Lake Manyara Day Trip
Experience a full-day Lake Manyara safari with Hike Kilimanjaro and explore a lush wilderness known for tree-climbing lions, elephants, flamingos, and scenic views of the Great Rift Valley all just a short drive from Arusha
Tanzania
1 Day Trip
Leisurely
Game Drive
1,100 m (3,600 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Not included
Lunch Included
Arusha Town
Country
Tanzania
1 Day Trip
Leisurely
Game Drive
1,100m (3,600ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Not Included
Lunch Included
Trip Highlights
- Scenic full-day safari from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
- Spot famous tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds
- Marvel at pink flamingos along the lake’s alkaline shores
- Incredible birdwatching with over 400 species recorded
- Stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment
- Game drive through diverse landscapes: groundwater forest, savannah, and marshland
- Expert local guide from Hike Kilimanjaro for a personalized wildlife experience
- Ideal for travelers with limited time wanting a rich safari adventure close to Arusha
Lake Manyara Day Trip – Overview
Escape the city for a day and discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Manyara National Park with Hike Kilimanjaro. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha, this compact yet diverse park is a hidden gem offering lush forests, open plains, and the sparkling lake itself all teeming with wildlife.
Famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, and large flocks of flamingos, Lake Manyara provides a classic African safari experience in just one day. The park’s location along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment offers dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife throughout the year. With our expert guides, you’ll gain insights into the park’s ecology, wildlife behavior, and Maasai culture.
Whether you’re short on time or looking to add an extra adventure to your Kilimanjaro climb or Serengeti safari, this day trip is the perfect way to connect with Tanzania’s wild side.
Lake Manyara Day Trip – Itinerary
07:30 AM – Pick-up from Arusha
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha by your Hike Kilimanjaro safari guide. Enjoy a scenic drive westward through rural villages and Maasai lands toward Lake Manyara National Park.
10:00 AM – Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park
After a quick briefing at the gate, begin your game drive through the lush groundwater forest, where baboons, blue monkeys, and bushbuck often roam under ancient fig and mahogany trees.
11:30 AM – Game Drive Continues Across the Plains
As the landscape opens up into grassy floodplains, keep your eyes peeled for elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and the park’s iconic tree-climbing lions. Along the lake’s edge, you’ll also see hippos and thousands of flamingos.
01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch Inside the Park
Enjoy a freshly packed picnic lunch at one of the park’s scenic picnic sites, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the wild.
02:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive & Escarpment Views
Continue your exploration of the park, with opportunities for birdwatching, spotting buffalo and warthogs, and taking in breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley wall.
03:30 PM – Begin Return Journey to Arusha
After a rewarding day of wildlife viewing, begin the return drive to Arusha, passing through local farms and markets.
06:00 PM – Drop-off at Your Hotel
Arrive back in Arusha in the early evening, with unforgettable memories and plenty of photos from your Lake Manyara safari.
- Lunch and drinking water included
This one-day safari is an excellent addition to any Tanzania itinerary and is perfect for travelers with limited time in Arusha.
Whether you’re arriving early before a Kilimanjaro trek or winding down after a Serengeti safari, the Lake Manyara Day Trip offers a rich wildlife experience close to the city. It’s also an ideal day trip for families, bird lovers, and photography enthusiasts looking for a compact safari adventure that delivers big rewards.
Price For Lake Manyara Day Trip
Number of Pax
Price Per Person
1
USD 430 pp
2
USD 250 pp
3 to 4
USD 220 pp
5 to 7
USD 160 pp
Inquire Now
Looking for personalized experience? We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.
Price Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Arusha
- Entrance fees to Lake Manyara National Park
- Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
- Packed picnic lunch
- Government taxes
Price Excludes
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guide/driver
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Travel insurance
Traveler Reviews
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
Trip Photos
What makes this trip
different?
Hike Kilimanjaro
Company
- At Hike Kilimanjaro, we are committed to supporting the communities surrounding our trekking routes and wildlife safaris. We believe that tourism should be a force for good, and we actively give back to those who help make your adventure possible.
- A portion of our profits goes toward providing food, clothing, books, pens, and other essentials to orphaned children helping improve access to education and basic needs. By traveling with us, you directly contribute to creating a positive impact in local lives.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
- Of the few Travelife Certified companies in Tanzania, Hike Kilimanjaro is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Tanzanians.
- 100% of Hike Kilimanjaro Company's staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.
Related Information
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park?
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather around water sources and visibility is higher. However, the wet season from November to May brings lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially for flamingos and migratory birds.
How Far is Lake Manyara from Arusha?
Lake Manyara National Park is located about 125 km (78 miles) southwest of Arusha. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through scenic countryside and Maasai villages, making it an easy and enjoyable day trip destination
What Wildlife Can You Expect to See?
Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, baboons, warthogs, and buffaloes. It’s also a top destination for birdwatching, with over 400 bird species including pelicans, flamingos, storks, and hornbills.
Is a Day Trip Enough to See Lake Manyara?
Yes, a well-organized day trip offers plenty of time to explore the park’s diverse habitats and spot a wide variety of wildlife. Our expert guides at Hike Kilimanjaro will ensure you experience the best the park has to offer in one unforgettable day.
What Should I Pack for the Lake Manyara Day Trip?
Pack light but smart: bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Don’t forget your passport or ID for park entry.
Why Book This Trip with Hike Kilimanjaro?
We offer professionally guided, all-inclusive day trips with comfortable vehicles, experienced safari guides, and attention to detail. With Hike Kilimanjaro, you enjoy a seamless experience from hotel pick-up to game viewing ensuring you make the most of your time in Tanzania. We’re committed to responsible tourism, personalized service, and unforgettable safari memories.
Related Day Trips
USD 160 / person
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