Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National park derives its name from the plant “Euphorbia tirucalli,” known locally as Manyara in the Maasai language. The plant holds great importance for the Maasai people, who use it to protect their hedges, called Bomas. Once a popular hunting ground, the park has since transformed into one of Tanzania’s most captivating sanctuaries. It was designated a national park in 1960 and became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1981. Although relatively small compared to other safari parks, its unique charm and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination. Nestled against the dramatic walls of the Rift Valley escarpment, the park spans 648.7 square kilometers (about 402 square miles), with 262.7 square kilometers (163 square miles) covered by the lake and the remaining 386 square kilometers comprising dry land. The park’s lush groundwater forest provides a refreshing contrast to the more savannah-like landscapes of other parks, offering a diverse array of vegetation that supports an equally varied wildlife population. Streams and waterfalls cascade over cliffs, nourishing the park’s flora and fauna. In the southern region of the park, hot springs bubble up in the shadow of the escarpment, where a thriving population of hippopotamuses resides. The park is also home to over 400 bird species, as well as large herds of buffalo and elephants. Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by a verdant forest, home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Further into the park, the forest gives way to woodlands, grasslands, and swamps. One of the park’s most renowned features is its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging on the branches of acacia trees six to seven meters above the ground. Additionally, the park is famous for its tree-climbing pythons. Adjacent to the park is the village of Mto wa Mbu, or “The River of Mosquitoes.” This small village is a cultural melting pot, home to nearly all of Tanzania’s 120+ tribes. Residents engage in various activities, including woodcarving, painting, and farming. Several cultural programs in the village offer visitors a chance to experience the rich diversity of Tanzanian culture. For more cultural tours and experiences, be sure to explore our cultural tour packages, which provide the perfect complement to your wildlife safari adventures.
THINGS TO LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park provides a wide range of activities for travelers to enjoy
Lake Manyara National Park provides a wide range of activities for travelers to enjoy
Game drives and wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara national park offers a great opportunity for travelers to explore the undisturbed areas of this spectacular park, embark on a morning and afternoon guided game drive during the day together with your professional driver guide you will be able to explore the diverse habitats of the park with some important stopping on the lakeshore to admire the different bird species such as herons, egrets, flamingos among others on our excellent 4×4 safari vehicle with all the necessary equipment that we believe will give you comfort during your whole time of the safari. Game drives at Lake Manyara national park gives you an opportunity to will traverse a mosaic of acacia woodlands, grassy floodplains, and tall forest in search of wildlife, you will be able to spot some predators including the Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions and Leopards which may be spotted resting on trees and other favored spots in the park, during the game drive you will also be able to encounter large family herds of elephant with other many animals such as buffalos with impressive horns wallowing on muddy floors along the Lake shores, impalas, gazelles, Zebras, wildebeests, giraffes grazing on leafy tree tops and many more just to mention a few. Lake Manyara national park is among smaller wilderness parks in Tanzania but offers rich, extraordinary, and fascinating environment for travelers to appreciate the nature.
Lake Manyara national park tree top walk way is an experience that offers you an opportunity to glide through over a series of suspension bridges flanked with thick netting for safety, this adventure walk takes you through on a sky high walkway of about 15-18 Meters higher from the ground and about 370 meters long starting with a gradual rise from the ground level up through to the canopy of the forest leading you to a marvelous point of the viewing decks that blend into the massive tree trunks allowing you to experience the breath taking nature and spectacular wildlife like never before among the treetops of the untouched natural beautiful green forests of the Lake Manyara national park in a perspective that is intimate and unique. An experience normally last for half an hour to an hour depending on the time used to view some beautiful scenes and wildlife of the area including beautiful blue Monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other beautiful mammals on the forest floor.
Walking safari at Lake Manyara national park leads you through the dramatic tropical forests, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked springs and acacia woodlands passing through various natural walking trails with a professional and knowledgeable walking guide escorted by an armed park ranger along to ensure you the safety and to lead the way along to the vital areas with a high concentration of wildlife that you can encounter. Expect to encounter abundant wildlife including primates such as monkeys and baboons, some big games like zebras, gazelles, giraffes, impalas, elephants, Bufalos, and many different bird species such as flamingos, heron, egrets and much more giving you a once in a life time Tanzania safari experience.
