Go on a walking safari in Lake Manyara, and spot the flamingo’s.
Because we care about our travelers we give you Practical Travel Guide: Lake Manyara which is a shallow soda lake, set at the base of the Western Rift Valley Escarpment. Because the northwestern lakeshore and its hinterland are protected in a scenic national park. Manyara is one of Tanzania’s smallest parks. And yet boosting a very diverse flora & fauna – savannah, acacia woodland, rocks, grassy floodplains and tropical rainforest. An exciting aspect of Lake Manyara is the opportunity to stretch your legs. The park offers suburb birding and guided walking safaris along the shore to the hot springs and flamingo lookout point. But the best is to do it early in the morning.
While a walking safari for the day after can be easily arranged when you arrive at the park entrance gate. Just mention you want to go, and the park wardens will tell you where to meet your ranger the next day.
Where to include a visit to Manyara in my Tanzania itineary
If you are new to self-driving, Lake Manyara national park makes a nice and gentle introduction. The tracks are well maintained and not technical. But only around 120 km / a 2 hours drive from Arusha on a good asphalt road. And most of our off-roaders continue their off-road self-drive trip to Tarangire and/ or the Ngorongoro Crater. Both are within easy reach from Lake Manyara.
The gateway town to Lake Manyara National Park is Mto wa Mbu, a lively, tropical village and quite touristy. It is said that some 120 Tanzanian groups live in this village, in great harmony.
Practical Travel Guide: lake Manyara park fees
Refer to the Tanzania Practical Information section, for an up to date overview of the entrance fees of all Tanzanian Parks.
Practical Travel Guide: lake Manyara – Best places to stay on your safari in Lake Manyara
4×4 Selfdrive has some nice budget friendly places to stay in the vilage of Mto wa Mbu and more high end places inside the park. Because off-road trip Tanzania’s favorite spots are Migombani Camp near the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. We recommend you to consider and this is where you can pitch your own tent or stay in a furnished safari tent. But enjoy the spectacular views of the rift valley while relaxing by the pool after a day on safari. The pick of the bunch for our client who can afford it is undoubtedly Manyara Green Camp. This is due to it is an intimate little eco-camp ( see picture below). Which is set on a secluded riverbank within Manyara National Park. And to have an overview of the best places to stay in Tanzania and Lake Manyara surroundings, check our favourite campsites & lodges here.
