A day trip to Lake Manyara offers an exciting and scenic adventure. Located in northern Tanzania, it’s a beautiful national park famous for its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Here's a suggested itinerary for a memorable day trip to Lake Manyara National Park:
1. Early Morning Departure
Start early (around 5:00 - 6:00 AM) to maximize your time in the park. If you're staying in nearby areas like Arusha or Ngorongoro, it takes about 2–3 hours to drive to Lake Manyara.
Pack a breakfast or have it at your accommodation before leaving.
2. Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park
Park Entry: Upon arrival, you’ll pay the park fees and get a short briefing if you're with a guide.
Time to Explore: Spend around 4-5 hours inside the park for a balanced experience.
3. Morning Game Drive
Safari Drive: Head out for a game drive early in the morning when the animals are most active.
Lake Manyara is known for its tree-climbing lions (though they're elusive), elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many species of birds.
Drive through the park's lush forest, savannah areas, and along the shores of the lake for great views and wildlife sightings.
4. Visit the Lake Shore
Lake Manyara is a shallow soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds, especially during the wet season.
You can stop at viewpoints for stunning photos of the lake, with a backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment
Enjoy birdwatching along the shores or spot wildlife at the hippo pool.
5. Lunch and Relaxation
Many tours provide a picnic lunch or you can have lunch at a nearby lodge or the park's public picnic area.
Relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
6. Afternoon Safari or Explore Other Areas
After lunch, continue exploring other parts of the park.
The northern part has highland forest, while the southern section is drier and home to more open plains and acacia trees, where animals like buffalo and wildebeest roam.
If you're interested in culture, consider visiting the Mto wa Mbu village near the park entrance, where you can learn about local life and traditions.
7. Return Journey
Leave the park in the late afternoon (around 3:00 - 4:00 PM) and begin your drive back to your starting point.
If you’re staying near Ngorongoro or Serengeti, you might extend your journey to explore other nearby parks.
Additional Tips:
What to bring: A good camera, binoculars for birdwatching, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks.
Best time to visit: The dry season (June to October) is great for game viewing as animals gather near water sources. The wet season (November to April) is ideal for birdwatching, especially for flamingos.
Guides: It’s often recommended to hire a local guide who knows the park well and can help you spot wildlife and navigate through the different landscapes.