1-Day Tour to Lake Manyara National Park – A Wildlife Adventure in Tanzania

Overview

A 1-day tour to Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique chance to experience one of Tanzania’s most diverse and scenic national parks. Located just a few hours from Arusha, Lake Manyara is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. The park is set against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley, with the lake itself and the surrounding mountains providing a stunning setting for your adventure.

On this day trip to Lake Manyara, you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive tree-climbing lions, one of the park’s signature sights. The park is also a paradise for birdwatching, with over 400 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic drive from Arusha with views of the Great Rift Valley and surrounding landscapes
• Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and tree-climbing lions
• Birdwatching opportunities, with a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos
• Exploration of Lake Manyara’s diverse habitats, from woodland forests to savanna and wetlands
• A beautiful picnic lunch with views over the lake or in a scenic area of the park
• A chance to observe elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and other safari animals in their natural environment

Itinerary

Morning: Departure from Arusha and Scenic Drive to Lake Manyara

Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Arusha at around 6:00 AM. From here, you’ll embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park, passing through the Great Rift Valley and seeing traditional Maasai villages along the way. As you approach the park, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the lake and the Rift Valley escarpment in the distance.

Upon arrival at Lake Manyara, you’ll enter the park and begin your game drive, exploring the different habitats within the park. Lake Manyara is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and zebras, and the game drive offers ample opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.

Mid-Morning: Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is known for its varied landscapes, which range from dense woodland forests to open savanna and wetlands. During your game drive, you’ll have the chance to see a wide range of animals, including lions, warthogs, buffaloes, and antelope species. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are often seen lounging in the branches of acacia trees.

The park’s wetland area attracts a variety of bird species, especially during the wet season. You’ll have the chance to spot flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants, as well as waterfowl and shorebirds. The combination of land and water environments provides a truly unique wildlife experience.

Midday: Picnic Lunch with a View

Around midday, your guide will take you to a scenic picnic spot inside the park, where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch while taking in the beauty of your surroundings. With the lake shimmering in the distance and the Rift Valley hills looming overhead, this is a perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the morning’s wildlife encounters.

Lunch will consist of a packed picnic with local refreshments, providing the energy needed for the remainder of your Lake Manyara tour.

Afternoon: Continue Game Drive and Return to Arusha

After lunch, you will continue your game drive through the park, exploring other areas such as the northern part of the park, where you may see large herds of elephants and buffaloes. The late afternoon light creates ideal conditions for wildlife photography, as many animals are more active at this time.

By 3:00 PM, your guide will start heading back to the park’s entrance, where you’ll board your vehicle for the return journey to Arusha. Expect to arrive back in Arusha by 5:30 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable Lake Manyara National Park day tour.

Tour Inclusions

• Round-trip transportation from Arusha
• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the day
• Lake Manyara National Park entry fees
• Game drives within Lake Manyara National Park
• Picnic lunch inside the park
• Bottled water during the tour
• All government taxes and fees

Tour Exclusions

• Personal items and souvenirs
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for the guide

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing
• Camera for wildlife and landscape photography
• Waterproof jacket (just in case of rain)
• Insect repellent (recommended during the wet season)

Why Choose Unique Tanzania Voyages for Your Lake Manyara Tour?

At Unique Tanzania Voyages, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional and personalized experience for every traveler. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will ensure you have the best chance of seeing the park’s unique wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions and the birdlife that makes Lake Manyara a paradise for nature lovers.

Our small-group tours allow for an intimate and comfortable experience, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching. We also take pride in providing top-notch customer service, ensuring that your Lake Manyara day tour is stress-free, enjoyable, and memorable.

Book Your 1-Day Tour to Lake Manyara National Park Today!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the wildlife and natural beauty of Lake Manyara National Park on a guided day trip from Arusha. Contact us at Unique Tanzania Voyages to book your tour today, and let us show you the best of Lake Manyara and its incredible wildlife.