Groundwater forest full of baboons, monkeys and elephants.
Chance of tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos, depending on the lake level.
A stop at the Mto wa Mbu market on the way.
Overview
Lake Manyara is a thin, green park pressed against the Rift Valley escarpment. The forest section is cool and lush, and the floodplain and lake beyond change with the seasons.
It is a short, easy safari day that pairs well with the village and market of Mto wa Mbu. Details of the park are on the Lake Manyara page.
Tour facts
Difficulty
Easy
Group sizes
Private, Joining safari
Great for
All ages
Languages
English, Swahili
Start point
Arusha
Guest rating
4.8 / 5
Best months to travel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Manyara game drive and Mto wa Mbu marketLake Manyara National Park
We leave Arusha after breakfast and drive about two hours to the gate, stopping at Mto wa Mbu on the way for fruit and a look at the market. The morning game drive runs through the forest and out to the lakeshore.
Picnic lunch inside the park, a second loop in the afternoon, and back in Arusha in the early evening.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
Park entrance, vehicle and guide fees for the day
Private 4x4 with pop-up roof and a TeenVibe driver-guide
Picnic lunch and bottled water
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi
Not included
Drinks and meals not described in the day plan
Tips for guides and drivers (optional, but appreciated)
Travel insurance and personal expenses
Anything not named in the day plan
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
Year-round rate
1 Jan – 31 Dec
$215
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Year-round rate rate.
1 traveller
$327
--52%
2 travellers
$215
-0%
3 travellers
$209
-3%
4 travellers
$204
-5%
5 travellers
$200
-7%
6 travellers
$196
-9%
7 travellers
$194
-10%
8 travellers
$191
-11%
Frequently asked questions
Will we see flamingos?
Numbers depend on the lake level and change from year to year. We tell you what the lake is doing when you book.
What time do we start and finish?
We usually collect from your hotel between 7 and 8 a.m. and are back by late afternoon. We confirm the exact times when you book.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, a light rain jacket and a little cash for tips or souvenirs. We send a short checklist when you book.
Can we change the day or the plan?
Yes. Day trips are private by default, so we can shift the timing or swap stops to suit you. Just tell us early.
