Lake Manyara Day Trip from Arusha

Q: What animals can I see at Lake Manyara?

Elephants, giraffes, baboons, hippos, buffalo, zebras and more than 400 bird species. Tree-climbing lions are seen only occasionally.

Q: How much is a Lake Manyara day trip?

Between $250 and $500 per person for groups of 4 or more.

trip overview

See Lake Manyara’s wildlife in one easy day from Arusha.

This day trip takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. You travel in a private 4x4 with a pop-up roof and a driver-guide, and spend the day driving through groundwater forest, grassland and the shore of the alkaline lake. Look for elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons and thousands of birds. It is a good choice if you have limited time or want to add a short safari to a climb or beach holiday.

Activity level — EasySeated game drives in a safari vehicle, with short stops at picnic and viewing spots. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Full-day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park with a pop-up roof 4x4

Look for elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo and large troops of baboons

Chance to see the park’s famous tree-climbing lions

Thousands of birds on the alkaline lake, including flamingos in season

Drive through groundwater forest, with the Rift Valley escarpment above

Picnic lunch inside the park

Easy, seated day trip from Arusha, with all park fees included

day-by-day itinerary

What happens from pick-up to drop-off.

This is a day trip, so there is no overnight stay. Additional hotel nights in Arusha before or after the trip can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day1

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park and Back

Pick-up from ArushaDrive: about 1.5–2 hours each wayGame drive: 5–6 hours

Your driver-guide collects you from your hotel early in the morning and drives west toward the Rift Valley escarpment, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Arusha. After the park gate formalities, you raise the roof of your 4x4 and start your game drive.

Lake Manyara is a small park with many habitats. The road takes you through a shady groundwater forest, where you may see large troops of baboons, blue monkeys and elephants, then out onto open grassland and the shore of the alkaline lake. Look for hippos, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and wildebeest, and for thousands of birds, including flamingos in season. The park is also known for tree-climbing lions, though they are seen only occasionally.

You stop for a picnic lunch at a quiet spot inside the park, then continue the game drive in the afternoon light. Late in the afternoon you leave the park and drive back to Arusha, and the trip ends.

Groundwater forestLake & birdlifePicnic lunch

OvernightNo accommodation — day tripReturn to your hotel in Arusha.

Picnic Lunch & Water Included

what’s included

Exactly what’s covered — and what isn’t.

Included in your price

Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Lake Manyara National Park entry and concession fees
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Picnic lunch and drinking water
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha (Moshi by arrangement)

Not included

International or domestic flights
Travel & medical insurance (required)
Drinks other than water, snacks and souvenirs
Tips for your driver-guide
Additional accommodation before or after the trip

Important to know before booking

Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, comfortable clothes in neutral colours and a camera with a zoom lens.
Wildlife sightings depend on season and luck and cannot be guaranteed. Tree-climbing lions are seen only some of the time.
The road inside the park can be dusty, so keep a scarf or buff handy for the drive.
A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. See our Tanzania vaccinations guide for details.
Weather and road conditions can change the schedule. Your driver-guide makes the final decision on safety.

pricing

What you’ll pay — no hidden extras.

Option	Price per person	Notes
Lake Manyara day trip Park fees, 4x4 safari vehicle and picnic lunch included	$250 – $500	Per person, for groups of 4 or more

Payment & extras

A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.

Additional accommodation before or after the trip can be arranged for an extra cost.

Ready for Lake Manyara?

Reach out and we’ll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.

frequently asked questions

Questions we get asked most often.

Where does the trip start and end?

The trip starts and ends at your hotel in Arusha. Your driver-guide collects you early in the morning and brings you back in the evening. Pick-up from Moshi can be arranged on request.

How long is the drive to Lake Manyara National Park?

The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way from Arusha. The road climbs toward the Rift Valley escarpment, with good views along the way.

What animals can I see at Lake Manyara?

Common sightings include elephants, giraffes, baboons, blue monkeys, hippos, buffalo and zebras, along with more than 400 bird species. The park is also known for tree-climbing lions, but sightings are not guaranteed.

How is the price calculated?

The price is between $250 and $500 per person for groups of 4 or more. Contact us with your dates and group size and we will send an exact quote.

Can I extend my trip to other parks?

Yes. Many guests combine Lake Manyara with Tarangire National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater on a longer safari. Contact us and we will build a program for you.

Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Tanzania?

Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.

What's your refund policy?

We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.