Lake Manyara National Park

Habitat

Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake situated at the base of the Western Rift Valley escarpment. Despite its small size, the park boasts a remarkable variety of habitats. The park entrance leads into a lush groundwater forest. Other habitats include a grassy floodplain, rocky escarpment, and acacia woodland, all of which can be explored in a half-day visit. A visit to the hot springs (Majo Moto) deeper into the park is highly recommended.

Wildlife

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its large elephant population. While big cats are present, they are not easily seen. The park’s forest is home to habituated troops of olive baboons and blue monkeys. On a drive through the park, you can easily encounter buffalo, giraffes, and several antelope species.

Best Time to Visit

Lake Manyara’s peak season is from July to October, aligning with the regional migration pattern. However, given the park’s small size, this should not be a deciding factor. Lake Manyara offers consistently good game viewing year-round, making it a great starting point for your Tanzania safari. We recommend including it in your Northern Tanzania safari circuit.