Lake Manyara Day Trip

Pick-Up from Arusha

• Early Morning Departure: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or lodge in Arusha at 6:30 AM. The drive to Lake Manyara takes around 2-3 hours, so an early start allows you to maximize your time in the park and enjoy the cooler morning hours when animals are more active.
• Scenic Drive: As you travel towards Lake Manyara, enjoy the views of the Tanzanian countryside. Your guide will share insights about the park, the local culture, and wildlife you might encounter during the safari.

Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park

• Park Entry: Upon arrival, your guide will assist with the park entry process, and you will head straight into the park. Lake Manyara is known for its varied habitats, including the forest, savannah, and lake areas, so prepare for a diverse safari experience.
• Morning Game Drive: Begin your game drive with the cooler morning temperatures, which are perfect for spotting animals. The park is known for its large elephant herds, and you may also encounter giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and various antelope species.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: One of the highlights of Lake Manyara is its famous tree-climbing lions. While these lions are rare, your guide will take you to areas where these extraordinary predators have been spotted.

Morning Safari Break

• Refreshment Stop: After a couple of hours of game viewing, take a short break to relax and enjoy a snack or beverage at one of the park’s designated picnic areas.
• Bird Watching: Lake Manyara is also a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl that can often be spotted around the lake or its marshes.

Continue Game Drive

• Explore More Areas: After the break, continue your game drive, exploring different areas of the park, from the dense forest to the grassy plains near the lake. Look out for hippos in the lake’s shoreline or even lions relaxing in the trees.
• Wildlife Encounters: Apart from elephants and tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara is known for its large herds of wildebeests, impalas, and gazelles. If you're lucky, you may also spot leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs in the more remote areas of the park.

Picnic Lunch in the Park

• Lunch Break: Take a break at one of the park’s scenic picnic spots, such as near the lake or by a viewpoint with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Enjoy a packed lunch while you relax and take in the sights and sounds of the park.
• Wildlife Watching: During lunch, enjoy watching wildlife nearby—elephants grazing, zebras passing by, and birds swooping down to the water.

Afternoon Game Drive

• Explore Different Habitats: After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive, visiting the park’s different ecosystems. From the acacia woodlands to the grassy plains and the shoreline, each area has something unique to offer.
• Lake Manyara Views: Head toward the edge of Lake Manyara to get a closer view of the lake’s beautiful scenery. The lake, which is shallow and alkaline, attracts a large number of flamingos, especially during the rainy season.
• Elephants and Birds: Depending on the season, you may see large herds of elephants drinking from the lake or flocks of flamingos and pelicans feeding along the shore. The park’s birdlife is a highlight, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot various species.

Scenic Viewpoint and Final Safari Experience

• Final Game Drive: Before heading out of the park, your guide will take you to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Manyara, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the park and the lake below. This is the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s adventures and take some photos.
• Last Wildlife Encounters: On the way to the exit, your guide will take a final loop through some of the park’s best areas to spot any last-minute wildlife sightings. You may encounter elephants, giraffes, or a variety of birds as you exit.

Depart from Lake Manyara

• Exit the Park: After your final game drive, you will begin the journey back to Arusha. The return trip takes about 2-3 hours, so you can relax and enjoy the scenic drive.
• Drop-Off in Arusha: You will arrive back in Arusha by around 7:00 PM, marking the end of your one-day safari adventure in Lake Manyara.