Canoeing safaris at Lake Manyara national park offer a unique way to explore the park unique ecosystem on a boat surrounded by lush vegetations and beautiful flora and fauna. It offers you a chance to enjoy an incredible scenery both on and around the lake shores. You will spot many monkeys swinging from the overhanging trees and see diverse varieties of aquatic birdlife from flocks of flamingo, egrets, Stocks, ibis, king fishers, herons, avocet to pelicans collecting and hunting for food around the lake. On a canoe safari you also have high chance to encounter big games such as buffalo, giraffes, gazelles, impalas, and elephants drinking and bathing on the shorelines, Lake Manyara is also a home to hippos and so this is very possible to be part of the experience while on a cruise. Enjoy a thrilling, unique and peaceful safari from a different perspective allowing you to immerse in the tranquility of the beautiful serene of the nature. Spend some hours (up to 3hours) on a boat with our knowledgeable guide who will navigate you through the diverse flora and fauna while gliding through on calm water of Lake Manyara and discover the real beauties along the lake shores.
Lake Manyara national park is bordered with the bustling agricultural village of Mto wa mbu with a variety of cultures from all the corners around Tanzania, you will find all more than 120 ethnic groups that are found in Tanzania living happily side by side conducting different daily cultural activities from farming to grazing. This small town of Mto Wa Mbu lies at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. You can spend a full or half day in this small town to explore their authentic cultural ways of life with an experienced local guide who will give you the cultural insight of the village through his or her eyes. Interact with local community of farmers, artisans, craftsmen, and painters among others and enjoy the cultural side of Tanzania while on safari.
When to visit the park
The Park is practically accessible through the year but best time to visit the park is during less or no rain seasons which are between Junes to mid-march. It is also great time for wildlife watching.
EXPLORE POSSIBLE TOURS
Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Tanzania with our expertly crafted tours.Each itinerary is carefully designed to provide immersive experiences, from guided safaris in world-renowned national parks to intimate encounters with local communities.
8 Day Tanzania Safari, Dar City Tour & Zanzibar Excursions
- L.Manyara Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro, Dar city & Zanzibar
8 Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater Safari
- Tarangire Np, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater
8 Day Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Natron Tours
- Tarangire Np, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater & Natron
9 Day Tanzania Magical Safari
- Tarangire, L.Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
9 Day Tanzania Migration Safar cultural Tour & Zanzibar
- Tarangire Np, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Zanzibar
9 Day Materuni Waterfall, Kikuletwa Hot Spring & Wildlife safari
- Mteruni Waterfall, Kikuletwa Hostspring, Tarangire Np
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"Every traveler has a story, and our guests’ experiences speak for themselves. Discover how Tanzania left a lasting impression on those who explored it with us."
EXCELLENT Based on 13 reviews Posted on Google Luis Rodrigo Reynoso Rivera-Río30 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. GREAT EXPERIECE, NO SCAMMING, NO HIDDEN COSTS, EVERYTHING I ASK FOR, WAS THERE!Posted on Google Jelle D'hoop19 August 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted Miraji (head of Ifude Tours) many months in advance to start planning our six day safari trip. Communication was clear, honest and fast via mail and whatsapp. Itineraries are flexible and can be adjusted to your needs. We were timely informed about any changes to Tanzanian or Zanzibar regulations, guidelines for tipping, what to bring and other questions we had. The day before the tour we met with Miraji and our driver/guide Samuel to quickly go over the program and discuss what to expect. The next morning, we left for our safari itinerary to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro NP. We stayed in comfortable mid-range lodges/luxury tents. The safari land cruiser was clean and well maintained. Samuel was knowledgeable, experienced and a safe driver. During the different game drives we saw pretty much every animal we could've wished for: the big five, cheetah, warthogs, giraffe, zebra, serval cat, antelopes, gazelles, many birds, hippo's, crocodiles, wildebeest crossing etc Lunch was always delicious and the accommodation overall was good and clean, with friendly staff. Ifude Tours is a reliable local tour operator with good value for money. Thank you Ifude Tours for organizing this once in a lifetime experience for us!Posted on Google Sebastien Hilton-Delhaye24 November 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Organised this tour with the owner Miraji from overseas. Whole process was straight forward and miraji and quick good replies. The tour picked us up from the airport when we landed in Tanzania and drove us to some accommodation. Everyone was so nice - the driver the chef and miraji himself there to ensure everything was smooth. The driving was great and the food was delicious and there was so much of it, we couldn't finish it. The tour itself was run so smoothly. We didn't have any hiccups and park entrances or anything else. Everything was organised for us and done quickly on the way to minimize delays. The tour of the park was amazing. Our driver godson knew all the best spots to see every animal we could (and there are so many). He did it in a nice way without disturbing or getting too close to the animals so we could appreciate them without exploiting them. Got some amazing photos of every animal you can imagine. The tents were in great condition and easy to put up. Another