Lake Manyara National Park: tree-climbing lions, flamingos and a one-day or 2-day safari from Arusha
Lake Manyara National Park is a narrow park between the Rift Valley escarpment and an alkaline lake, about 1 hour 30 to 2 hours from Arusha: groundwater forest, big troops of baboons, hippos, elephants, giraffes, flamingos depending on the water level and, for the legend, tree-climbing lions, never guaranteed. Offers consulted in October 2026 most often combine it with Tarangire and Ngorongoro (2 to 4 days, about 600 to 1,070 dollars per person in a group); park entry is given at around 53 to 59 dollars per adult per day in a 2026 guide, with no official confirmation. For a Zanzibar traveller it is one more stop on a circuit, not a goal on its own.
Highlights
The zebras and the forest animals
The park's open woodland holds groups of antelope, zebras, baboons and giraffes at close range.
The lake and the escarpment
A view of the lake from the road: more or less extensive depending on the season, with flamingos and waterbirds.
The tree-climbing lions
Very famous, but a matter of chance: ask what guides have seen recently and do not build the day around them.
Practical info
Tips
- A safari that takes in only Manyara is short: the best is to combine it with Tarangire in 2 days, or with Tarangire and Ngorongoro in 3 days. Compare the price, the vehicle, the accommodation and park fees, and recent reviews. The village of Mto wa Mbu at the entrance is a good base for a market visit or a bike ride. See Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Tanzania or Zanzibar comparison.
How to get there
From Zanzibar, fly to Arusha (about 1 hour to 1 hour 20), then about 1 hour 30 to 2 hours by road to the park. See Arusha.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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