Day Trip Lake Manyara Np

Morning:

• 5:30 AM:
  
  

  • Pick-up from your accommodation in Arusha (or a nearby area). The drive to Lake Manyara takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

• 8:00 AM:
  
  

  • Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park and complete the entry formalities at the park gate.

• 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM:
  
  

  • Morning Game Drive:

    • Begin your game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, though they are not always easy to spot, so keep your eyes peeled!

    • You’ll also have the chance to see other wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species.

    • The park is also known for its birdlife, so bring binoculars for a closer look at the numerous flamingos that populate the shores of the lake, as well as other birds like pelicans and eagles.

    • The park has a mix of forest, savannah, and wetland areas, so you'll experience a range of habitats and the animals that inhabit them.

Midday:

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM:

  • Lunch:

    • Depending on your tour, you can either have a packed lunch in a designated picnic area within the park or head to one of the nearby lodges for a more formal lunch.

    • The Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers beautiful views of the park and is a great spot to relax and enjoy your meal.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM:
  
  

  • Continue the Game Drive:

    • After lunch, explore other parts of the park. You can visit the lake shore area, where you’ll often see large flocks of flamingos. The lake itself is a shallow, alkaline lake, providing a stunning contrast with the surrounding forests and escarpment.

    • Take a drive through the forest area of the park, where you might be able to spot monkeys, including baboons and blue monkeys, or see elephants foraging in the thick vegetation.

• Depending on the time of year and the weather, the park is also home to seasonal wildlife migrations.

• 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM:
  
  

  • Visit the Lake Viewpoint:

    • Stop at the scenic viewpoint on the Great Rift Valley Escarpment, offering stunning views of the park, the lake, and the surrounding areas. It’s a great spot for photographs and to take in the breathtaking views.

Late Afternoon:

• 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM:
  
  

  • Exit the Park:

    • Begin heading back to the park gate and make your way out of Lake Manyara National Park.

• 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM:
  
  

  • Return to your accommodation in Arusha, typically arriving around 7:00-7:30 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Wildlife: While Lake Manyara is not as well-known for the "Big Five" as some other parks, it's still home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and impalas. It's also one of the best places to see tree-climbing lions (though sightings are not guaranteed).
  
  

• Birdwatching: If you're a bird lover, don't miss the opportunity to spot flamingos (especially during the wet season), pelicans, and various other waterfowl. The park is famous for its birdlife, with over 400 species recorded.
  
  

• Weather: The weather can be quite warm, especially in the afternoon, so dress in light clothing but bring a jacket or sweater for the early morning when it can be cooler.
  
  

• Photography: Lake Manyara offers stunning scenery, so don’t forget your camera and binoculars. The viewpoints and wildlife provide plenty of opportunities for great photos.
  
  

Optional Add-Ons:

• Maasai Village Visit: On your way to Lake Manyara, you might have the chance to visit a Maasai village and learn about their traditional lifestyle and culture. This can often be arranged through a tour operator.