A small, green park at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment
Hippos resting in a pool.
Lake Manyara packs a lot into a narrow strip between the Rift Valley wall and the lake: shady forest full of baboons and monkeys, open grassland, a hippo pool and a long shoreline busy with birds.
It is an easy day from Arusha, about two and a half hours each way, and a good choice if you want a relaxed first game drive or a park that feels different from the open plains.
Manyara's lions are known for sometimes resting in trees. It is a habit, not a show, so do not count on it; but elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impalas and warthogs are seen on most visits.
An easy, relaxed day from Arusha
Forest, grassland and lake in one small park
Baboons and monkeys close to the road
Good birdwatching along the shore
We pick you up from your Arusha hotel between 07:30 and 08:00. The drive west takes about two and a half hours through farmland and the busy market town of Mto wa Mbu, right outside the gate. Your 4x4 has a pop-up roof, so everyone has a view once the game drive starts.
The first drive begins in the groundwater forest, where baboons and blue monkeys move through the branches and elephants feed in the shade. Further on the trees open onto grassland with giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impalas and warthogs, and the road leads down to the hippo pool. Lunch is a packed lunch at one of the park's picnic sites.
After lunch you look for whatever you missed in the morning and spend time along the lake shore for the birds. In the late afternoon you leave the park and are back at your Arusha hotel in the early evening.
Bring neutral-coloured clothes, sunscreen, a hat, a camera and binoculars if you have them.
The line shows the order of the trip, not the exact road. Press ↻ to play it again.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | $295 |
| 6 travellers | $180 |
| 1, 3–5 or 7+ travellers | On request |
Private trip for your group only: the more of you share the vehicle and guide, the lower the price per person. For 7 or more people we send a quote.
How booking works: a 30% deposit confirms your trip and the balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania, before the trip starts. We reply within 3 hours. Booking terms
Yes, if you want an easy day with a lot of variety: forest, grassland, a hippo pool and the lake. For the most animals, Tarangire or the Ngorongoro Crater are stronger choices.
Manyara's lions sometimes rest in trees, but it is not common and cannot be promised.
Ask us. These are extras with their own fees and depend on the season and water levels.
Elephant families and giant baobabs, two hours from Arusha.
Two national parks, one lodge night, our lowest 2-day price.
Manyara's forest and lake, then a long morning in the crater.
Tell us your dates, where you are staying and how many of you are travelling. We reply within 3 hours.
