Lake Manyara National Park Day Tour
Duration
1 Day (10–12 Hours)
Group size
Up to 6
Activity
Easy
Meeting point
Includes private pickup and drop-off from any hotel, lodge, or residence in Moshi or Arusha, or directly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Private 4x4 round-trip transfer to Lake Manyara National Park is fully included.
About this experience
Nestled at the base of the dramatic 600-meter Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park offers a concentrated blend of habitats spanning dense groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and an expansive alkaline soda lake. Famous as one of the few places in Africa where lions habitually climb and lounge in large acacia trees, the park is also renowned for its vast olive baboon troops, high-density elephant herds, wallowing hippos, and over 400 species of birdlife—including seasonal flocks of thousands of pink flamingos. Day-by-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Departure to Lake Manyara Game Drive & Return Metrics: Full-day safari (10–12 hours total) | Drive time: 3.5 hours each way from Moshi (2 hours from Arusha) | 5–6 hours game drive Activities: Early morning pickup in Moshi or Arusha and drive west across the Maasai Steppe to Lake Manyara National Park. Enter through the lush groundwater forest, spotting troops of baboons and blue monkeys canopy-side. Continue through acacia woodlands to scan branches for tree-climbing lions, then proceed to the lake floodplain to observe flamingos, hippos at the hippo pool, and grazing buffaloes. Enjoy a hot bush lunch at the Msasa picnic site overlooking the lake before an afternoon game drive and return transfer. Overnight Stay: Day tour ending with hotel drop-off in Moshi or Arusha Meals Included: Packed Bush Lunch & Unlimited Refreshments
Highlights
- Nature
- Hidden Gems
- Photography
- Family Friendly
- Private Tour
What's included
- Private round-trip transportation in a customized 4x4 Safari Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for 360-degree game viewing
- Services of a professional, English-speaking driver-guide
- All Lake Manyara National Park entry fees and conservation permits
- Packed safari bush lunch served at designated park picnic sites (Msasa or Endala) overlooking the lake
- Unlimited cold bottled drinking water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks throughout the safari
- Pair of high-powered binoculars provided inside the vehicle
- International flights and Tanzania tourist visa fees
- Pre-tour and post-tour hotel accommodation in Moshi or Arusha
- Mandatory tips and gratuities for your safari driver-guide
- Optional activity fees (e.g., Lake Manyara Treetop Canopy Walkway, Mto wa Mbu cultural tour, or canoe safari)
- Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and souvenirs
- Personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
Policies & safety
Cancellation policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following cancellation fee schedule applies based on when notice is received: 48+ hours before tour start: 100% full refund. 24–47 hours before tour start: 50% refund (50% retained). Less than 24 hours before tour start: Non-refundable (100% retained). Booking & Deposit Terms: Full payment or a 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. Any remaining balance must be cleared prior to departure on the morning of the tour.
Safety notes
Vehicle Safety & Seatbelts: Guests must remain seated with seatbelts fastened while the safari vehicle is in motion along highway transit roads and inside the park. Primate Caution: Do not feed, touch, or hold food in open view around baboons and monkeys in the groundwater forest or at picnic areas. Keep vehicle windows closed or narrow when stationary near large baboon troops. Lake & Wetland Distances: Guests must remain inside designated viewing areas and vehicles along the lake shoreline; never approach hippos or wade into the alkaline lake waters. Treetop Canopy Walkway (If Selected): Guests participating in the optional canopy walk must follow safety harness guidelines, wear closed-toe walking shoes, and remain on designated suspension bridges. Sun & Insect Protection: Forest canopy humidity and lake shore conditions require insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and lightweight protective clothing.
Your guide
Petro Paul Mihambo
VerifiedTrekking, Wildlife Safaris, Cultural Tours, Adventure, Photography, Zanzibar beach holidays