Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is located in northern Tanzania's Great Rift Valley region, covering about 330 square kilometres. The park is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that covers a large portion of the area and serves as a vital water source for a variety of wildlife. Known for diverse wildlife, it's especially famous for large elephant herds and lions that climb trees. Lake Manyara National Park is home to four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard) except for rhinoceros. The park's compact size and close proximity to the city of Arusha, makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a brief visit, offering a condensed but rich safari experience.

One of the main attractions of Lake Manyara National Park is its famous tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that has become a symbol of the park. In addition to lions, the park is home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetah, Masai giraffe, impala, olive baboon, blue monkey, and a diverse range of bird species, including thousands of flamingos that seasonally flock to the lake. The park's diverse habitats also support primates such as baboons and blue monkeys, making wildlife viewing a rewarding experience. The park is particularly appealing for bird watchers, with over 400 species recorded, including pelicans, storks, and kingfishers.

Activities at Lake Manyara National Park go beyond traditional game drives. Visitors can embark on guided walking safaris to explore the park's unique ecosystems up close or enjoy canoeing on the lake when water levels permit, providing a different perspective on the park's wildlife and scenery. The park also offers a treetop walkway, which allows visitors to walk among the tree canopies and observe birds and monkeys at eye level. The nearby Mto wa Mbu village offers cultural tours, where visitors can experience local Maasai culture and traditions.

Entry Fees to Lake Manyara National Park:
Park Entry Fee:
Peak Season:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 2000
Resident: Adult – $25, Child - $7.5
Non-EAC: Adult - $50, Child - $15

Low Season:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 2000
Resident: Adult – $22.5, Child - $7.5
Non-EAC: Adult - $45, Child - $15

Special Activities:
Canoeing per person:
EAC: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 2000
Resident: Adult – $20, Child - $10
Non-EAC: Adult - $20, Child - $10

Night Game Drive:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5,000
Resident: Adult - $50, Child - $25
Non-EAC: Adult – 50, Child - $25

Canopy Walkway: EAC – TSH 10,000, Resident - $20, Non-EAC - $20
Crew Fee Per Person Per Day (guides, porters, campers, driver guides, and cooks): TSH 3,500

Entrance Gates to Lake Manyara National Park:
Lake Manyara National Park has two entrance gates:
1. Mto wa Mbu Gate: This gate is located in the northern part of the park, near the town of Mto wa Mbu. It is the main entrance to the park and provides easy access for visitors coming from Arusha or Karatu. The Mto wa Mbu Gate is open throughout the year. It is 10 minutes away from the Airstrip.
2. Maji Moto Gate: This gate is situated in the southern part of the park, near the town of Maji Moto. It is less commonly used by visitors and is usually reserved for special permits or specific arrangements. The Maji Moto Gate may have restricted timings and is not open throughout the year, so it's advisable to check in advance for availability and access.