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1-Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park

Start From

$432 pp

Start Point

Arusha

End Point

Arusha

Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Adventure

Reviews

Introduction

A 1-Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park offers an exciting wildlife adventure in northern Tanzania, combining scenic landscapes with rewarding game-viewing opportunities. Explore the park’s groundwater forests, open grasslands, and lakeshore habitats while looking for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife. Lake Manyara is also known for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are never guaranteed. With a guided game drive and beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this day trip provides a memorable introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and natural scenery.

When to travel

June to October generally offers drier conditions and easier wildlife viewing, while November to May brings greener scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

What to do

Enjoy a guided game drive, search for elephants and giraffes, observe diverse birdlife, and explore the park's varied natural habitats.

Where to Visit

Explore Lake Manyara National Park's groundwater forests, open grasslands, lakeshore habitats, and scenic viewpoints along the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Pros and Cons

Pro: Enjoy diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes in one day. Con: Limited time may reduce opportunities to explore every section of the park.

Highlights

1-Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park

Day 01. Trip to Lake Manyara National Park

Detailed Itinerary

1. 7:00 AM – Pickup and Departure from Arusha

Meet your driver-guide at your hotel in Arusha and begin the journey to Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy views of northern Tanzania’s countryside and local settlements along the way.

2. 9:00 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park

Arrive at the park entrance, complete the required entry procedures, and prepare for your guided wildlife adventure. Your guide will introduce you to the park’s landscapes and wildlife habitats.

3. 9:30 AM – Morning Game Drive

Begin exploring the park’s groundwater forests and open areas in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for monkeys and the diverse birdlife found throughout the park.

4. 12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch

Take a break at a designated picnic site and enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by the park’s natural scenery. Your guide will advise on the appropriate lunch stop based on the day’s route and park conditions.

5. 1:00 PM – Afternoon Wildlife Exploration

Continue your game drive through additional accessible habitats, exploring the lakeshore areas and open grasslands where conditions permit. Your guide will help you look for wildlife and identify bird species along the way.

6. 3:00 PM – Begin the Return Journey

After your final wildlife viewing opportunities, leave the park and begin the drive back to Arusha. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through the Great Rift Valley region.

7. 5:00 PM – Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at your hotel in Arusha, marking the end of your Lake Manyara day trip. Arrival time may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the duration of your game drive.

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes


Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day enough to visit Lake Manyara National Park?
Yes. One day is enough to enjoy a guided game drive and explore several habitats within Lake Manyara National Park. However, wildlife sightings and the areas covered depend on the day’s conditions.
Lake Manyara National Park is approximately 120–130 km from Arusha by road, depending on the route and destination within the park. The drive generally takes around two to three hours.
You may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, baboons, monkeys, and various antelope species. Lions are also present, including the park’s well-known tree-climbing lions, but sightings are never guaranteed.

June to October generally offers drier conditions, while November to May brings greener scenery and opportunities for birdwatching. Wildlife sightings vary with seasonal conditions.

The main activity is a guided game drive through accessible areas of the national park. Depending on the package, the trip may also include a picnic lunch, drinking water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Early Bird Offer: Book 6 months in advance and get 6% OFF your trip!

Tour Prices

High Season: June – March
Low Season: April – May
Group Size High Season Low Season
1 person
(single room)
$432 pp $432 pp
3 persons
(triple room)
$200 pp $200 pp
4 persons
(2 doubles or twins)
$171 pp $171 pp
5 persons
(double & triple)
$153 pp $153 pp
6 persons
(3 doubles or twins)
$142 pp $142 pp
Extra Costs High Season Low Season
Single Supplement $90 pp $80 pp
Balloon Safari $540 pp $540 pp
  • The rates are based on private tour per person (adult age 16+ years).
  • This tour accepts children of all ages (fill the form below to get child discount).
  • For groups of 7 persons and above, please fill the form below to receive a discount.
  • Single Room Supplement: An additional cost applies for travelers who request a private single room when traveling in a group of two or more people.
  • Optional / Extra Costs: Some optional activities, personal expenses, or upgrades not listed in the itinerary may require an additional fee.

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