- Seguku Katale. Kampala
1 Day Lake Manyara Tour
1 Day Lake Manyara Tour
Lake Manyara National Park is a spectacular national park in Tanzania, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems. Located beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley, it offers lush jungle-like forests, grassy floodplains, and the expansive Lake Manyara itself. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and a large variety of birdlife, including flamingos and over 400 other bird species.
Activities in Lake Manyara National Park
Game Drives
The game drives in Lake Manyara National Park offer a compact but deeply enriching safari experience. As you traverse the park, you encounter diverse habitats and the wildlife that inhabits them. From the forest, home to baboons and other primates, to the grasslands where elephants and buffalo roam, and not forgetting the lake itself, teeming with hippos and bordered by thousands of flamingos.
Bird Watching
Bird enthusiasts will find Lake Manyara an exceptional location for bird watching. The park’s varied terrain provides habitat to over 400 species of birds, including water birds such as pelicans, storks, and thousands of flamingos that inhabit the lake’s edges.
Photography
With its picturesque settings ranging from the pink hue of flamingos at the lake to the majestic backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts eager to capture the beauty of East African wildlife and landscapes.
Cultural Tours
For those interested in cultural experiences, visits can be arranged to the nearby Mto wa Mbu village. This village is a melting pot of cultures from all over Tanzania, offering insights into the daily lives, cuisines, and crafts of the local communities.
Accommodation Options
Luxury Lodges
– Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge: Perched on the edge of the Rift Valley, this lodge offers stunning views over the park and luxurious amenities, including a pool and spa facilities.
Mid-range Options
– Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp: Located on the edge of the park, this camp offers comfortable tented accommodation and chalets with views overlooking the park.
Budget Accommodations
– Manyara Jambo Campsite: For those on a budget, this campsite offers basic facilities and a chance to sleep under the stars in one of Tanzania’s most beautiful settings.
How to Get There?
Lake Manyara National Park is easily accessible for a day trip, located about 130 kilometers west of Arusha, which makes it approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive along a good tarmac road. For visitors coming from further away, such as Dar es Salaam or internationally, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest major airport. From there, a short domestic flight or a drive can get you to the park.
This 1-day tour to Lake Manyara offers a slice of Tanzanian wilderness perfect for those who are limited on time but want to experience the rich wildlife and scenic beauty of one of Tanzania’s most diverse national parks. Whether you’re spotting wildlife during a game drive, watching flocks of flamingos, or exploring local cultures, Lake Manyara is sure to provide a memorable safari experience.
