Lake Manyara National Park
Rift Valley scenery, flamingos and tree-climbing lions.
Lake Manyara National Park sits between the lake and the steep wall of the Great Rift Valley, in the Arusha and Manyara regions. It is a compact park of about 325 km², roughly two-thirds of it water.
The lake attracts huge numbers of birds — more than 350 species have been recorded — and the surrounding woodland is famous for lions that climb trees. The Rift Valley escarpment provides a dramatic backdrop to every game drive.
Birdwatching guide
When to see flamingos and the best birding months
Migrants arrive from November to April. Flamingo numbers often peak from May to July and again in the green season — but they follow water and algae, so large flocks are never guaranteed.
Read the birdwatching & flamingos guide →Key facts
- Area:
- 325 km² (230 km² lake)
- Location:
- Arusha & Manyara regions
- Established:
- 1960
- Birds:
- 350+ species
- Landscape:
- Great Rift Valley escarpment
- Famous for:
- Tree-climbing lions & flamingos
Best time to visit
- Best Time
- June to October — thinner bush makes animals easier to see
- High Season
- July to March, especially in the park's northern sector
- Best Weather
- June to October — dry, sunny days
Manyara is worth visiting year-round, with June to October the most productive for game viewing. The scenery is arguably at its finest during the rains from November to May, although March and April can be very wet.
Best time by month
Higher % = better viewing
Climate
Temperatures are milder at the base of the escarpment compared to the surrounding plains. The long rains occur from March to May, and the short rains from November to December. June to October is the dry season.
Units: mm
Units: °C
Climate data represents 30-year historical averages for the Lake Manyara region. Actual weather may vary. Data sourced from public meteorological records.
Highlights
- ✓Tree-climbing lions in the woodland
- ✓Flamingo flocks and pelicans on the lake
- ✓Great Rift Valley escarpment views
- ✓Birdwatching with 350+ recorded species
- ✓Short game drives close to Mto wa Mbu
Photos
Tours visiting Lake Manyara
3 daysMax 6Join-in group3 Days Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire
Three iconic parks in three days — UNESCO Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
€767
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
5 daysMax 6Join-in group5 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara
Four iconic parks in five well-paced days, with plenty of time on the plains.
€1,215
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
6 daysMax 6Join-in group6 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara
The full northern circuit with two full days in the Serengeti.
€1,475
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
7 daysMax 6Join-in group7 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro Tribes
Safari plus cultural immersion — wildlife, the crater and Kilimanjaro's tribal communities.
€1,680
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
5 daysMax 6Private tour5 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — Four iconic parks in five well-paced days, with plenty of time on the plains.
€1,956
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
6 daysMax 6Private tour6 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — The full northern circuit with two full days in the Serengeti.
€2,342
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
7 daysMax 6Private tour7 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro Tribes — Private Lodge
Private departure with lodge accommodation — Safari plus cultural immersion — wildlife, the crater and Kilimanjaro's tribal communities.
€2,618
per adult · incl. taxes & national park fees
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Lake Manyara?+
June to October is the safest choice for general game viewing, with September usually the driest month. November to May is better for birds and flamingos, and the green season often brings lower prices.
When can I see the most flamingos at Lake Manyara?+
The wetter months from November to May generally offer the best odds, and a post-breeding movement can bring large numbers between May and July. Flamingos follow water and algae, so no single date guarantees a big flock.
Is Lake Manyara worth visiting in the rainy season?+
Yes, if you are happy with green scenery, waterfalls, strong birding and fewer visitors. The trade-off is taller grass that hides mammals and some muddy tracks, so it suits birders and photographers more than travellers focused on big game.
What are the rainy months at Lake Manyara?+
Short rains usually arrive in November and December, while the long rains run from March into May, with April and early May the wettest. Rain often comes in short heavy bursts rather than all day.
When is the best time for birdwatching at Lake Manyara?+
November to April is the peak, when migrants join the resident birds and many species are in breeding plumage. The park has recorded more than 400 species, and a good day in season can produce around 100.
Does the season change the cost of visiting Lake Manyara?+
Park entry fees are set per adult per day and do not change with the season. Lodges, however, charge peak rates from June to October and often discount heavily from March to May, so the overall trip cost varies.