Lake Manyara is conveniently located just 2.5 hours west of Arusha, making it an ideal stop on your northern circuit safari or a perfect break during a long drive between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

With an area of 325 km², Lake Manyara National Park is a smaller and less visited safari destination in Tanzania. However, this means that those who do venture here will be rewarded with unique game viewing opportunities and stunning landscapes. The dense woodland and diverse wildlife make for a different safari experience compared to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti National Park. 

Lake Manyara National Park is a small but diverse park located in Tanzania. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, the park is also home to a variety of other wildlife species. Visitors can expect to see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

One of the most notable sightings in the park is that of the famous tree-climbing lions. These lions are a rare sight, as they are one of the few populations of lions in the world that have developed the ability to climb trees.

The unique sighting of the tree-climbing lions is an experience not to be missed. These lions can be found lounging on the branches of acacia trees, often at heights of up to 6 meters. Witnessing these majestic creatures in their (un)natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

One unique experience in Lake Manyara National Park is the chance to spot the rare and endangered Manyara tree hyrax, which can only be found in this park. These small mammals are often spotted in the trees and are a favorite sighting among visitors. Additionally, the park is known for its large flocks of flamingos, which can be seen wading through the shallow waters of the lake.

Visitors to Lake Manyara National Park can also enjoy a night game drive to see the park's nocturnal wildlife, such as leopards and bushbabies. The park also offers guided walks, which allow visitors to experience the park's stunning landscapes up close and spot smaller wildlife species, such as dik-diks and mongoose.

Lake Manyara National Park is a spectacular destination in Tanzania for a memorable wildlife safari. To make the most of your visit, it's important to know the best time to plan your trip.

The dry season from June to October is generally the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park. During this time, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife, and the animals are more concentrated around water sources, including the picturesque Lake Manyara. This is also the best time for birdwatching, with many migratory species visiting the area during these months.

However, if you're interested in seeing the famous tree-climbing lions that Lake Manyara is known for, it's best to visit during the wet season from November to May. During this time, the lush vegetation provides cover for the lions, who climb trees to escape the wet ground.

The rainy season also means that there are fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate and less crowded safari experience. However, it's important to note that some areas of the park may become inaccessible due to heavy rains.

January:

The weather is hot and humid with average high temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and average low temperatures of 20°C (68°F). The park receives moderate rainfall with an average of 110 mm (4.3 inches) and 10 days of rain throughout the month.

February:

The weather remains hot and humid with average high temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and average low temperatures of 20°C (68°F). The park receives moderate rainfall with an average of 105 mm (4.1 inches) and 9 days of rain throughout the month.

March:

The weather continues to be hot and humid with average high temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and average low temperatures of 20°C (68°F). The park receives moderate rainfall with an average of 105 mm (4.1 inches) and 9 days of rain throughout the month.

April:

The weather becomes slightly cooler with average high temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and average low temperatures of 18°C (64°F). The park receives moderate to heavy rainfall with an average of 195 mm (7.7 inches) and 14 days of rain throughout the month.

May:

The weather continues to be cooler with average high temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and average low temperatures of 16°C (61°F). The park receives moderate to heavy rainfall with an average of 140 mm (5.5 inches) and 10 days of rain throughout the month.

June:

The weather becomes even cooler with average high temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and average low temperatures of 14°C (57°F). The park receives light to moderate rainfall with an average of 45 mm (1.8 inches) and 5 days of rain throughout the month.

July:

The weather remains cool with average high temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and average low temperatures of 13°C (55°F). The park receives very little rainfall with an average of 10 mm (0.4 inches) and 2 days of rain throughout the month.

August:

The weather begins to warm up slightly with average high temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and average low temperatures of 14°C (57°F). The park receives very little rainfall with an average of 10 mm (0.4 inches) and 2 days of rain throughout the month.

September:

The weather becomes warmer with average high temperatures of 29°C (84°F) and average low temperatures of 15°C (59°F). The park receives very little rainfall with an average of 10 mm (0.4 inches) and 2 days of rain throughout the month.

October:

The weather continues to be warm with average high temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and average low temperatures of 18°C (64°F). The park receives very little rainfall with an average of 20 mm (0.8 inches) and 3 days of rain throughout the month.

November:

The weather remains warm with average high temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and average low temperatures of 19°C (66°F). The park receives moderate rainfall with an average of 95 mm (3.7 inches) and 8 days of rain throughout the month.

December:

The weather is hot and humid with average high temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and average low temperatures of 20°C (68°F). The park receives moderate rainfall with an average of 105 mm (4.1 inches) and 9 days of rain throughout the month.