Overview

Things to do

Getting there

When to go

Accommodation

Tour Packages

Travel Info

FAQ

Manyara National Park

Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-meter-high Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as ‘the loveliest I had seen in Africa”

The astonishing oasis in the Great Rift Valley, it is only here that the high water table fed by countless springs from the escarpment has given rise to dense tropical vegetation, a forest brought about the superfluity of groundwater.

Also, be the witness to the tree-climbing lions within the African savannah dotted with acacias.

The perfection of your Africa holiday is guaranteed by a rich number of mammalian fauna, featuring elephants, buffaloes, lions, and giraffes, and superb birdlife that accompanies your journey!

Located in the northern part of Tanzania, its entrance gate lies 1.5 hours (126km)west of Arusha and very close to the ethnically diverse market town of Mto wa Mbu.

The park has an area of 648.7 km2 (402 sq miles) of which 262.7 km2 (163 sq miles) is covered by a lake and 386 km2 (240 sq miles) is dry land.

The park derived its name from a plant called Euphorbia tirucalli, known as Emanyara in the Maasai language. The Maasai people use this plant to protect their bomas (hedge

Things to do in Manyara

There are so many exciting activities while in Manyara National Park. Including Walking Safaris, night game drives, canoeing, bird watching, and hot bush meals. Also, remember Manyara is famous for tree-climbing lions in Tanzania.

Birds watching

Most of Tanzania’s parks offer the best birds watching experience. Lake Manyara is one of the best parks for bird watching.

There are many bird species that can be seen around the lake shores, more than 400 species have been recorded in this park.

Some of these birds include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, Cormorants, and Storks. Other birds are Silvery Cheeked Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Narina Trogon, Emerald Cuckoo,

Long-tailed Fiscal, Schawlow’s Turaco, Crested Guinea Fowl, and Crowned Eagles. Our guides are well-trained in bird life and becoming familiar with many birds inside and outside the parks, this is to make sure that your holiday with us will be unforgettable.

Boating and canoeing

The Canoeing and Boating excursions in Lake Manyara are the best option for exploring the soda-colored shores of Lake Manyara with thousands of pink flamingos. Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake that was formed by the depression of the rift valley.

The big area of Manyara National Park is covered by water which is fed by underground springs and streams running down from the surrounding Ngorongoro Highlands. This makes the park a good place for a canoeing experience, especially when the water level is sufficient.

The park offers many attractions, including the Hippo pull and hot spring water. Despite the presence of crocodiles and hippos, the expeditions are extremely safe and carefully organized with the help of professional guides who are aware of the activity.

During a water excursion of about 2 hours, different aquatic species can be seen, not only that but also the tourists will enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Manyara National Park which has a diverse habitat made up of acacia woodlands, evergreen forests, and savannah plains.

Night Game Drive

The Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park is among the unforgettable experience during your holiday. During the night game drive, you will be able to see most of the nocturnal animals spend their time on night activities, including hunting. You may think how is that possible, but yes, it is absolutely possible in the African bush.

The night game drive takes place around the thick forest where you may easily sport some animals such as Hippos, Leopards, Elephants, blue monkeys, aardvarks, porcupines, civet cats, and sometimes the trees climbing Lions.

Never miss this opportunity to witness animals in the bush during the relaxed night.

How to get there?

You can get to Lake Manyara National Park by road from Arusha, or by charter or scheduled flight from Arusha, en route to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

By road

The most popular way to travel to Lake Manyara National Park by road is by booking a drive-in safari.

The park is located southwest of Arusha town, distance from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park is 130 km, approximately 2 hours drive to the park entrance gate.

International air travel

The recommended point of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which lies between the towns of Moshi and Arusha.

The airport is located about 200 miles / 320 kilometers from the park’s southern entrance.

There are a couple of international flight options such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines (a few times per week).

Kilimanjaro International Airport also has daily connections with Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, which offers more international flight possibilities.

Additional airlines such as British Airways, Emirates, and others fly into Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam (DAR).

Please note that arriving at Dar es Salaam may require an extra overnight and a domestic flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions.

More information about flights may be reviewed on our Kilimanjaro Airport page.

Regional air travel

By using a domestic flight, it is possible to fly from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Lake Manyara it takes only 41 minutes to Lake Manyara Airport, some flights companies operating this route include Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the park can be accessed throughout the year. However, June to October is the best time for large mammals, and November to July is an ideal time for bird watching

Where to Stay in Manyara

Accommodation inside and outside the park is on the classical level. If you wish to stay overnight inside there are camping facilities which are a special campsite in which pre-booking is mandatory (Bagayo A and B and Lakeshore ) all located in the middle of the park.

The Public Campsite includes Endabash which is 37km from the park’s main gate. Camp number one is located just 100M from the park’s main gate.

But also there is Endala Camp which is a seasonal campsite 9km from the park’s main gate.

Despite that, there is a lot of accommodation outside the park ranging from one (1) star to four (4) stars accommodations.

Tours & Safaris

Meet Elibariki,

Your Tanzania Safari Specialist.

(Call or WhatsApp)
+255 742 696 430

Meet Elibariki,

Your Tanzania Safari Specialist.

(Call or WhatsApp)
+255 742 696 430

Tanzania Travel Tips

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.

The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park’

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are determined to ensure that you experience the luxury of genuinely memorable travel. On every trip, we aim to create a ‘charmed space’ within which you can relax, absorb fresh insights, be stimulated and charmed by new encounters – and have fun!

Whether traveling alone or with friends, Blessing Safaris guests often mention how particularly agreeable they find their traveling companions. our groups are deliberately small, comprising 2 to 7 guests especially for safari.

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges

Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with a safari planner and save more.

Why not? , We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.

The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

Note – the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year. A good thing is it won’t happen in one day it takes time to complete. And we update most of our clients once the migration starts, so if your great desire is to witness the migration communicate with us in advance so as we can try our best to assure your encounter. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year. The best probable months are July, August, September

Around the turn of the century (until the ’30s and ’40s), mobile tenting was the only option, and “camp as you go” was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost of having a “luxury hotel” following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for permanent tented camps. Because they are “permanent” they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don’t be misled by terminology – a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered