Lake Manyara Day Trip

08:30AM – Depart for Lake Manyara National Park

Your guide arrives around 8:00 AM, and you’re ready to roll.

The sun is just rising as you head out from Arusha. The drive takes you through scenic villages, fields of maize and bananas, and eventually to the base of the Great Rift Valley. Your guide chats about the history of the region, pointing out Mount Kilimanjaro’s distant silhouette. The road gets more rugged as you approach the park, and the excitement builds.

Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park Gate

At the entrance to Lake Manyara, you feel like you’ve arrived in a peaceful, remote oasis. The lush forests and open grasslands create a sense of wonder. The cool breeze is filled with bird songs, and you can spot elephants in the distance. Your guide handles the entrance process, and you're ready for the first adventure.

Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara

Your game drive kicks off with a visit to the rift valley escarpment, where you might spot:

• Elephant herds foraging and drinking.
• Tree-climbing lions (if you're lucky!) lounging in the branches of acacia trees.
• Herds of zebras, giraffes, and the occasional buffalo.
• Countless flamingos and other water birds by the lake.

Lake Manyara is a dream for wildlife lovers and photographers. Your guide helps you understand the behaviour of the animals and ensures you don’t miss any special moments. There’s plenty of time to take in the surroundings and appreciate the diversity of life here.

Picnic Lunch in the Park

After a morning filled with wildlife, it’s time to take a break. Your guide parks in a scenic spot by the lake or under a tree. The picnic spread includes sandwiches, fresh fruits, nuts, and juices to keep you energized. The gentle sounds of nature surround you—birds calling, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and maybe even the distant trumpeting of an elephant. It’s the perfect moment to relax and absorb the serenity of this unique place.

Continue Afternoon Game Drive

Refuelled and refreshed, you head back into the park for the afternoon game drive. You visit the northern and western regions of Lake Manyara to explore different habitats. Expect to see more:

• Baboons and blue monkeys.
• Warthogs and hippos in the river.
• The occasional crocodile basking in the sun.

This time, the animals might be a little more active as the heat of the day sets in, and many will be near waterholes or the lake.

Depart for the Drive Back to Arusha

After a fulfilling afternoon, you begin your journey back to Arusha. The drive gives you one last look at the park as the light softens toward dusk. Your guide might share a few more facts about the region or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the land.

Arrive Back in Arusha

You return to your lodge or hotel, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. A day spent in the wilds of Lake Manyara, full of animals, birds, and incredible landscapes. Maybe you stop for a drink or a light dinner in town to reflect on the experience, or just settle in for a quiet evening.