Full Day - Lake Manyara National Park Safari Tour From Arusha

We’ll pick you up in style – your own private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep

Perhaps it’s the colors that capture the eye upon first visiting Lake Manyara – the blues of the large alkaline lake dominating the park; the deep greens of the acacia and mahogany groves; or the brilliant splatters of pink bursting from the thousands… sometimes millions of flamingoes flocked by the shoreline.

You can imagine why Lake Manyara had been described as the small jewel of the northern Tanzania safari circuit. A day here spent on safari will immerse you in dramatic landforms, the colors of hundreds of bird species, butterflies(!), and yes, lots of real wildlife – everything from monkeys to wildebeests. And a special breed of lions… sometimes found up in the trees!

As if all those lifeforms, textures, and colors weren’t enough to make you smile, a glance at the park’s western border reveals the remarkable towers of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. It seems that everywhere one looks in this park is a confirmation that this is going to be a splendid day.

The Lake
An undeniable and stunning presence, during the wet season the lake takes up about two-thirds of the park’s area. Its alkaline composition is like a great magnet drawing the likes of uncountable fuchsia flamingoes who thrive on its great masses of algae. Of the 400 or so avian species found in the park, you may spot as many as 100 during your day here.

A view to the horizon over large groups of wildebeest, birds and flamingos at Lake Manyara
Amongst the fluttery carpet of flamingoes, look for cormorants, storks, egrets, pelicans, and spoonbills visiting the lake. Moving on to the park’s forests you may come upon guinea fowl, crowned eagles, hornbills, little bee-eater, pied avocet, and African spoonbill.

By the lake and in the forests you can’t miss the flutterings of the 180 species of butterflies that dance about the park. Just another lovely accent that fills this ephemeral space all around you.

The Wildlife
But Lake Manyara is so much more than the birds, the bees, and the butterflies. You can spot every sort of wildlife in and near the park’s forests. How about one of the largest troops of baboons you’ll find in any park in Africa? Plus lots of blue and vervet monkeys swiftly swinging through the acacia trees.

Looking for bigger game like elephants, giraffes, and zebras? You’ll find plenty along with other grazers such as Impala, warthog, and bushbuck. Even leopards can be found here prowling in the shadows.

But perhaps the most unique wildlife sighting you’ll make at Lake Manyara are its famous tree-climbing lions. You may glance up at the acacia branches overhead to see the startling sight of several lazing felines, catching an afternoon nap!

A Few More Interesting Manyara Facts
Hippos! Yes, you can find them at a surprising hippo pool alongside several hot springs, a wonderful spot to have lunch and watch them swim during their lunch hour.

Some parks don’t allow one to escape the confines of their 4 x 4 Jeep to stretch their legs and get up close to nature. Not so here. You can leave your vehicle and enjoy a walking safari, smelling the flowers.

And finally, you’ll find a fascinating structure here that towers above the park – Tanzania’s first-ever treetop walkway. Climb up the suspension bridge to get a bird’s or butterfly’s view of the park from the forest canopy at 18 m (59 ft). You’ll be at skyline level with the monkeys and other swinging and flying creatures, viewing the shapes, colors, and wildlife of the park below.

Just contact us at Africa Kenya Safaris to set up your Ngorongoro Crater full-day getaway.

The Details
No one is more important to the success of your safari than your guide. At AKS, we have the friendliest, most experienced driver/guides. They will guide, host, inform, and look after you like the special guest you are. That’s our guarantee.

You’ll safari in style out to the parks in your own private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep – the best way to experience Africa with its higher seating for better views and its rugged all-wheel drive.

Please give us a shout at Africa Kenya Safaris to set up your private, personalized tour of these fun and close-by parks.

Tour Highlights
Lake Manyara National Park
Tree-climbing lions
Beautifully varied landscapes
Variety of wildlife and birdlife
Over 300 migratory birds – flamingo & long-crested eagle
Rift Valley escarpment – dramatic landforms and spectacular backdrop