Lake Manyara Day Trip
Groundwater forest, baboon troops and a lake full of birds, with Mto wa Mbu village on the way home.
Private day trip1 / 3
Overview
Lake Manyara sits at the foot of the Rift Valley wall, about two hours from Arusha. Just inside the gate is a groundwater forest, green all year because it is fed from under the escarpment rather than by rain.
Baboon troops are common in the forest, and elephants, giraffe and buffalo live here too, though no sighting is guaranteed. Out on the lake shore the birds take over: pelicans, storks and, in some seasons, flamingos. The village of Mto wa Mbu, just outside the gate, pairs naturally with the park. A walk with a local guide takes in the market and the banana and rice farms; tell us when you book and we will add it for the afternoon.
Highlights
- Groundwater forestGreen all year, fed from under the escarpment rather than by rain.
- A lake full of birdsPelicans, storks and, in some seasons, flamingos along the shore.
- Mto wa Mbu villageAdd an afternoon walk with a local guide through the market and farms.
Itinerary
Pickup: Morning, from your Arusha hotel. From Arusha: about 2 hours each way.
Numbers show the order of stops; the gold line is the route, not the exact road. Parks shaded. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, Natural Earth.
About Lake Manyara
A narrow park squeezed between the Rift Valley wall and a shallow soda lake, with groundwater forest near the gate and open shoreline beyond. It is small enough to drive properly in half a day.
Today
Pickup from your Arusha hotel in the morning and about two hours to the gate. The groundwater forest first, then the open lake shore for the birds. Lunch during the day and, if you have added it, a walk through Mto wa Mbu village in the afternoon before the drive back.
Price
One guide price per person, confirmed for your dates.
Price on request
- Low · Apr–May
- Mid · Nov–mid Dec, Jan–Mar
- Peak · Jun–Oct, 20 Dec–10 Jan
Included & not included
What your price covers, and what to budget for separately.
Included
The park's entry and conservation fees for the day, paid by us in advance.
Lunch during the day, in the park or on the way.
Return transport from your hotel, with an English-speaking guide who stays with you all day.
Collected from your hotel in the morning and taken back at the end of the day.
Water in the vehicle through the day.
Not included
- International flights. Flights to and from Tanzania are booked by you. We will suggest arrival and departure times that fit the trip.
- Visa. Paid by you, usually online before you travel. Visa information
- Travel insurance. A condition of travelling with us. It must cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation.
- Tips. Always your choice, for your guide at the end of the day. How tipping works
- Personal spending. Drinks other than water, souvenirs and anything personal.
Packing
Binoculars, especially if you like birds, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, a camera, a little cash if you visit the village market, and your passport for park entry.
Visa
Most nationalities need a visa: $50 for a single entry. US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa. Apply online before you travel to avoid the queue on arrival. Fees and rules change, so check with the Tanzanian embassy in your country.
Questions travellers actually ask
Very. The mix of forest, open shore and lake makes it one of the easiest places in the north to see a lot of species in one day.
Probably not. They're famous, but sightings are rare and unpredictable. Come for the forest, baboons and birds, and treat lions as a bonus.
Yes. Tell us when you book and we'll build it into the afternoon and include it in your price.
Manyara is smaller, greener and better for birds. Tarangire has the elephant herds and baobabs, and is the better choice from July to October.
Ask about this journey
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