A Lake Manyara Safari is often overlooked. Many people pass Lake Manyara National Park in their rush to the Serengeti. However, we recommend you consider this enchanting and interesting park. Although small, it is one of the prettiest and most game rich parks in the country.
Lake Manyara is a long thin park only about 330 sq km in size. Two thirds of the park consists of water, with the Great Rift Valley Escarpment rising sharply and dramatically along the western side.
Remember to keep looking up while you are in the park. Lake Manyara is well known for its tree climbing lions and there are also plenty of leopards. You'll need some luck to see them though, so don't be disappointed if they elude you.
Lake Manyara is a great safari spot for bird viewing and also has a healthy population of ungulates such as buffalo and wildebeest. Many animals can be seen grazing the new shoots on the floodplain and wallowing in the shallows of the lake, while further out pods of hippos bob.
Accommodations near Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is situated in the exclusive southern area of Lake Manyara National Park, approximately a kilometre from the lakeshore.
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Manyara Serena Lodge is located at the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment and overlooks the Great Rift Valley and the Manyara soda lake.
Lake Manyara Hotel
Lake Manyara Hotel overlooks Lake Manyara from its perched location upon the Rift Valley escarpment. With its own landing strip, a direct flight to the hotel means you have more time to view game or just relax.
Kirurumu Tented Camp
Kirurumu is located on the ridge of the Rift Valley wall. The lodge is rustic and has been designed to compliment the eco-system.
E Unoto Retreat
Maasai is E Unoto Retreat's theme. It is located in a secluded and natural spot in the Maasai plains outside Lake Manyara National Park, and is easily accessible by road and air, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha.
“Thanks to George, who knew exactly when to stop. I have beautiful pictures not only lions and giraffe, but also a lot of Kenyan birds and most of all i Love the picture of gnus and zebras coming down from the mountain in clouds of dust while the sun rises early in the morning. forever that will be an unforgetable moment in my life.”
