Lake Manyara National Park

WELCOME TO LAKE MANYARA

Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park well known for the tree climbing lions, the soda ash lake that attracts thousands and pink flamingos, one of Tanzania’s biggest elephant population and breathtaking scenery! This travel guide offers you the most updated information about the attractions, Lake Manyara accommodation, getting there and so much more. Enjoy your safari in Tanzania!

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK, AT A LANCE

Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake at the base of the western stretches of the Rift Valley Escarpment. It glitters in the sun and is often covered in cloud upon cloud of pink lesser flamingos. In the deeper areas of the lake small pods of hippo bask, ears flickering, with egrets resting on their backs.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

The park has excellent game densities and is perhaps best known for its tree-climbing lion, often found sprawled in the branches of sausage trees. There are big troops of olive baboon and blue monkeys, prolific elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra as well as a whole host of smaller animals.

Birdlife in the park is superb, with almost 400 species recorded. There are iridescent bee-eaters, silvery-cheeked hornbills and on the lake you’ll often find white pelicans as well as the flocks of flamingo.

Surrounding the lake is a particularly pretty park with a variety of habitats, including grassy floodplains, groundwater forest, acacia woodland and the rocky base of the escarpment.

best time to visit Lake Manyara?

Watching wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but at its best from late June to October, during the Dry season. However, this very scenic park is at its most beautiful during the Wet season, from November to May, when the vegetation is lush and waterfalls cascade down the escarpment.

JAN

VISITING TANZANIA IN JANUARY

There is a chance of rain, the temperature is getting higher and the humidity is building. It’s still a good time to go as rates are lower and safari is excellent. At this time of year, the migration herds are in the southeast of the Serengeti for calving season, so the Ndutu Plains are busy but it is amazing to see so many animals in one place.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands. Read more

FEB

VISITING TANZANIA IN FEBRUARY

Temperatures continue rising, and the migration is still on the Ndutu Plains. February is one of the optimal months for trekking Kilimanjaro, for safaris in the northern and southern parks, and for visiting Zanzibar for a beach holiday. Like January, there is still a chance of short rains, but they also usually occur at night.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

MAR

VISITING TANZANIA IN MARCH

As the migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot. The beginning of the month is still great for trekking, safaris and beach trips. However, towards the end of the month, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania moves into the long rainy season.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

APR - MAY

VISITING TANZANIA IN APRIL – MAY

As the migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot.

The beginning of the month is still great for trekking, safaris and beach trips. However, towards the end of the month, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania moves into the long rainy season.

In April, the long rainy season is in full swing. Traveling in this period is not advised, as torrential rains can affect planned excursions.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is more dangerous during this season. Many lodges are also closed.

JUN

VISITING TANZANIA IN JUNE

This is the green season, bringing lush grasses and bush that can make spotting game more difficult. However, this is still a wonderful time to travel — particularly for bird watchers as parks are full of migratory birds; especially in the south. Migration should be in the Grumeti area of the Serengeti heading north.

JUL

VISITING TANZANIA IN JULY

This is the start of the peak season. The Migration is in the north of the Serengeti moving toward Kenya, and elephant start to gather in Tarangire. The land is getting drier and spotting game is becoming easier. Temperatures are in the 80°Fs and the humidity is low.

Events & Festivals

The Great Migration river crossings (July to September): This is your best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic migration across the continent.

AUG

VISITING TANZANIA IN AUGUST

Peak season. Migration is still in the north. As the land becomes more parched, the animals’ behavior becomes more predictable. The dense bush in Ruaha is drying out so game spotting here becomes much easier.

Events & Festivals

The Great Migration river crossings (July to September): This is your best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic migration across the continent.

SEP

VISITING TANZANIA IN SEPTEMBER

Peak season. The end of the migration is still in the north, with herds on both sides of the Kenya and Tanzania borders and high numbers of elephant in Tarangire. The northern circuit can be very busy, but it is less busy in the south, so for those who want to avoid crowds it’s best to visit the southern parks.

Events & Festivals

The Great Migration river crossings (July to September): This is your best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic migration across the continent.

OCT

VISITING TANZANIA IN OCTOBER

Although it is not peak season any more, October is still quite dry and a good time for trekking, safari, or enjoying Tanzania’s beaches.

The migration is now in Kenya, but there are still plenty of animals to see. Southern parks are particularly rewarding at this time of year.

The short rainy season sometimes starts by the end of October, so the start of the month is better for travelling.

NOV

VISITING TANZANIA IN NOVEMBER

Short rains. This is a great time to take advantage of low season rates and is still a popular time to travel. The rains tend to be overnight, but there is a risk of rain during the day as well. Migrating herds are starting to travel south from Kenya, so crossings can be seen in the north of the Serengeti.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

DEC

VISITING TANZANIA IN DECEMBER

There is a chance of rain, but this is generally overnight. Temperatures and humidity start to build. Safari is good, with migrating herds in the north traveling south to Ndutu. The festive season can be very busy and needs to be planned well in advance to ensure availability.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

TANZANIA FEATURED SAFARI PACKAGES

The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Most Popular Destinations in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

DISCOVER MORE

TOP TOURS

MOST BOOKED TOURS

TOP ATTRACTION

TOP EXPERIENCE

GET TO KNOW US

EXPLORE KILI AFRICA

Start Planing Your Adventure

WELCOME TO LAKE MANYARA

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK, AT A LANCE

best time to visit Lake Manyara?

TANZANIA FEATURED SAFARI PACKAGES

Tour Duration

Tour Style

Tour Duration

Tour Style

Tour Duration

Tour Style

Tour Duration

Tour Style

Tour Duration

Tour Style

Tour Duration

Tour Style

Most Popular Destinations in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire National Park

Selous Game Reserve

Ready to plan your tour?

Don’t wait any longer! Contact us today.

OUR LOCATION

GET NEW DEALS !