NORTHERN TANZANIA · GREAT RIFT VALLEY

Lake Manyara National Park

Where the Rift Valley meets the wild.

01
LOCATION

Northern Tanzania

Beneath the western wall of the Great Rift Valley, near Mto wa Mbu.

02
BEST TIME

June — October

Dry conditions make wildlife viewing easier, while the landscapes remain beautifully varied.

03
WILDLIFE

Tree-Climbing Lions

Elephants, buffalo, giraffe, hippos and legendary lions resting in the trees.

04
KNOWN FOR

Flamingos & Forest

A remarkable blend of soda lake, wetlands and lush groundwater forest.

One park. Forest, water, wildlife and the Rift Valley.

THE MANYARA EXPERIENCE

Where every landscape changes the view.

Lake Manyara is a study in contrasts. The forest begins almost at the park entrance, opening into acacia woodland, open floodplains and the shimmering waters of an alkaline lake, all framed by the immense escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.

Along the way, elephants move quietly through the woodland, hippos gather near the water and flamingos transform the lake into a shifting wash of pink. Above it all, lions sometimes settle into the branches of acacia trees — one of Manyara’s most unforgettable signatures.

01

RIFT VALLEY

FOREST

LAKE MANYARA

"In Manyara, nature writes the story."

MIGSAM SAFARIS

MANYARA IN FRAMES

A safari painted in contrasts.

From sweeping grasslands to intimate encounters with wildlife, the Lake Manyara reveals a different story around every corner.

THE RIFT VALLEY

Towering escarpment walls rise above the lake, giving Manyara its dramatic sense of scale.

FOREST & WATER

Cool groundwater forest gives way to open wetlands, creating a remarkable transition of habitats.

THE PINK HORIZON

When conditions are right, thousands of flamingos gather along the alkaline waters.

Here, the landscape changes before your eyes.

Experience Manyara beyond the ordinary.

From dawn game drives to soaring above the plains, discover the experiences that make a Manyara journey unforgettable.

01

SAFARI GAME DRIVES

Experience Tanzania’s wild beauty on thrilling game drives, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

02

WALKING SAFARI

Experience Tanzania’s wilderness up close, walking through the wild with expert guides while discovering wildlife, landscapes, and nature beyond the usual safari trails.

03

CANOPY WALK

From flamingos and pelicans around the lake to colourful forest birds beneath the canopy, Manyara offers remarkable variety for those who travel with binoculars.

04

TREETOP LIONS

Witness Tanzania’s remarkable tree-climbing lions resting high among the branches, offering a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.

05

CULTURAL VISITS TO MASAI VILLAGE

Discover Tanzania’s rich culture through authentic visits to Masai villages, experiencing traditional lifestyles, customs, and meaningful local interactions.

06

PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARIS

Capture Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and landscapes through unforgettable photography safaris, guided by expert knowledge and perfect opportunities.
07

HIPPO POOL EXCURSION

Follow the shoreline through wetlands, hippo pools and open views across the alkaline lake, where the wildlife gathers around one of the Rift Valley’s most distinctive landscapes.

08

NIGHT GAME DRIVES

Discover Tanzania after dark on thrilling night game drives, spotting nocturnal wildlife and experiencing the wilderness in a whole new way.

09

BIRD WATCHING

Discover Tanzania’s diverse birdlife, spotting colourful species and rare birds while exploring breathtaking landscapes and peaceful wilderness.

10

PICNICS IN THE PARK

Enjoy peaceful picnics in Tanzania’s scenic parks, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and the beauty of nature.

Game drive in the Serengeti
EXPERIENCE 01
SAFARI GAME DRIVES
THE CLASSIC TANZANIA EXPERIENCE
Some moments begin before sunrise.

“The best memories aren’t scheduled. They happen somewhere between the tracks, the horizon and the wild.”

From classic game drives to quiet moments on foot, discover the experiences that make Tanzania unforgettable.

