Tour Options in Lake Manyara National Park

A Seasonal Guide to Wildlife, Birding, and Scenic Safari Experiences

Lake Manyara National Park offers a wide range of safari activities that allow visitors to explore its rich wildlife, unique landscapes, and exceptional birdlife in different ways. From classic game drives to immersive walking and water-based experiences, the park provides flexible tour options suitable for all types of travelers, whether you are visiting for a short stop or as part of a longer Northern Tanzania safari.

1. Game Drive Safari

Enjoy a classic Tanzanian safari experience on a guided game drive in a specially designed 4×4 vehicle. Lake Manyara’s compact size allows you to cover diverse habitats in a short time, increasing your chances of spotting tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffalo, and large troops of baboons. Game drives are the most popular way to explore the park and offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

2. Night Game Drive

A night game drive reveals a completely different side of Lake Manyara National Park. With the help of spotlights and experienced guides, you can observe nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and civets. This unique safari experience provides insight into animal behavior after dark and allows you to experience the park’s ecosystem under the stars.

3. Walking Safari

Walking safaris offer a more intimate way to experience Lake Manyara. Accompanied by a professional guide, you can explore the park on foot, learning to track animal footprints, identify native plants, and observe insects and smaller wildlife often missed during vehicle safaris. This experience creates a deeper connection to nature and a better understanding of the park’s ecosystem.

4. Bird Watching

Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s top birdwatching destinations, with over 400 recorded bird species. Visitors can spot flamingos, pelicans, storks, African fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and many migratory birds. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during the wet season, when the soda lake attracts large flocks and the park becomes alive with bird activity.

5. Canoeing Safari

A canoeing safari allows you to experience Lake Manyara from a peaceful water-level perspective. Glide quietly along the lake or nearby waterways while observing hippos, elephants drinking along the shore, and flamingos feeding in shallow waters. Canoeing offers a tranquil and close-up wildlife experience, ideal for photography and relaxed wildlife observation.

6. Photography Safari

Lake Manyara National Park is a photographer’s dream, offering dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife scenes. Capture iconic images of elephants near the soda lake, tree-climbing lions in acacia trees, and vibrant birdlife. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best golden light for both professional and amateur photographers.

Plan Your Lake Manyara Adventure

Need help planning the perfect Lake Manyara safari? Our travel experts are ready to help you explore Lake Manyara National Park with ease — from choosing the best time to visit to designing a safari experience tailored to your interests. Whether you’re drawn by tree-climbing lions, rich birdlife, or scenic landscapes, we’ll create a seamless and unforgettable Lake Manyara adventure just for you.

get in touch

Our team is available to answer questions help plan your safari, or customize your itinerary.

Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours We offer Kilimanjaro treks, wildlife safaris, and Zanzibar beach holidays in Tanzania with a dedicated team committed to quality service and safety.