thing is that the price was great and included EVERYTHING - no extra charges for anything at all which many tour companies will charge you. The tour is locally owned and operated as well which is great for giving back to the local communities keeping this beautiful park alive. Overall, this was an absolutely amazing experience and I would recommend ifude tours to anyone going, they made everything so easy so great and so hassle free.Posted on Google Benjamin Hilton Delhaye9 November 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ifude was the complete safari experience and I absolutely cannot recommend it highly enough. Miraji was an incredible host who organised everything for us from the get go, picking us up from the airport himself and sorting out our accommodation for the night before as well as a guided bike tour, hiking and local lunch (which was mind blowing) before we even started our safari. The safari itself was life changing as we managed to see over 30 different species of animals and birds including the elusive cheetah and leopard. Our driver Godson was excellent, very knowledgeable and respectful of the animals unlike some other providers we saw whilst on the tour. Stefano our cook was also fantastic and incredibly hard working, the food was absolutely top notch and varied for a range of dietary requirements within our group. The safari van was spacious and well equipped with plenty of drinking water and charging ports for when our phone cameras drained all our battery within the first few hours of the trip. Our camping accommodation was all provided and very comfortable and came with incredible sunrise views included (also a good chance you will be sleeping surrounded by zebras and other wildlife). We covered a lot of distance over the course of the safari but it never felt like a long drive with constant stops to see a plethora of different animals including the big 5, with leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles to boot. The experience was overall incredible and I can't thank Miraji and Ifude Safaris enough. If you are looking for the ultimate, authentic safari experience that is run sustainably by local Tanzanians (with money going straight back to the local community and not to global conglomerates with no regard for Tanzania and its people), then Ifude Safaris is the perfect choice.Posted on Google Elisa Hilton-Delhaye9 November 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The communication from the business owner throughout the whole process was really great and made me feel at ease and excited for the safari experience! The price was final and there were no extra hidden/additional costs. The safari itself was incredible - our skilled driver was knowledgeable, considerate of the animals (never crowding them), patient with us and able to answer all of our questions. The vehicle was in great condition and comfortable, as were the tents and the camping facilities. Our chef was always so positive and lovely and everything he cooked was delicious and plentiful!! Did not go hungry. Everything ran very smoothly from the airport pick up to our hotel drop off in Arusha. Had the most amazing experience!! And I loved knowing that our money was going to the right local Tanzanian company who love what they do instead of a greedy American based tour operator group that exploits the local people and doesn't use local guides or local chefs. Couldn't recommend ifude tours any more highly!!!!!! Big thank you to everyone involved:)Posted on Google Jess Myers7 November 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing time with my friends on a 3 day, 2 night safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater with Ifude tours. The organisation from Miraji was great from start to finish and we saw so many different animals and the scenery is beautiful. Our driver Godson was very knowledgeable about the area and the animals so I learnt a lot too! We chose the camping option, the tents were in good condition with sleeping mats and sleeping bags and there were toilets and showers. The food was delicious and plentiful - Stefano is a great cook! I would highly recommend Ifude Tours for your Safari!Posted on Google Y O-A18 July 2022Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. JUST WOW!!! I have been on a number of Safaris in Tanzania and Kenya. This was the the first time I would be going on a Safari with guests, so I undertook EXTENSIVE research to ensure I partnered with a company who aligned with what we were looking for in terms of the economic support and empowerment of the local communities whose home we are essentially visiting by undertaking these tours. Ifude Tours and Safaris stood out because of their extensive knowledge, unrivalled local experience, patience with my thousands of questions (lol!), and unmatched customer service. We had an incredible time exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, as well as a cycle tour in Mto Wa Mbu. Cannot wait to return and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you book Ifude Tours and Safaris for your next trip! We saw 4 of the Big 5, and even saw a cheetah hunting a gazelle. Incredible. Thank you again to Miraji and team - we'll be back soon!Posted on Google Aline Freitas10 September 2021Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the most amazing experience of our lives at Serengeti with ifude tours. The guides are professional, kind and careful! We were very lucky as we could see 4 of the Big 5, only because of our driver experience!! Everything was wonderful, much better than what We expected! The tour was very well organized, driver and guide has a lot of knowledge, excellent English, very friendly and took care of everything what We needed! Tks a lot, guys!! Hope to see u soon!Posted on Google Milena Djajic30 July 2021Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tanzania is beautiful country. Visiting the Tanzania with Ifude tours & safaris Tanzania is amazing experience.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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