized adventure, allowing you to tailor the itinerary to your interests. Spend extra time photographing tree-climbing lions, observing elephants, or watching flamingos along the lakeshore. With fewer crowds and flexible timing, private safaris create a closer, more personal connection with the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | Game drives | |
Activity level | Easy activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- Spa treatments
- Visas
Itinerary
Arusha to Lake Manyara
You’ll be picked up early from your Arusha hotel and drive through scenic farmland and Maasai villages to Lake Manyara. Enjoy a full-day game drive through acacia woodlands, forests, and lakeshores spotting elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and tree-climbing lions. Birdwatchers can see flamingos, pelicans, and fish eagles. Picnic lunch in the park, then continue exploring before returning to Arusha by late afternoon.
Not included
Here are the latest 6 tours by Rede Tours and Amore African Safari. See all 84 tours.
Selous-Mikumi Safari
Tour by: Rede Tours and Amore African Safari
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Serval Wildlife from Zanzibar
Tour by: Rede Tours and Amore African Safari
Countries:
Focus: Walking safari—with armed guard
Kenya-Tanzania Private Safari
Tour by: Rede Tours and Amore African Safari
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
five-days Luxury Safari
Tour by: Rede Tours and Amore African Safari
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Honeymoon Safari & Zanzibar
Tour by: Rede Tours and Amore African Safari
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Dar es Salaam-Mikumi Via SGR
Tour by: Rede Tours and Amore African Safari
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Cleanliness of vehicle
Meet and greet team
Quality of itinerary
Responsiveness of staff