Safari Game Drives
01 / 10 EXPERIENCE
THE CLASSIC TANZANIA EXPERIENCE

SAFARI
GAME DRIVES

Some moments begin before sunrise.

Walking Safaris
02 / 10 EXPERIENCE
CLOSE TO THE WILDLIFE

WALKING
SAFARIS

A closer connection to the wild.

Canoeing
03 / 10 EXPERIENCE
WALK AMONG TREETOPS

CANOPY WALK

Experience Tanzania from above on a thrilling canopy walk.

Treetop Lions
04 / 10 EXPERIENCE
MAJESTIC LIONS IN THE TREETOPS

TREETOP
LIONS

Witness Tanzania's remarkable tree-climbing lions resting high among the branches.

Cultural Visits
05 / 10 EXPERIENCE
CONNECT WITH TANZANIA'S HERITAGE

CULTURAL
VISITS

Experience Maasai traditions and lifestyle.

Photography Safaris
06 / 10 EXPERIENCE
FRAME THE BEAUTY OF NATURE

PHOTOGRAPHY
SAFARIS

Capture the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Hippo Pool Excursion
07 / 10 EXPERIENCE
UP CLOSE WITH TANZANIA'S HIPPOS

HIPPO POOL
EXCURSION

Visit the hippo pools to see hippos in their natural habitat.

Night Game Drives
08 / 10 EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE THE WILD AFTER DARK

NIGHT GAME
DRIVES

Spot nocturnal animals on an exciting evening safari.

Bird Watching
09 / 10 EXPERIENCE
A PARADISE FOR BIRD LOVERS

BIRD
WATCHING

See over 500 bird species in their natural habitat.

Picnics in the Park
10 / 10 EXPERIENCE
PEACEFUL MOMENTS IN THE WILD

PICNICS
IN THE PARK

Enjoy lunch surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Manyara changes with the seasons.

Every time of year reveals a different rhythm, landscape and wildlife experience. Discover when the Manyara feels right for your journey.

Serengeti landscape during the green season
01
JAN — FEB DRY & CLEAR
JANUARY — FEBRUARY

Dry & Clear

Clear skies and generally dry conditions make this an excellent period for combining wildlife viewing with the dramatic landscapes of the Rift Valley.

BEST FOR Photography · Green Landscapes
Serengeti landscape during the green season
02
MAR — MAY GREEN SEASON
MARCH — MAY

Green Season

The rains transform Manyara into a lush, atmospheric landscape. Forests become intensely green and birdlife is particularly rewarding.

BEST FOR Solitude · Landscapes · Value
Great Migration in the Serengeti
03
JUN — OCT DRY SEASON
JUNE — OCTOBER

Dry Season

Comfortable conditions and easier access through the park make these months especially appealing for wildlife-focused safaris.

BEST FOR Wildlife · Photography
Serengeti during the short rains
04
NOV — DEC SHORT RAINS
NOVEMBER — DECEMBER

Short Rains

Short showers refresh the landscape, bringing new colour to the forest and wetlands while migratory birds add to Manyara's already remarkable birdlife.

BEST FOR Greenery · Wildlife · Fewer Crowds
GETTING THERE

Getting to Lake Manyara

Positioned along Tanzania's northern safari circuit, Lake Manyara is an easy and rewarding stop between Arusha and the legendary landscapes of Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

01

By Road

Approximately 2–2.5 Hours

From Arusha, travel west through the changing landscapes of the northern circuit towards Mto wa Mbu and the park entrance.

02

By Air

Manyara Airstrip

Scheduled and charter flights can bring you close to the park, with onward transfers arranged to the gate or your lodge.

03

From Arusha

Northern Safari Circuit

Manyara fits naturally into a northern safari itinerary, making it an elegant first stop before continuing towards Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

The road descends towards the Rift Valley, and the landscape begins to change.

OUR SAFARI COLLECTION

Recommended Safari Packages