Getting To Manyara National Park.

The park can be accessed either through the southern or northern gates. The northern gate is more commonly used since most accommodation is located in its vicinity. The distance from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park is 126 km which about 90 minutes drive.

Situated within Tanzania’s renowned northern safari circuit, Lake Manyara National Park stands out as a less frequented destination compared to others on this circuit. Most safaris to Lake Manyara National Park commence their journey from the town of Arusha, marking the beginning of an exceptional wildlife experience.

There are two major means of transport used to get to Lake Manyara National Park and these include:

1. Traveling by Air:

The most convenient way to reach Lake Manyara National Park is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Located approximately 46 km from Arusha, this airport serves as a gateway to the region. You can also opt for domestic flights to Arusha Airport (ARK) when departing from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.

Alternatively, you may choose to take an international flight to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and then catch a connecting flight from either JRO or Arusha Airport (ARK). Charter flights to Lake Manyara Airport (LKY) are available from destinations like Serengeti or Arusha. From Lake Manyara Airport, it’s a short road transfer of approximately 16 km (about 30 minutes’ drive) to the park gate.

Domestic flights can be arranged with various carriers, and charter flights between parks are typically organized by your tour operator as part of your safari package.

2. Traveling by Road:

Situated southwest of Arusha town, Lake Manyara National Park is approximately 126 km (78 miles) away, easily accessible by car. Alternatively, travelers can embark on the journey from Bahati, the capital of Manyara region. This mode of transport is favored by many holidaymakers exploring the park as part of the northern safari circuit.

Traveling by car offers the option of a road safari along the newly paved road from Arusha, taking just 1 ½ to 2 hours to reach the entrance gate. Since Lake Manyara Park lies en route to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, which are other highlights of the northern circuit, it’s a convenient stopover. Consider utilizing services like Self Drive Tanzania for a reliable experience.

If private transportation isn’t available, public buses are available to Mto wa Mbu village, from where you can rent a car to enter the park. The distance from Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park is approximately 37.4 km.

Lake Manyara Wildlife:

Lake Manyara is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a significant population of elephants, abundant giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and warthogs. Among the lesser-known inhabitants are the shy Kik’s dik dik and the Klipspringer, found along the escarpment’s slopes. Leopards inhabit the scattered forests and the escarpment, while the park is renowned for its healthy population of lions, famously known for their unique tree-climbing ability. Additionally, the park is teeming with baboons, often found in sizable troops of up to 200 members.

The Tree-Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara NP:

Curiosity often arises: do tree-climbing lions truly exist in Lake Manyara National Park? Indeed, this park hosts a flourishing population of distinctive lions with the remarkable ability to ascend trees. As nocturnal creatures, they spend much of their day lounging in the lofty fig trees, descending only as the sun sets and temperatures cool. Lake Manyara is one of only two locations where these exceptional lions reside, the other being the Ishasha area in Queen Elizabeth National Park.